How to Use Your Phone as a Portable Writing Device

Laptops, computers, even tablets make great writing devices. The problem is that they’re bulky, and, in the case of computers, not portable at all. You also need Wi-Fi connection to connect to any internet resources. Then there’s your phone. It’s portable, always connected, and can hold dozens of useful apps. When writing inspiration hits, it’s right by your side. The downside is that it’s small, and not really designed for writing.

Or isn’t it? While your smartphone may not be your number one choice for writing it can certainly do in a pinch. Even better, with a few tools and upgrades, your phone can even play the role of portable writing device.

Invest in a Bluetooth Keyboard

If there’s one, universal turn-off to using a smartphone for writing, it’s the lack of a decent keyboard. It’s difficult enough to tap out a text message with that impossibly tiny, on-screen keyboard. An article or essay seems nearly impossible. Those little built-in keyboards are also a thing of the past.

Fortunately, there is a solution. There are a variety of bluetooth enabled keyboards that can be paired with your phone. Invest in a decent one, and the work of writing becomes so much more efficient.

If you’re ready to make the investment, consider the Microsoft Universal Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard. It’s decently priced at around 55 dollars. You can use it with any bluetooth compatible device. It also folds in half, making it easy to store and super portable. Best of all, folding and unfolding acts like a power off switch. Fold it up, and it turns off and disconnects. Unfold it, and it will connect to your device automatically.

We also like the Jelly Comb foldable B003B dual mode (USB and Bluetooth Enabled) keyboard. This model is compatible with Android smartphones and tablets, Surface pro, and other devices. It too is foldable for easy storage and portability.

Invest in a Quality Stylus Pen

If you rely on your smartphone or connected tablet for taking notes, writing, and drawing you need a better stylus pen. Let’s face it, the little device intended for tapping icons and dragging things around is no writing tool. That’s why we’ve found two pens that we think are ideal for writing on the go.

The first is the Milemont, fine-point, stylus pen. This is made to work with the iPad as well as most other tablets. We think it’s an ideal, lightweight pen that is slender, comfortable, and very precise. This is perfect for content creation on the go.

The second pen that we think is notable is the Smardi S Pen for Galaxy Note. This has dual function as both a stylus and ballpoint pen. It is compatible with all Note devices.

Get Better Connected With the Outside World

If you decide to use your phone as a portable writing device, it’s inevitable that you’re going to use more data. Depending on your plan that could cost a significant amount of money. You might also be penalized with throttling, or have your data cut off all together.

One option is to Simply connect to Wifi whenever you can. Unfortunately, that’s pretty limiting and not very practical. A better alternative would be requesting an upgrade from your phone provider. You might ask for unlimited data with no throttling, or see what it cost to set your phone up as a WiFi hotspot. This way you’ll know you can always connect no matter where you are.

Find Mobile Friendly Apps And Resources

You wouldn’t try writing on a PC or laptop without a decent word processing package, and you shouldn’t try on your smartphone. Thankfully there are a variety of free and low-cost word processing apps for your phone.

• Google Docs
• Zoho
• Notebooks
• WPS

There are other mobile friendly apps and resources for writers as well. For example, if you’re looking for reputable editing and proofreading resources you can check out mobile friendly writing services reviews.

Take a closer look at Dragon Dictation, Write or Die, Agent Obvious, Grammarly, Pockets, and of course Evernote. Each of these apps are quite Helpful when it comes to making writing via your phone just a bit easier.

Of course, one of the best ways to find great apps for your phone is to take a look at your desktop. Ask yourself which tools and resources you’re currently using as a writer. Then do a bit of research. There’s a good chance that your favorite tools and websites are available as mobile apps.

Go For That Upgrade

Have you been waiting for the right time to upgrade your phone? Do you have your eye on a model with a larger screen, more memory, or one that simply feels better when you hold it?  More importantly, is your current phone up to the task? It may be fine for social media, playing games, and chatting with friends.  That doesn’t mean it is robust enough to stand up to the demands of your writing on it for several hours a day.

Now may be the perfect time to consider an upgrade. The good news is that if you are planning to upgrade your cell phone plan already, upgrading could be pretty inexpensive. It might even be free. In any case, the larger screen or simply a more ergodynamics phone could be exactly what you need. Think of it as a bit of a business investment. After all, it would certainly upgrade your laptop or PC if that meant becoming a more productive writer.

Invest in Some Helpful Accessories

In addition to investing in a bluetooth keyboard, consider some other helpful accessories. These can help make writing significantly easier and more comfortable. A phone stand tops the list for many writers. It allows them to prep their phone up comfortably while they write. If you prefer to keep your phone in hand consider a pop socket. Many people find these much easier for long-term use.

Once your phone becomes your go to writing device, you’ll also want to invest in protecting it. if you don’t have a scratch guard and a durable case, now is the time to purchase one. Many writers also invest in better quality Chargers, extra cables, stylus pens, And other gadgets. It certainly won’t hurt to pick up an SD card to ensure you have the memory that you need. The idea is to identify what you need to make sure that it is easy for you to get down to the task of writing. The right accessories can help eliminate any roadblocks to your writing progress.

Final Thoughts

There’s one device you will always have on you when inspiration hits. It only makes sense to turn your smartphone into a portable writing device. If you invest in the right phone, plan, accessories, and tools, your phone can be a valuable writing tool. This means no more waiting until you’re back at your desk to start writing. as a writer that’s not just convenient. That’s also empowering.

About the Author

Danielle McVicker is an editor at Ratedbystudents, and a freelance writer. She enjoys writing about technology, education, Wellness, and marketing. She enjoys watching movies, working out, spending time with her friends and family, cooking, and traveling. She believes that everybody should do one thing every day that either exciting or scary.