Anyone else use a typewriter?

[bjh618]

I was over at my Grandmothers the other day and she gave me my late uncles typewriter (An Adler Tippa S), as I had been searching for one for some time.

I used it a lot as a kid and it is an absolute joy to return to now. Like shaving, there is something special about using a 'superseded' piece of technology to complete a task.

I thoroughly enjoy slowing down and taking my time to type and I find that the letters and whatnot that I write has a lot more 'soul' than something printed off a computer.

So, are there any other typewriter users out there?

As soon as I get my camera back, I'll post up a few piccies if people are interested.

 

[Dharion]

Yes, please put some photos up Typewriters feel much more like a tool because of their heft. The old typewriters (not the new electronic ones) require you to press down hard or at lest in comparison to a keyboard. It's actual work. And the sound of it is nice aswell.

A typewriter with a USB plug for use ase a keyboard would be fun.

 

[fidjit]

The 12 year old has been with me on a couple of razor hunts and has been intrigued with old type writers that we've found.

He actually asked me today if we can buy one. If I can find one at the right price might well do that

 

[Straight Arrow]

Are supplies still available for them...ribbons, cartridges, correction tape, etc?

 

[jlindy]

Are supplies still available for them...ribbons, cartridges, correction tape, etc?

I think you can still get the Mylar ribbons for electrics but, I haven't seen a new cloth ribbon in a long time. When I was in college I used to re-ink the ribbon in my old Royal with stamp pad ink.

 

[Stubblefield]

Are supplies still available for them...ribbons, cartridges, correction tape, etc?

I think the ribbons are . . . there are a few sites that cater to typewriter users that have links to supplies, I think.

I don't use a typewriter, but use one of the old IBM model M mechanical switching keyboards with my computer. They are vastly superior to the typical junk keyboard that comes with most PCs. the only bummer is that it uses a ps2 plug. But mechanical keyboards with USB plugs are available. When I switch back to using a Mac next year I'll be picking one up.

 

[AndrewGWU]

I have been wanting one for about a year, but my wife insists we have no where to put it in her attempts to dissuade me from purchasing it.... Hopefully I can get one soon.

Being of a younger generation than some around here, I have noticed what a negative effect word processors, spell check, etc has had on our writing skills. I will admit that my generation, me included, have suffered from becoming dependent on such machines and programs.

 

[Cynomys]

I sometimes use a 1929 Underwood and, yes, you can still get ribbons for it. I used to use it a lot more before I started working with dip pens and Spencerian script.

The manual typewriters are "old-fashioned" technology, but at the time they were introduced, they were the latest "upgrade" and virtually drove the art of handwriting out.

 

[fixcinater]

I have a 1941 Royal Varsity that my lady friend also uses, mainly for jotting down random storylines or bits of plots. We also use it to vent to each other about problem areas in our life, it's more therapeutic than banging away on the laptop.

New ribbons run about $10, a fair amount of info is out there on the most popular brands, and there are still a couple repair shops in my area.

 

[Agent8426]

When I was in college (97-01) I was the manager of the college radio station. The school required the budget to be submitted, typed, on an official university form. This necessitated the use of a typewriter. There were for of them in the basement of the library, a quarter got you 30 min. I hated useing them, I haven't touched one in in about ten years.