I learned to type at the age of 14, and yes, I learned to type on an actual typewriter, the IBM Selectric. I kind of loved it, the clicking and carriage return. There was something soothing about it and electrifying at the same time. Just how fast could I go?
I had no problem switching over to a computer keyboard. Let's face it, that was magic of a different sort. But the typewriter still lingers as a form of romance. The clicking of a computer keyboard will never match the satisfying sound of typewriter keys striking an impression into paper. Until now, anyway.
Enter Tom Hanks (the actor), who's been collecting typewriters over the last thirty years. Working with a developer, he's created an app for the iPad that combines the ease and speed of your tablet with the sound and pacing of a manual typewriter. You can retain that original typewriter speed for deleting, by using the DELETE key for erasing, one character at a time. Or you can turn it off and use a modern delete speed.
I have to say, it's really fun! It's also free, with additional purchase options through the app. Even better, you can save your typed documents as they appear on your screen, print them out, and email them. I'm in love! Now, off to write the great American novel...
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