Electronic Typewriters vs. Computers

Dear Editor:

The electronic typewriter with memory stored on disks or microwafers is, for histori­ans, an attractive alternative to a computer, especially for those whose note-taking and filing methods are deeply ingrained. My ma­chine is the Olivetti ET 231 (1980) with add­ on infinite memory unit. It stores 16,000 characters in the Working Memory and transfers them to microwafers. These can be filled or emptied in a minute. Other ma­chines use disks.

Unlike most computers, the keyboard touch is quiet and fast. One’s initial composi­tion may be completely silent, sans paper, with results marching across a fifteen-charac­ter display rather than a screen. Here is a relaxing way to type while thinking, disturb­ing nobody.

Editing is simple, for paragraphs, sen­tences, and words can be located, deleted, or replaced (bm not moved freely forward and back). Up to twenty-four paragraphs can each be given a letter identification, however, after which they can be shuffled into any order. An article may be converted to a speech or vice versa without destroying the original stored text.

Results are of photocopy quality, with justi­fied margins; proportional or 10/12/15 pitch spacing; boldface or boldface underscored letters; and variable daisy wheel typefaces. Printing goes both directions at about twenty cps. Special features aid statistical work, and foreign language symbols are offered. A Per­manent Memory stores up to ten addresses and/or phrases.

Electronic typewriters won’t help on taxes, budgeting, or games, but they should totally eliminate paying typists. After all, error-free work emerges from the editing process, since revisions of text may be made indefinitely. No more scrutiny of retyped material for fresh errors!

When shopping, check new and used Oli­vetti, Xerox, Hermes, Brother, Olympic, and other “memory typewriters”—the ones that take unlimited numbers of storable disks or wafers. (Note: I bought my three-year-old machine for less than half price and put a new motor assembly in it.) Ribbons and type­faces may be ordered from Quill, PO Box 5900, Lincolnshire, Ill. 60197. “Real cost” is price, less rapid depreciation on schedule C (perhaps), and elimination of typing costs (about $2.50 a page).

I taught myself right out of the manuals, at age sixty-five. Upgrading my ability to turn out printable prose, pleasantly and  efficient­ly, proved a real morale builder.