Over the course of the week there were several large tech blogs that stated the last company who makes typewriters was shutting down. This was quickly proven to be incorrect as there are several companies in China still making them and will continue to do so.
The interesting part about the whole fracas over typewriters was the outpouring of emotion over this decidedly old technology. I mean, seriously, do you own a typewriter? If you answered ‘yes’, do you use it? Chances are very likely you don’t, because after all, why bother when you can just type up a document on a computer and print it?
The deal with typewriters is that it’s much more personal compared to a computer. While everything in a computer is virtual, a typewriter is very physical documenting experience. Think of it like the difference between playing an electronic piano and a real grand piano. The grand piano is larger, heavier and requires more effort to play, but the experience is a rewarding one.
For every letter typed on a typewriter, a resounding thwap is heard as the letter is stamped to paper. As you continue to type, it almost feels as if you’re making the typewriter ‘talk’; this is something that’s never been able to be replicated on a computer accurately.
One would use a typewriter for the same reason they’d use a GE rotary phone. It’s not about whether you can get the task done any faster or better, but rather it’s all about the experience.
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A Swedish-made Halda has been kept in the family since 1970s. Now on standby, it is a living example of solid engineering and well-balanced mechanics; there is no way it would be dumped despite its not being used for some 20 years. Since Halda went out of business in 1959 and the typewriter must have been made well before that, it is antique and possibly collectible..
Otherwise I carry some sentimental memories of a Smith-Corona that was once picked up at a street market. It was a compact heavy portable, electric, and it thundered away. I parted with it in early 1990s, when a sentimental journalist bought it from me to write his columns.
It’s not often when new technology makes something older completely obsolete. But in this case, I think it has happened.
I’ve kept a manual typewriter, an Underwood 315, just in case the electricity supply system breaks down for an extended period;it was purchased July 1975 for A$79.50. I also have a supply of ribbons. I can’t give away 2 electric typewriters I have; virtually impossible to get ribbons for these. Dana
Wow, those are awesome. I’m sure I could get http://www.starwestmortgage.com to get me one of those for my office.