this post was submitted on 15 Jul 2026
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Typewriters
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Hi! If you have time, I'd advise you to read The Typewriter Revolution. It will give you an overview of the state of the typewriter world and market today, and will help you find your type (pun intended). And if you have questions, shoot!
Thanks for the advice. That sounds like something I want to check out—I do have questions about certain things (like getting replacement ribbons / cartridges).
That's the kind of info you'll find in the Typewriter Revolution, but I'll be happy to answer those as much as I can!
For the ribbons, there's no problem. These are still mass produced; I generally buy cheap Chinese ribbons and they do the trick perfectly. Others prefer high quality ribbons, which are also still produced but in lesser quantities, so they're anything but cheap. In fact the community lost a few weeks ago one of the only producers of high quality ribbons in America, but the offer still meets the demand. There's also the possibility to ink yourself your ribbons, that way you can have custom colours (or even a rainbow one)! It looks fun, that's something I want to try someday.
For the cartridges, it will heavily depends on the machine. Some brands are still produced (like the Nakajimas), so their cartridges are still produced. For others, it will depend. I avoid cartridge typewriters because of that, so I don't know much but I think the Selectric's cartridges, in spite the fact that the machines aren't produced anymore, are still produced too, so if you chose that brand it should be okay. For most others, you'll have to look on the second hand market, which is a gamble.
Yeah, I was thinking I would find that information in Typewriter Revolution, not that I needed an answer to it. I suspected, if nothing else, that I'd be able to re-ink an old ribbon if needed.
I suspect the Selectric cartridges would be available in some form. Given there were 13 million of these typewriters produced, I'm guessing quite a few of them are still in service, making it reasonable for the cartridges to be produced.
Anyway, thanks for the follow up. I'll do more research (although I do have my eye on a particular typewriter, mainly due to its' aesthetics).
Which one 😛?
Well, given that I've ordered it, I'll just show you: it's Royal Sprite in Cream and Navy Blue.
It is indeed beautiful! And it's a lightweight, you can take it anywhere.
Yup, very portable, and a manual… Making for a device that can be carried if needed. I likely won't be carrying it anywhere (unless there is a typewriter meetup in my area that I decide to attend).
The biggest thing, IMO, is the condition. You can see a bit of yellowing along the bottom, and on one of the keys…but otherwise it looks like it was barely used. I looked at others, but this one as definitely a stand-out for how well it's been maintained over the years.