Typewriter VS Computer Printer

[EvanJamesLee]

As a High School student, I use my typewriter for essays, projects and other printed papers. I have not used my printer since it ran out of ink seven years ago.

(my work area)


Here are some advantages/disadvantages of both.

Typewriter Pros

-Cheap ink ribbons, they only cost around $6.00

-Long lasting ink ribbons, I still use the same ribbon my Dad used back in the 60s.

-Less likely to get distracted, you can't goof off on the internet.

-Doesn't freeze.

-Doesn't ask for printing tests.

-Don't have to wait to print it.

-Can rewind the ink ribbon and use it again.

-Well made. Over 40 years in storage and mine works just like it did in 1964.

-Doesn't require electricity.

-Has a cent key, ¢.

-Portable ones come with a handy travel case.

-Simpler.

Cons

-Mistakes are a pain to correct.

-Typing fast may cause it to jam.

-Not many stores sell ink ribbons so you have to buy them off the internet.

-Have to manually go to the next line.

-If you start to write a long word around the end of the line, you have to manually increase the margin to compensate.


Computer Printer Pros

-You can easily correct mistakes.

-More stores sell ink.

-Automatically goes to the next line.

-Different fonts.

-Checks Spelling.

-You can have multiple copies.

-Can print pictures.

Cons

-Ink costs around $60, depending on which one you have.

-Will print out rectangles before you can actually use it.

-If it freezes before you save, you can't get your work back.

-Requires a computer, a screen, a keyboard, electricity, and some wires.

-You can easily get distracted by the internet.

-You have to wait an extra minute more for it to print.

-You have to configure it so that what you type will be sent to the printer.

-Ink doesn't last as long.





Feel free to list any more pros and cons for either of them below.

 

[PeterJB]

You can easily undo mistakes on a Computer, and have a greater range of symbols to use. No contest.

 

[Mustangmiha]

Literally no one uses typewriters nowadays, ink ribbons are non-existent and nowhere to be bought. I think not even hipsters use typewriters. Though it seems pretty cool to write on it.

You can easily undo mistakes on a Computer, and have a greater range of symbols to use. No contest.

Also this.

 

[PeterJB]

There's an old typewriter lying around the house somewhere. As a kid I found it fun to press all the keys down and jam the rods up together.

 

[ildd]

You can print multiple copies of something with a printer in 10 seconds.
With a typewriter, you have to re-type every letter. Over and over. Which takes 10 hours.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

You can print multiple copies of something with a printer in 10 seconds.
With a typewriter, you have to re-type every letter. Over and over. Which takes 10 hours.

You can use a coping machine.

 

[Dennisch]

I like how you typed out a Hudson Hornet.

 

[ClydeYellow]

I like how you typed out a Hudson Hornet.

My typewriter couldn't do that!

Which leads me to think... You can easily add images and change font and use non-typographic (i.e. cursive, hand-writing style) fonts on PC.
And generally speaking, there's no reason apart from ink cost and nostalgia value to pick the typewriter over the computer/printer combo IMHO. They are two different tools, after all: the latter should rather be compared with tools such as the offset printer.

 

[Sage Ages]

-Less likely to get distracted, you can't goof off on the internet.

Yes, you can.

 

[Danoff]

Cons

-Mistakes are a pain to correct.

-Typing fast may cause it to jam.

-Not many stores sell ink ribbons so you have to buy them off the internet.

-Have to manually go to the next line.

-If you start to write a long word around the end of the line, you have to manually increase the margin to compensate.

Big huge nasty Con that got left off your list - lack of copy paste.

Write an essay that you want to reorganize to flow better? Good luck. It's great to learn to type without making mistakes with a typewriter (though there are computer programs that help with that), but the typewriter is actually doing you a disservice by slowing you down, and not helping to train you to be fast with modern office tools. Your ability to navigate office tools (like word) quickly will likely be important if your job involves preparing any kind of report or written statement. Even if it doesn't, there are many times when you'll need to prepare a document for your personal life that needs some level of formatting and professionalism. You don't want to type up a resume on a typewriter, and you'll be wanting copy-paste for that for sure.

In short, yes it's lovely that you're using a typewriter, no you're not helping your future self by doing so.

 

[Omnis]

Evan, do you do your math homework with an abacus?

 

[EvanJamesLee]

In short, yes it's lovely that you're using a typewriter, no you're not helping your future self by doing so.

I have actually noticed I've gotten better grades with my typewriter over the school's computers.

I usually make two copies on the typewriter, a draft and a final while I just correct the draft on the computer and turn that in as the final. It is a real pain to have to retype the whole thing but it forces me to re read every single letter which helps me find better ways to word the essay. It is slower, much slower but it helps me roll out high 80s and 90s.

Although I will admit, a computer printed resume would probably make a better first impression.

 

[carracerptp]

Evan, do you do your math homework with an abacus?

Wait, not everyone did that?


My Sister loved her typewriter, and still insists it is better. Her "pro" is:
"you don't lose work because of a crash/error/freeze"

 

[Omnis]

I have actually noticed I've gotten better grades with my typewriter over the school's computers.

I usually make two copies on the typewriter, a draft and a final while I just correct the draft on the computer and turn that in as the final. It is a real pain to have to retype the whole thing but it forces me to re read every single letter which helps me find better ways to word the essay. It is slower, much slower but it helps me roll out high 80s and 90s.

Yeah... we're going to need you to do your job... quickly.

There's nothing you're doing on your typewriter that you can't do with a computer word processor. You're just handicapping yourself for time and are being an unproductive hipster. All word processors now save your work after every keystroke. And you can undo/redo to your hearts content.

If typewriters were so great, they would still have widespread use.

 

[Zenith]

There is absolutely no comparison. For typing up character analysis essays for fictional books high school? Typewriter works alright. If/When you get into serious writing, functions like copy/paste, reformatting, and the ability to completely change parts of your paper are necessary.

The typewriter is obsolete. The end.

 

[kennylmao]

I'm surprised people still use a typewriter!

To me, the Computer+Printer is an almost perfect machine. I say almost because everything is better except for the ink. The good ones are expensive (toner) and the cheap ones doesn't last long (inkjet). It's the only aspect I hate about the Computer+Printer.

 

[Grayfox]

my old epsons inks were only $15 for black and $18 for each color
The epson started to print with in a second of me telling it to.
Who uses the cent symbol? inflation killed it we now use one of these ¥,€,$,£
HP have made a portable printer which has a battery and just needs to be connected to a computer to print.
Auto save, saves work every few mintues so very little is lost.
I only had to do one alignment test page and that is it, never needed to do it again.

 

[niky]

You can actually do multiple copies with a typewriter. A couple of pieces of carbon paper is all it takes.

You don' t need expensive ink or toner for your printer. All you need is an Epson LX300 and $18 ribbons... which can be recharged and rewound.

Still won't last as long as a completely mechanical typewriter, but still pretty useful.

-

I love typing on typewriters. The clackety-clack is pretty relaxing. It also allows you to be more spontaneous. Back in the 90's, it was still easier to keep a small typewriter in your dorm room than to lug around an unreliable laptop or to spend on an extra desktop.

Would never go back to using one for work, though.

 

[F1GTR]

Notepad + fountain pen for initial scribblings, then onto my Mac/PC for the heavy work (with a mechanical keyboard of course).

 

[Grayfox]

Notepad + fountain pen for initial scribblings, then onto my Mac/PC for the heavy work (with a mechanical keyboard of course).

My co-workers hate my writing.

Just call me Dr Grayfox when it comes to writing.

 

[TB]

Just call me Dr Grayfox when it comes to writing.

My wife's handwriting was crap even before she was a doctor.

- - - - -

I hated typewriters before I even had a computer. No way would I ever consider willingly going back.

 

[Grayfox]

My wife's handwriting was crap even before she was a doctor.

I'm obligated to tell you that I ain't a real doctor.
Shame the government won't let me cut on folks since I don't have my medical license.

 

[BobK]

If typewriters were so great, they would still have widespread use.

^^^this.

Let us not forget under "typewriter cons", the density of the character on the paper depends on how hard the key was struck. My As, Qs, and Ps sometimes were noticeably lighter than F, R, U etc. Took a bit of practice to learn how to even that out.

 

[C_Moore]

I've noticed that the last comment here was posted nearly four years ago. That means that the majority of devices used to comment on this topic are already in a landfill somewhere while my 1935 Underwood Champion is still clacking away as strong as the day it came off the assembly line 83 years ago.

Danoff said "the typewriter is actually doing you a disservice by slowing you down." No, my friend, the computer is doing YOU a disservice by speeding you up. It's doing most of your thinking for you. Most people can't even spell simple words now because they rely on spell check to take care of everything.

Computers are superb... for video games, music, cute cat videos and porn. But for actually writing something of substance, they suck.

Last but not least, check out Ghana, Africa where there are MOUNTAINS of keyboards, printers, monitors and smart phones burning and seeping Mercury into the water. I wonder if the poor souls living in that wasteland would agree with the majority of commenters on this topic about how wonderful computers are.

 

[photonrider]

Welcome to GTPlanet! @C_Moore
Valid arguments - though I myself find comparing something mechanical to something which dies the second the plug is pulled is comparing apples to oranges. Or at the very least a banana - the ease of peeling beating out the apple.

Your post addresses environmental concerns caused by the computer/printer clan, and the lack of mental development that spell (and grammar) checkers encourage - true. And much of our modern electronic gadgets do end up in land fills sooner than a pencil or typewriter could wear out - also true.

But computer-based printing - from just a nine pin printer to full blown CNC machines are here to stay - an unfortunate fact of life. It is ours, I guess, to choose exactly when to regard it as a convenience and when to find it a danger - quite like anything else, gasoline-powered cars, air conditioners - everything else that contributes to the ill-health of our planet.

For me personally - there's nothing quite like using a type-writer - especially when writing anything of substance. This is when nothing else matters but the words themselves - not the font, not the pretty colours and pictures that go with the concepts being written out, not the amount of time taken or any sort of convenience. The great novels of this world were written out painstakingly on typewriters; the modern novels are thrashed out in months. And even printed in next to no time.

A typewriter has a special charm, ethos, empathy - call it what you will - with a writer.
I don't have to describe that further is one has ever engaged in clacking away at the typewriter engaged in writing that next block buster.

A computer/printer is great for even churning out the pizza order whilst you are still on the phone to the parlour. An apple of a different sort.

 

[Robin]

Although I haven't used one in a while I do think typewriters still have a place in the world for their ease of use and charm. I think all this stuff is making a comeback on the wave of nostalgia that's happening at the moment. Like how in the mid 00's everyone was jumping on MP3's and now people are flocking back to CD and Vinyl.

I never had a mechanical typewriter but I had one of the best convergences of tech created, the Electronic Typewriter. All the best of PC word processing without the trouble and it has outlived like 5 computers!

The amount of times I have faffed around with computer printers is endless, especially with it not printing properly or not printing at all. I'm kind of glad that I hardly have to actually print anything anymore because everything is digital now.

 

[F1GTR]

I like using typewriters for personal work (letters, notes that I include whenever I send off darkroom prints to friends) but I couldn't imagine writing my dissertation on one. The footnotes/referencing would drive me mad and I wouldn't have much in the way of version control. And this is coming from someone who generally prefers the old fashioned way of doing things: film cameras, darkroom printing, physical books, vinyl, actual coffee machines/french press instead of a Nespresso (but that's more of a waste thing).

Mechanical keyboard + Scrivener (in minimal mode) = perfect writing combo. Notes/outlines jotted on a notepad next to me, a fresh pot of coffee and an environment without any music but enough ambient noise so as not to feel like I'm sitting in a void. Perfect.

I do want an IBM Selectric though, just for that crazy looking golf ball that's used as a type head.

 

[daan]

Just a pity we can't ask this author of real substance any more.

From that, to this.

 

[MatskiMonk]

Danoff said "the typewriter is actually doing you a disservice by slowing you down." No, my friend, the computer is doing YOU a disservice by speeding you up. It's doing most of your thinking for you.

It really doesn't. I opened a blank word document this morning to start writing some notes for a patent. It's still blank, the computer has done none of thinking for me yet... perhaps I'll give it another day or so to see if it can come up with anything.

Most people can't even spell simple words now because they rely on spell check to take care of everything.

I can't spell the words I can't spell. Spell check corrects them for me. The lack of spell check doesn't mean I would learn how to spell those words I can't spell, it just means I would send out a lot more documents with spelling errors. The inclination to spell things properly does not come from the device.

Computers are superb... for video games, music, cute cat videos and porn. But for actually writing something of substance, they suck.

The freedom of editing allows for greater creativity with less effort, I really don't think that sucks - I think it's a tremendous benefit.

Last but not least, check out Ghana, Africa where there are MOUNTAINS of keyboards, printers, monitors and smart phones burning and seeping Mercury into the water. I wonder if the poor souls living in that wasteland would agree with the majority of commenters on this topic about how wonderful computers are.

Ghana's problems are not caused by the use of computers to type documents. Spent devices don't just disappear and respawn on the Gulf of Guinea, they get there because of decisions people willingly make, probably in the name of profit.

_

I understand that you may enjoy the experience of using a typewriter, and that is fine... however, as a tool it's objectively worse in nearly every respect, when compared to a computer.

 

[Danoff]

Danoff said "the typewriter is actually doing you a disservice by slowing you down." No, my friend, the computer is doing YOU a disservice by speeding you up. It's doing most of your thinking for you. Most people can't even spell simple words now because they rely on spell check to take care of everything.

Spelling is not "thinking". It's memorizing. Typewriters are not well compared to something like MS Word. It doesn't do any of the things that modern office software enables you to do. You "draft" a document in something like word. You format it, change it, rearrange it, highlight, make notes, revise, track changes. This is best compared to drafting a document on paper with a pencil. What the typewriter does is "print" the document. It's a manual print operation. My printer can make a perfect copy of what I've drafted in about 2 seconds. To type 20 pages (correctly) takes substantially longer than that. My printer can do it in color, with formatting lines, tables, charts, important visual features. Typewriters cannot.

Your printer is an objectively worse printer than my printer. If you're drafting on your typewriter (printer), you're stunting your creative process. If you're drafting on paper, you're mostly slowing yourself down.

If it works for you, great. Some people think best when they're doing yoga poses by a babbling brook. Whatever gets the juices flowing! But you should not be surprised that most people don't find it advantageous.