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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: ksd5 on Mon, 18 April 2011, 12:12:13
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I'm looking at electric typewriters. I want one with a good tactile response (it should feel as good as a Model M.) I don't want a Selectric; I don't have that kind of money. I want one that's manufactured recently.
Any suggestions?
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I'm looking at electric typewriters. I want one with a good tactile response (it should feel as good as a Model M.)
Then you want an IBM Wheelwriter.
I don't want a Selectric; I don't have that kind of money.
Selectrics are expensive?
I want one that's manufactured recently.
I don't think there are any typewriters manufactured recently.
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Ah, okay. Thank you. :-)
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Selectrics are expensive?
They are a little pricey if you want a refurbished one. Though, I'm sure they aren't nearly as expensive now as they were when they were released. OP, if you want one, try looking at your nearest university's or county school's warehouse. That's where I got mine for free. (of course my mom is a teacher and I told them she needed it for class :D)
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We have a used Wheelwriter 10 series 2 at my office if you are interested in a fixer upper. It still works perfectly but it needs some polishing.
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Look for an olivetti.
Way better machines than the IBMs, with a tactile feedback on par, if not better than the IBMs.
Sometimes they sold for few bucks
like this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Olivetti-PT-505-Electric-Typewriter-/220772091862?pt=UK_BOI_Office_Equipment_Supplies_Office_Equipment_ET&hash=item33670ac7d6
P.S. stay away from ebay.it, the Italian typewriters are almost all QZERTY
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Buying an Olivetti is supporting Italians holding Amanda Knox.
[strike]I'd hold Ama...[/strike] Not if it's a used typewriter; first-sale doctrine and all that. Besides, Olivetti ultimately bought Underwood, so he might be getting a good patriotic American typewriter that just happens to have a foreign label.
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Olivetti started the acquisition of Underwood in 1959, so buying a patriotic electric Underwood is not possible, unless you want a stone age model.
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Reported jparker587 as a spammer...
In any case, there's electric and electronic typewriters.
Electric typewriters are a dead species.
Electronic typewriters are not.
Selectrics are starting to rise in value, from what I've seen - there's a couple areas where a failure can cause the typewriter to be junk due to a lack of parts, they're pretty maintenance-hungry, and they're not getting any younger. But, they're as good as it gets, from what I've seen. (Oh, and the tactile event isn't what's delayed - the key feels like it falls out from under your finger, and that's what causes the printing event.) They're just electric, not electronic, too - the only place electricity is involved in the typing is turning a motor, and a hand-crank could replace that.
Wheelwriters are Model Ms attached to a daisywheel electronic typewriter. Not as familiar with those, but they were made much, much later, and there was a wider model range.