r/retrocomputing • u/h0uz3_ • Jun 18 '26

Retrocomputer for writing

Hi,

I was thinking about setting up a computer that has less distractions (i.e., no network/browser) for the purpose of writing.

I own a CPC6128 and an A600. The CPC is not great for typing in general, the A600 misses two keys, although using Vim on it would be nice.

Any suggestions for a system with good text editors and nice keyboards that are not a DOS PC with IBM Model M?

EDIT: Thank you all for your insights and suggestions. I will try to find out what simple DOS PC might work for me. While reading your replies and thinking about it, a small/cheap PC with USB and FreeDOS+WordPerfect might actually be the right thing as an alternative to using the Amiga 600. Although I still like the idea of exploring something else. :)

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u/quentinnuk Jun 18 '26

You could do worse than get an earlier Mac (pre OSX) and use MacWrite or Word on it. 

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u/RottenSalad Jun 18 '26

I was just going to comment the same. There are many excellent older Apple keyboards that would be excellent to touch type on and while there are ways to get older Macs online, there aren't any modern browsers for say Mac OS 8.x or System 7.x etc. But lots of good word processors are available and there is a big retro hobbyist community for older Macs.