Electronic typewriters

[ovrphil]

Cory -

I just saw(and passed up)one of these Canon Typestar 5'at a thrift. Since I couldn't test it, I didn't want to buy something that might end up just being a prop. Funny, I never thought it might be hard to find a ribbon cassette.

 

[circlew]

I never had an electronic typewriter, but do have a word processor. It was a Christmas gift from my mom in '94; the last I received from her, as she passed away the next May. I've not used it for a long time, but I have it in storage.

When I learned to type in H.S. (11th grade, '72-'73), we started out using manuals - either Royal (Litton Industries at the time) or SCM Smith-Corona. Later we learned to use electric models of those brands. Thankfully I had a great teacher that year, as the one my senior year was lousy - usually not in the typing room, but in the teachers lounge. That was probably just as well, as she had a drinking problem.

The secretaries in the school office used IBM Selectric machines.

 

[petek]

I have a feeling IBM supplied a whole lot of highschool classrooms or school boards with Selectrics for a price to good to refuse.  

 

[perc-o-prince]

I'm sure everyone knows...

Electric typewriters are basically manual typewriters with electric (motor) assist to get the type to the paper, return the carriage, etc. Electronic typewriters may not even have the linkage for each type slug. Some have a rotating ball and others have a daisy wheel; both of which existed on manual typewriters in the 1890's!

We used to host meetings/gatherings for typewriter collectors in the late 90's and early 00's. It was interesting when a newer, young collector would show up and WOW at all the "ancient" technology that didn't use electricity!

Chuck

http://typewriter.rydia.net