where to buy typewriters

• Typewriter is a mechanical marvel of the 19th and 20th centuries that revolutionized the way people communicated, making written correspondence more efficient and accessible.
• Typewriters continue to captivate enthusiasts for their historical significance and unique characteristics.
• Manual typewriters are classic, mechanical devices that require no electricity, relying solely on the typist’s manual effort to press keys, which then strike the inked ribbon to imprint characters on paper. They offer a tactile experience and are highly valued by enthusiasts and collectors for their durability and nostalgic charm but demand more physical effort and regular maintenance.
• Electric typewriters use an electric motor to drive the typing mechanism. With features like automatic carriage return and the ability to type more smoothly and quickly, they are suitable for prolific writers and office environments where speed and efficiency are paramount. Maintenance for electric typewriters is less intensive than for manual models.
• Electronic typewriters are equipped with digital displays, memory functions, and even spell-check capabilities, blending the simplicity of typing with modern technology. They are exceptionally user-friendly, often featuring quiet operation and the ability to correct mistakes with ease. This makes electronic typewriters perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who values precision and convenience.
• The choice between manual, electric, and electronic typewriters depends on individual preferences and intended use.
• The build quality of a typewriter is paramount; it directly influences the machine’s durability and longevity.
• The keyboard layout is another crucial factor; a well-designed layout can significantly enhance typing efficiency and comfort. The spacing and responsiveness of the keys are vital in preventing finger strain during prolonged typing sessions.
• Typeface options are essential for those who prioritize the aesthetic aspects of their typed documents.
• Carriage width determines the maximum paper size the typewriter can accommodate; standard carriage widths are suitable for regular letter-sized documents, but if you plan to type on larger paper, a wide carriage typewriter might be necessary.
• Portability is a key consideration for users who need to transport their typewriter frequently. Lightweight models with compact designs are easier to carry and store, making them ideal for writers who travel or work in various locations.
• Several renowned brands, such as Remington, Underwood, Smith-Corona, Olivetti, and Royal, stand out for their historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship, each offering distinct advantages that cater to various typing needs and preferences.
• Online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy, antique shops, specialty stores dedicated to typewriters, and auction sites, both online and physical, are

• Typewriters have made a comeback in recent years and are still being purchased and collected. There is a market for typewriters.
• Finding the perfect typewriter can be a challenge as there are many different types, models, brands, styles, and eras to choose from.
• Two main types of typewriters: Desktops and Portables.
• Desktop typewriters are durable and perfect for an office or home writer who wants to write a lot. Portables are smaller, lightweight, but may not be as ergonomic to write on, and might lack features.
• When choosing a style/era of typewriter, decide if you want a typewriter that is more of a workhorse or one that is more valuable as an antique.
• Typewriters with historical significance or a backstory tend to be more valuable, particularly if the story is documented.
• There are various factors to consider and preferences to keep in mind when choosing a typewriter, including where it was manufactured, paint, metal vs. plastic, etc.
• Buying a new typewriter may not be worth it, as they are not built with the same quality as older vintage machines.
• To find typewriters for sale, check yard/garage sales, antique stores, flea markets, and typewriter repair/sales shops.
• If buying in-person, you can personally examine/test the typewriter, but it may take a lot of time and driving around.
• If buying online, there are websites similar to Typewriters 101 that clean and service typewriters before reselling them to buyers. eBay, Etsy, and Goodwill are also online auction websites where typewriters can be found. Be wary of un-knowledgeable sellers and shipping damages.
• In evaluating the condition of a typewriter, cosmetic and mechanical condition are the two main components to look at. In terms of cosmetic condition, evaluate the paint, labels, chrome, and carrying case condition. A typewriter with near-perfect paint, crisp labels, and non-rusted or shiny metal is ideal.
• Mechanical condition includes whether the keys and carriage move smoothly, the ribbon is working properly, and if there are any misaligned typebars or malfunctions.
• While it’s possible to find a good deal on a typewriter, be prepared to pay what the typewriter is worth, which can vary depending on the model and era.

• User planning to buy a typewriter online
• Considering Smith Corona as great typewriters
• Asks for clarification on the difference between Silent, Super Silent or Silent Super and Sterling typewriters
• Speculation in the comments about the Silent Super being a combination/upgrade of the Silent and Super Silent models
• Mentions that a typewriter may require servicing before use
• Suggestion to look at the year of manufacture as older models may require more maintenance
• User suggests considering a refurbished typewriter or buying from a seller who offers servicing
• Recommendation to check eBay or Craigslist for typewriter purchases
• One user shares that they had success buying from Goodwill and Salvation Army shops
• Discussion in the comments about the pros and cons of buying a manual vs electric typewriter
• Some users recommend manual typewriters for their simplicity and retro appeal
• Others recommend electric typewriters for their ease of use and ability to make corrections
• Mention of the importance of finding a good typewriter ribbon and the difficulty in finding them
• Suggestion to look for local typewriter repair shops and inquire about ribbon availability
• Overall sentiment in the comments is supportive and enthusiastic about purchasing and using a typewriter.

• Buying a typewriter is a recent interest of the writer.
• The writer is looking for guidance on things to be aware of or look out for while shopping for typewriters.
• A user suggests not buying a new machine from Amazon, as they are not as good as older machines, and links to a Reddit post about a Royal Classic machine falling apart.
• The user identifies Royal, Epoch, and We R Memory Keepers as the same new plastic machine that they suggest avoiding.
• Another user advises buying typewriters locally so that the machine can be inspected before purchasing, and not having to pay shipping fees. They mention that buying locally at a low cost may mean the machine is dirty or rusty, but cleaning it and replacing the ribbon could solve the issue.
• The user also mentions not getting too discouraged if they are unable to get the machine to work properly and having to let it go.

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• Amazon and eBay are not recommended places to buy typewriters.
• Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and eBay local for local deals and good prices.
• Antique stores, thrift shops, and Goodwills could be places where you can find typewriters inexpensively.
• Don’t spend more than $100 on a typewriter, unless it has been refurbished by a known mechanic.
• Typewriters are heavy, and shipping prices can be expensive due to their weight.
• If you want to buy a typewriter through an online platform like eBay, try to look for items that are available for local pickup.
• Be prepared to service the typewriter since there is a good chance any typewriters you purchase haven’t been used in decades.
• shopgoodwill.com sells typewriters and packs them well, but machines are not guaranteed to be in 100% working condition.
• New machines sold on Amazon and other third-party sellers are cheaply made, mostly plastic parts, and type slugs that are way out of alignment, so don’t buy these machines.
• Sometimes, patience is key in finding the type of typewriter you want.
• Negotiate with the seller if the machine is the one you’re looking for and the price or shipping make sense.
• It is possible to find good deals on typewriters in local Goodwill stores and antique stores.
• Be clear about what you’re looking for before buying a typewriter to ensure you don’t get ripped off by someone selling you wrongly advertised items.
• If your goal is to find a specific type of typewriter like a Royal Royalite, check eBay multiple times a day until the machine appears with a negotiable price, reasonable shipping, and a seller who is easy to communicate with by answering questions.

• Typewriters are considered a good way to improve writing by limiting distractions from technology.
• The lack of Internet access on a typewriter encourages concentration and focus.
• Typewriters also promote continuous writing without stopping to edit as there are no arrow keys to easily move the cursor around the text.
• The satisfaction of hearing the keys click and seeing ink pressed onto paper is also considered a benefit of using a typewriter.
• There are both electric and manual typewriters available for purchase with some electric models running off a charge while others do not require it.
• There are five recommended typewriter-related products: Freewrite, Qwerky Toys, Lofree, Classic Typewriter, and Iron Fox Typewriters.
• Freewrite is a modern electric typewriter that saves documents to the cloud and limits distractions by not having the internet.
• Qwerky Toys is a typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboard that mimics the feel and sound of an older typewriter.
• Lofree is an updated typewriter keyboard that doesn’t use ink but allows you to switch between multiple devices and systems.
• Classic Typewriter sells restored vintage typewriters from companies like Olympia and Hermes.
• Iron Fox Typewriters sells 3D printed typewriter accessories, custom painted typewriters, and even rents out typewriters.
• There are various compatible operating systems for each of the recommended products, including Windows, iOS, and Android.
• The specific costs of each product are provided, including the Freewrite ($599), Qwerky Toys ($399), Lofree ($139), Classic Typewriter ($555), and Iron Fox Custom Painted Typewriter ($400).
• Typing on a keyboard without arrow keys can seem daunting or intimidating at first, but the lack of distraction may also be beneficial to productivity, according to this video.

• Reddit post from user seeking advice on where to buy a practical typewriter for typing documents
• User tried looking on Amazon but was overwhelmed by the range of options and prices, and did not feel equipped to decide which to choose
• User specifies they do not care about antiquity or interestingness, but want a typewriter that is as similar to modern keyboards as possible
• Reddit users suggest several places to buy typewriters for practical use, including local antique stores, eBay, and shopgoodwill
• One user notes that buying a typewriter online comes with the risk of underlying issues, since the machine cannot be tested in person
• Electric typewriters are recommended for those who prefer modern keyboards, as they have less space between the keys and are generally flatter
• Word processing typewriters are mentioned, which type a sentence and then print it after you press enter; these can be avoided by looking for a screen under where the machine types
• Some users recommend specific typewriter brands and models, such as Smith Corona or Olympia, as durable and good once serviced
• Royal is noted to no longer make typewriters, but to still offer their brand name; users recommend spending hundreds of dollars to buy serviced vintage machines from a typewriter shop, or researching how to care for and repair machines yourself
• One user shares that they learned how to refurbish typewriters this year and are starting an Etsy shop; they also recommend Shop Goodwill
• Another user asks what the original poster would be using the typewriter for, and the response is that they need to use it in a setting with regulations that forbid devices with internet access, and they do not like handwriting
• The recommendation for an electric typewriter is repeated, with one user specifically suggesting a Brother portable electric for its slim and light design and ribbon cassette
• Several users compare keyboard quality across different types of typewriters, noting that the keyboards on some models “just suck”
• Selectric typewriters are mentioned as having excellent typeface and using carbon tape, and one user notes that they personally use and like a Selectric II.

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