For whatever reason, the designers of the AlphaSmart Neo selected an ugly military green for the case. I suspect that AlphaSmart later regretted that decision, since none of the marketing photos for the device portray the real color.
After reading a few articles about vinyl dye being used on computer case mods, I decided to try the technique on my AlphaSmart. I used SEM Color Coat "Flame Red" for the top half of the shell and "Satin Black" for the bottom half. This stuff is usually used to re-color (or restore) automobile interiors. The SEM product is not technically a dye, but it behaves very much like one. It's inexpensive, too–about $8 a can. I ordered from one of the Amazon car parts stores, but you can probably find it at other shops that carry automotive supplies.
It really turned out well. The Color Coat completely covers the plastic case, seeping into every surface feature. (Spray paint often fills these areas, hiding the details.) The Neo truly looks like it was manufactured in this color.
If I were to do this again, I'd probably choose a slightly darker red–one that doesn't scream, "Hey, look at me!" so much. SEM's "Portola Red" looks about perfect for my AlphaSmart Dana.
Note on the keyboard: Rather than try to come up with a tactic for dying the keys and then relabeling them, I used a replacement keypad for the AlphaSmart Dana. The keys are a very dark blue, almost black, so they seem to match the flame red quite well. The Dana keypad is 100% compatible with the Neo, although there are now a few Dana-labeled keys for which I've had to memorize the Neo-specific functions.
This is just awesome. Love it. When are you going to do your Dana?
The main thing keeping me back is that it’s impossible to buy the vinyl dye in Taiwan. I’ll wait until I’m back in the States sometime.
This is great! Have you done a detailed writeup of how you did it anywhere?
I have sent a few emails or offered tips over at the AlphaSmar Flickr group, but nothing really detailed with pictures. I’ll try to get something written up one of these days. Now that the new Neo is color-neutral, it’ll be easy to do another one. The dark charcoal keypad will match all kinds of colors.
Followed the Flickr link over here. Very nice work! I want one!
Wow that is cute. I would like one in silver, pelase
Thanks for commenting over at About, Vance.
I have a new Neo2, the one with the neutral colour keyboard. I think I’m going to follow in your footsteps and dye mine red. I like your idea of the Portola red. Looks like it’s a little darker.
I think I like my black one just fine. Red reminds me of my old speak-n-spell.
Hi, I’ve found a great Ebay deal on a US Neo, the older green one. How do you get one of the Neo 2 keypads? I don’t think I’ll do red…. I thought I’d go crazy with a bright yellow, but it would still look kind of crummy with the green keys. Thanks! -s
Sasha, you can order one of the keypads from Renaissance Learning, if you twist their arm a bit. Just convince them that you’ve already voided your warranty and such. They’ll go along if you’re nice and say you really need it. $25 plus shipping.
I was wondering if I could do the same thing to a typewriter. I just found the answer:
http://clickthing.blogspot.com/2009/10/to-dye-for.html
I use one of those! I might buy a used alphasmart pro.
What an excellent paint job! It looks really pretty! I’ve been admiring these gadgets from afar and I may take the plunge and get the cheaper Alphasmart 3000. I was wondering if the paint would look okay on the translucent plastic the 3000 comes in? Also did you have to take the whole thing apart to paint the items individually?
dude thanks for sharing the how to .. great job it looks awsome!
I’d like to do the paint-job thing, but I’m not sure how the keyboard on a Neo disassembles?
I’m sure there’s a simple snap-in/out solution, but I can’t seem to find it.
Any suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks!