As someone who works with computers day in and day out, I have a fondness for the classics. In this particular case I have to tell of the power of my latest item, a early 1950s Royal Quiet De Leux manual typewriter. It is small, lightweight (under 15 pounds) and has it's own wooden case. This thing is one of the last of this model that was made like this. The really nice thing about this is the feeling of the typewriter. When you push a key on a computer it is just a button, no tactile sensation, no regrets. On this masterpiece, you feel the pressure, you see the mechanics as the letter is formed by the strike. And, you know that it is permanent, no delete key. When you write a letter, every letter was an effort, every word counts. I suppose I am old fashioned, but I am in the last generation that learned to type on typewriters and actually used them in school. The generations that have followed do not know the power of using something like this. I hope that they can all experience it someday. Did you that Earnest Hemingway's typewriter was a Royal Quiet De Leux like mine? It is true, here is a pic from Hemingway's house:
Yep, just like mine, put a little older. Pretty cool huh?
-Uncle Walter
Cool. I like type writers as well. At least the monitor doesn't hurt your eyes lol.
And environment friendly, no electricity. I want to get one of these.
Posted by: Olivia | October 13, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Yeah, no eye strain issues with the paper. And I do love the fact that I can use is anywhere without power. And there is something so satisfying about the sound of the thing when it is clicking away.
Posted by: Uncle Walter | October 13, 2009 at 09:19 PM
But a lot of women wound up with terrible arthritis in their hands from typing on them in secretarial pools. My mom included.
One other thing -- people brag about their typing speed on a computer, but as you said it takes almost no effort. But for someone to be able to type well over 100 words per minute on one of those things? Now THAT is impressive.
Posted by: La Femme | October 14, 2009 at 10:46 AM