Typewriters Types and Styles

Understand manual, electric and electronic typewriters types and styles

Since 1829, when the first known typewriter was invented, typewriters have been an important machine for writers and businesses. Throughout the late 1800s and much of the 1900s, typewriters were the main business machines at many companies. With such a rich history, there are many typewriters types and styles to choose from. In general, each type of typewriter stems from a different period in history. The earliest machines were manual typewriter styles, while later in the 1900s, electric models were available. Today, electronic models resemble early word processors.

Today, the number of typewriter manufacturers has declined, but sales of used typewriters remain brisk due to their high demand as collectibles. A few manufacturers still make electronic typewriters, and typewriter parts for various machines are widely available. If you want to buy typewriters, familiarize yourself with the types and styles available. Consider the following:

1. Look at manual typewriters for antique appeal and collectibles.
2. Select electric typewriters for general typing and economic business use.
   
3. Choose electronic models still made new by typewriter manufacturers.
   

 

Find out more about mechanical typewriters

Manual typewriter styles, or mechanical typewriter styles, as they were commonly known, were standardized by 1910 and included keys that were attached to typebars. When a key was struck, that key's typebar struck an inked ribbon, which left an imprint on the page. Today, manual typewriters are somewhat of a collector's item, although typewriter ribbons and parts are still available for those who want to use these machines for writing.
Try: Mr. Martin's Web Site lists many of the most common manual typewriter styles over the years. Many pictures are included, as well as details about each model. Rider University has a virtual collection of manual typewriters and other business machines over the years.

Consider electric typewriter models

Electric typewriters were first invented in the 1800s, but were not in use until later in the 1900s. These machines were faster and more accurate because of the motor used. Today, it is possible to buy refurbished typewriters that are electric.
Try: IBM has a history of the electric typewriter, complete with images and multimedia showing different types of electric typewriters. The Art History Club has a useful guide to several kinds of electric typewriters.

Buy more modern electronic typewriter machines

Electronic typewriters became popular in the 1980s and they included circuitry, internal memory, external memory storage displays and daisy-wheels. These typewriters were much like later word processors and made typing and fixing mistakes much easier while also providing near-printer-quality output. Today, the few typewriter distributors and manufacturers still selling new typewriters sell electronic models exclusively.
Try: Brother International still sells new electronic typewriters in personal and business class styles with daisy wheels, LCD displays, and disk drives. Royal Consumer Information Products is another established company still selling several styles of new electronic typewriters.

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