About Them Typewriters

[Ed Hurst]

I have now experienced the so-called "typewriter porn." I was researching what brands of manual typewriter I should be looking for, and learned quickly that the best ones were all manufactured before 1970. I ended up checking with the folks who actually repaired them, and they gave glowing, almost sensual reviews of some they liked. So here's the line-up in order of preference:

Hermes 3000
Olympia SM9 or SM8
Olivetti Lettera 32 or Lettera DL


Oddly, they are all portable. And generally expensive. Folks on eBay seem to know what that are worth. I can dream, can't I? I don't expect anyone to remember this list, but I figured I'd share what I learned in case any of you are thinking about this idea of being able to keep writing after a major CME.

[jaybreak]

The office building where my wife used to work, near Hartford CT, had very old typewriters in a display case, near the security/reception area. I remember them letting me remove them and take photos, for future graphic design use. The guard there said they were still functional, though finding the ribbons for them would've been a task. Interesting stuff.

[Ed Hurst]

I'll probably end up paying retail for whatever Chinese-made machine I can afford. I'm still waiting for the signal to proceed.

[Ed Hurst]

Forget it. I'll just work a little harder on my penmanship when it comes to writing things for others to read. Maybe all I need is a really good, comfortable fat pen.

[jaybreak]

Forget it. I'll just work a little harder on my penmanship when it comes to writing things for others to read. Maybe all I need is a really good, comfortable fat pen.

My hands aren't huge or formidable, but I find I write a lot better with a heavy and/or bulky pen. Something about the weight or girth keeps me from writing the letters a little too wildly.