The Classic Manual Typewriter Is Back

Back when I went off to college, and that was many, many years ago, the portable notebook computer was not the standard issue that every student brought to school. In fact, that was before the personal computer was even invented (come on, I don’t feel that ancient). Nope, when I went to college, every student had to have a typewriter. I had a dandy little Smith Corona electric typewriter and I loved that thing. Sure, today, kids just use their computer equipped with a word processor application, and turn out beautiful work, spell checker and all.

But back then, there was no better way to crank out the reports and papers than with a typewriter. Otherwise, it was writing everything with pen and paper, long hand. And there wasn’t enough time in the day to get the work done by hand. While we’re reminiscing a bit, don’t forget the typewriting services for pay. You could turn in your hand written manuscript to a typewriting service, usually some gal moonlighting for extra pay, and get your papers done that way. After all, not everyone had a typewriter or knew how to type well.

And how about Ernest Hemingway, Tennesse Williams or Jack Kerouac. Do you think they would have created the same literary works on a notebook PC with a  word processor? Not likely. It had to be a manual typewriter! Some would even say that the clicking and clacking of the typewriter keys was half the inspiration for all of that creative literary invention. Well, I’m not sure about that, but it just wouldn’t feel right without the manual typewriter.

I’m glad to say, the classic manual typewriter is back! Not just a faint memory or a reminder in an old Hollywood film, you can actually get a beautiful, brand new manual typewriter. Better than ever, actually!

Let me ask you another question. Do you really think your personal computer, word processor and desktop printer is the best way to address envelopes. I don’t know about you, but it still takes me 5 tries to remember how to place the envelope in the special slot for printing to get the return address and the sender address to show up in the right place. Lets see, was that right-side up, or flush on the left, or upside-down, … oops, try again with another envelope. Definitely not green and eco-friendly wasting all that paper!

That’s where the Classic Manual Typewriter comes in handy. The manual typewriter by Royal  is perfect for addressing envelopes, creating labels, or filling out forms. It’s those simple, hit-and-run tasks that can be ridiculously tedious with a computer and desktop printer. These same little tasks are a snap and a breeze with a manual typewriter.

The Classic Manual Typewriter by Royal has all the standard functions you need.  Features include seven tab stops, adjustable line spacing, and a backspace key. The 44 keys type 88 symbols in 10-characters-per-inch Pica 87 font. Enclosed in a sleek, lightweight plastic housing and comes with a durable hard shell carrying case. And don’t forget the black/red spool ribbon (remember those).

The Classic Manual Typewriter dimensions are: 3 1/2 inches high, by 11 3/4 inches wide by 12 3/4 inches deep. Weighs about 9 pounds.

I want one, how about you?

Available: Hammacher

Price: $199.95