Comments on: The Dirty Secret of Typewriters

By: Three Adorable Typewriters – J.W. Eberle

Three Adorable Typewriters – J.W. Eberle — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:09:29 +0000

[…] Interested in getting back to basics and writing on a typewriter? Daniel Marleau has a great list of the 10 best typewriters for writers on his website, The Typewriter Review. He also has a helpful primer on basic typewriter care and maintenance. […]

By: T

Fri, 13 May 2022 01:24:49 +0000

I’m glad to hear there are other typewriter lovers out there. I got my first typewriter for Christmas when I was 14 in the early 80s when I became interested in writing. I gave it up for a while but recently have written my memoir. I’ve rewritten it several times. I have a laptop and printer but I’m retyping it on a Brother GX9500 electronic typewriter I got at a thrift store. The day I got it it stopped typing a couple letters. I was discouraged and advised to go back to using my laptop but I wanted to type on a typewriter so bad. Months later I did some research and figured out how easy it is to replace the daisy wheel. I ordered a new one that types an elegant script. I love it! It runs out of ink a lot but it’s much more fun than using a laptop. It has excellent lift off tape so you can’t see the mistakes. It’s fun to see an instant typed page. I love the tic tic beep. I’m doing the work myself not some computer. I don’t even know how to back up a document and have had to find help. Typing on a typewriter is like playing a musical instrument. Everything is so digital and instant these days. Right now I’m drumming my fingers waiting for my next ink cartridge order. Wish it were the 70s so I could just pick some up in the stationery aisle at the local Pay n Save. My Brother works great but it’s just plain light gray. I just picked up a white and blue electric Corona Smith Coronamatic because I fell in love with it’s good looks. However, it has some carriage problems. It stops in the middle of a line and types over letters. I have to give the carriage a little nudge. Other than that it needs a new ribbon. I know there are laptops but they’re all alike. Just flat and square. Typewriters are beautiful and unique. The older ones are two toned and have chrome like classic cars. Wish it were the old days so I could go to the local typewriter repair shop or shop for one in a store. My coworkers and even my sister tell me the same thing. Why do I want to use a typewriter when it’s 2022? They just don’t get it. I took typing classes in high-school and college. I never thought I’d miss it so much. I talk to 20 somethings who can’t see the point of using one when it’s easier to use a laptop because that’s all they know. People think using a typewriter is pointless so I’m happy to hear there are other typewriter lovers out there. Record players are making a comeback why not Typewriters!

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 19:01:40 +0000

As someone who learned to type on an old manual typewriter in the seventies, let me assure you that your fingers will get stronger using the “home” method. With a little practice, you will be faster than hunt and peck. Typewriters do have a completely different feel than typing on a computer keyboard but you can get some speed if you practice. Back in the days of typewriters in every office, the minimum typing speed was about 40 words per minute. Many women typed 80 words per minutes on manual typewriters.

By: ckhutchinsjunocom

ckhutchinsjunocom — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 21:42:32 +0000

Nice post, especially about sticky keys. I’m a writer who has done all my primary drafts on a manual typewriter for many years. Just a couple of bits that unfold differently in my use: touch typing is the best!!! No hint and peck. The ring and little fingers get the hang of it just fine. By not looking at my hands, my mind is fully free. Plus I type *very* fast, at the speed of thinking. The other different experience I have is typing on a regular table or desk. I don’t use a typing table and spend hours just fine at my desk.
Thanks for your work. My comments are just to widen the conversation.

By: Hero

Hero — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 23:47:34 +0000

Loved this article. Might share it. Got me in the mood to type. I have 5 typewriters currently. Though I am hoping to sell some of them to good homes.

By: Daniel Hanley

Daniel Hanley — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:34:31 +0000

I worked and was trained in a business machine shop for 6 years 1968-1974. I repaired many typewriters of all stripes and sizes but specialized on Smith-Corona portables, both manuals and electrics. My mentors always referred to the “basket” as the “cradle”. That is what I still call it. Go figure.

By: Daniel Marleau

Daniel Marleau — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:40:33 +0000

In reply to Guylaen O'Connor. Great way to get a bargain! I often roll the dice and just search "typewriter" in eBay. You'd be surprised what turns up.

By: Guylaen O'Connor

Guylaen O'Connor — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:13:20 +0000

I’ve got three with me in this apartment, and (I think) four more on the other side of the state on the island where I grew up. I’ve never bothered really with learning the history about the machine before I purchase it (I do afterwards) – I only purchase working machines, but I ONLY purchase them if they fit nicely into my fengshui.

This being said – there is ONE that I really want. It’s the one that Redford uses in All the President’s Men, the Olympia SG3 with the red logo in the right corner – but typing the name of a typewriter into ebay or craigslist will bring up higher priced items, than if someone is selling it but doesn’t know the make or model and is just listing it as “old typewriter.”

By: Daniel Marleau

Daniel Marleau — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:59:10 +0000

In reply to joseleto. Glad you find all this useful! Good to see your pages on One Typed Page. Keep the pages coming!

By: joseleto

joseleto — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:25:26 +0000

Good Evening,
My user name on WordPress is Joseleto, my mother named me Scott. I submit a One Typed Page on occasion. This is a fine article. I’ve learned a lot from you. thanks.