Telling people what it was like to write with mechanical (non electric) typewriters. Nobody under 45 ever used them. They cannot imagine the difference of pressing down on a keyboard with some force.
The first time I tried out an electronic typewriter it was strange and changed how I wrote.
Here’s the thing: I used a manual typewriter for years and never got RSI. I didn’t know anyone who had an RSI from typing. Then in the 1980s I started working with computers and bingo, we all had RSI. At one point I had my wrists in splints.
Eventually the experts figured out the ergonomics and it wasn’t such an issue, but it was hellish in the early days. It turns out that the movements used for a manual typewriter - smacking the keys right down, carriage return, rolling in a new sheet of paper - weren’t as repetitive as just tick-tacking away on a computer keyboard for hours.
I remember adjusting the wobbly ink tape. It was a different way of typing, way more careful to not make any mistakes. It’s nice we kept the same keyboard layout on all typing hardware that came after.
Telling people what it was like to write with mechanical (non electric) typewriters. Nobody under 45 ever used them. They cannot imagine the difference of pressing down on a keyboard with some force.
The first time I tried out an electronic typewriter it was strange and changed how I wrote.
Only older people will understand, I think
I’m 37 and have used one as a kid.
My mom kept hers for sentimental reasons and I played with it as a kid. I cannot imagine the RSIs people would get from those bad boys.
Here’s the thing: I used a manual typewriter for years and never got RSI. I didn’t know anyone who had an RSI from typing. Then in the 1980s I started working with computers and bingo, we all had RSI. At one point I had my wrists in splints.
Eventually the experts figured out the ergonomics and it wasn’t such an issue, but it was hellish in the early days. It turns out that the movements used for a manual typewriter - smacking the keys right down, carriage return, rolling in a new sheet of paper - weren’t as repetitive as just tick-tacking away on a computer keyboard for hours.
I’ve never used one but they look and SOUND so fascinating
I also appreciate how people use them as musical instruments sometimes.
I remember adjusting the wobbly ink tape. It was a different way of typing, way more careful to not make any mistakes. It’s nice we kept the same keyboard layout on all typing hardware that came after.