Olivetti-Royal Typewriter
(Picture from here.)
It’s part of the writer’s toolbox: the typewriter. I wrote longhand for the first twelve years of my life. When I moved to a new school, they required papers to be typed, so I learned how to type on a typewriter. This was back in the day before there were computers in every house. Typing on a typewriter tends to be a more pensive activity than writing on a computer; because it takes more time to correct mistakes, one has to think a bit ahead of one’s actual typing. From my experience, it’s much faster than writing in longhand, but it’s slower than computer typing since one has to wait for the mechanical parts to stop moving (electric typewriters tend to be a bit faster than manual typewriters).
Anyway, I’m suffering from computer screen fatigue. I look at a computer screen all day at work, and sometimes the last thing I want is to look at another screen when I get home at night. To eliminate this fatigue, I’ve been doing my creative writing in longhand. It’s a bit slow–the words just don’t seem to come out fast enough–so I’ve been thinking about going back to the typewriter. I’ve actually been thinking about going with a manual typewriter–they look really cool, much cooler than electric typewriters.
Does anyone else use a typewriter? If so, any recommendations?
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I have a classic Underwood upright. It’s a true antique, but works like new.
However, I miss my old blue IBM Selectric. It was fast and fun. I do like the idea of a Royal though!
Thanks, P2H!
I’m broken-hearted right now. I saw this Olivetti-Royal, almost new, on Craigslist for just $35, but I found out today that it was sold just yesterday. I wanted to cry. Not only was it in good condition, and not only does it look good, but it’s also a current model. They still manufacture them. A brand new one costs $90.
I can still get a “Chieftain” or “Smith-Corona” manual, but…man…I’m literally a day late without being a dollar short.
I’m partial to Underwood – probably because I used to have one. On the other hand, I never liked electric typewriters. I don’t know why, just not satisfying enough and not convenient enough to forgive the lack of personality.
I just saw an Underwood for sale. It’s beautiful, but it costs more than a brand new Olivetti-Royal. I think I’ll wait around until another deal comes up.