Who Invented The Selectric Typewriter?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The “golf ball” typing element shown here—also known as the type ball and “the single printing element” for its one-piece form—was the linchpin invention powering the Selectric. Thomas Watson Jr.

Who made the Selectric typewriter?

The result of “seven years of research,” the Selectric typewriter entered the national consciousness in 1961 and died only when its creator, IBM , began to create its electronic replacement.

Does IBM still make the Selectric typewriter?

The Selectric typewriter was discontinued in 1986 after 25 years of success. According to IBM, by 1986, the company sold 13 million Selectric typewriters worldwide.

Why did IBM develop the Selectric typewriter?

Selectric-based machines with data storage

In 1964 IBM introduced the “Magnetic Tape Selectric Typewriter” and in 1969, a “Magnetic Card Selectric Typewriter”. ... These machines were among the first to provide word processing capability in any form . They used the same elements as ordinary office Selectrics.

How much did an IBM Selectric cost new?

The International Business Machines Corporation announced that it had reduced the purchase price for its new Selectric 111 typewriter line by about 12 percent. The company said that the new purchase prices for the line range from $810 to $1,035 . The previous range was from $895 to $1,175.

Do they still make typewriters?

1. ​Typewriters, both manual and electric, are still made today . However, they probably aren’t what you’re looking for if you want something vintage and authentic. ... These new typewriters are cheaply manufactured in various factories in China and are not built with the same quality as the original machines were.

How much is an IBM Correcting Selectric III typewriter worth?

This item IBM Correcting Selectric III (3) ROYAL 69147T Scriptor II Typewriter , White Add to Cart Add to Cart Customer Rating 2.1 out of 5 stars (6) 3.8 out of 5 stars (78) Price $489 57 $317 01 Sold By Melardo Amazon.com

Are old IBM typewriters worth anything?

Typewriters that were made in the 1940s or earlier, especially those manufactured in the 19th century, may be worth some money if they’re still in working order. Non-working antique typewriters are typically worth about $50 , but refurbished models can earn $800 or more.

When was IBM Selectric invented?

The Selectric typewriter, launched in 1961 , was an overnight hit.

What is a correcting typewriter?

Correction paper, or correction film, its plastic based equivalent, is a tab of plastic with one side coated with white correction material. It is used to correct typing errors made when using a typewriter .

When did typewriters go out of style?

Typewriters were a standard fixture in most offices up to the 1980s . Thereafter, they began to be largely supplanted by personal computers running word processing software. Nevertheless, typewriters remain common in some parts of the world.

What company made the first electric typewriter?

Development of the IBM Electric typewriter

The first power operated machine of practical value was invented in 1914 by James Fields Smathers of Kansas City, Missouri. Mr.

How much is an Olivetti typewriter worth?

On average, fully serviced and restored typewriters can be worth up to $1,000 , and the earlier the model, the higher its estimated value. For example, a functional Olivetti Studio 42 from the 1940s is listed for $850, whereas a working Olivetti Lettera 32 is only listed for a little over $200.

How much did a typewriter cost in 1950?

Model Price ($) Effective Date A (12′′ carriage) 335 Oct. 22, 1948 365 Sept. 1, 1950 347 Dec. 19, 1951 375 March 16, 1953

What is an IBM Selectric worth?

You may also be wondering how much is an IBM Selectric typewriter worth? Price: $ 145.21 . This is something you should know.

How much did a typewriter cost in the 1800s?

Full keyboard typewriters were very expensive, costing between $60 and $100 (a clerk’s wage was $5 a week, with a horse drawn carriage costing between $40 & $70. ). With few second-hand machines to be had, a less expensive machine was needed. Thus, the “index machine” was born.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.