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twodogsbarking

(19,815 posts)

16. In about 1983 the company I worked for bought an IBM Selectric with erase key. Cost $1,200.

Mon Apr 6, 2026, 10:28 AM

Apr 6

I still have it but the erase key doesn't work. It has been is storage above the garage for 30 years. Not sure I could lift it now. Accounting in college but no calculators. Had to add work papers mentally. Typing papers was frustrating. No mistakes allowed. Hit the wrong key and start over. Your brain can do wonders even if ya ain't that smart.

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SheltieLover Attilatheblond HAB911 BoomaofBandM Wednesdays

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AI Forces College Professor to Get Typewriters for Entire Class [View all] HAB911 Apr 6 OP

Very groovy... wcmagumba Apr 6 #1

Seems like a pen and paper might be easier. But I do think reversion to analog skills might soon Scrivener7 Apr 6 #2

much cheaper for sure HAB911 Apr 6 #3

pretty sure u can get used typewriters cheap. mopinko Apr 6 #4

The ones I've seen for sale online are hundreds of dollars. highplainsdem Apr 6 #5

There Are Plenty Free Models ProfessorGAC Apr 6 #24

But they're typewriters. They don't fit in a purse or a pocket very well. Scrivener7 Apr 6 #38

Because newspapers are so reliable? SocialDemocrat61 Apr 6 #22

More than the places where most get their news online. Scrivener7 Apr 6 #39

No source is completely reliable SocialDemocrat61 Apr 6 #40

Obviously. Scrivener7 Apr 6 #41

Quote from a student: "This might sound bad, but I was forced to actually think about the problem on my own instead of highplainsdem Apr 6 #6

Omg! Having to think on their own? 😱 SheltieLover Apr 6 #8

OMG! 2naSalit Apr 6 #19

I love this! SheltieLover Apr 6 #7

They simply need to get AI out of classrooms. Which is unfortunately impossible with remote learning. highplainsdem Apr 6 #9

Yes, they do need to get ai out of classrooms! SheltieLover Apr 6 #10

I posted about typewriters a couple of months ago - DURHAM D Apr 6 #11

Where do you find typewriter ribbons? mainer Apr 6 #12

Ummm, ask AI??? yagotme Apr 6 #18

Online, or some office supply stores. highplainsdem Apr 6 #21

Try here radical noodle Apr 6 #23

That's why I jettisoned my beloved Selectric III LSparkle Apr 6 #25

I kick myself HAB911 Apr 6 #28

Great Idea! MineralMan Apr 6 #13

Some profs and colleges (and even high schools) are going to oral exams only. TygrBright Apr 6 #14

Bring back blue books! Scrivener7 Apr 7 #42

Wait - you can still buy typewriters? n/t SpankMe Apr 6 #15

In about 1983 the company I worked for bought an IBM Selectric with erase key. Cost $1,200. twodogsbarking Apr 6 #16

I remember that behemoth machine. Had Selectric envy for a bit of time. Attilatheblond Apr 6 #27

I remember my grandfather running his finger down Scrivener7 Apr 7 #43

The headline is misleading nuxvomica Apr 6 #17

AI equals brain rot. Lonestarblue Apr 6 #20

My big brother got me a portable Olivetti typewriter when I was 10. Kept it until I was 40 Attilatheblond Apr 6 #26

That's what I have! A portable Olivetti Lettera mainer Apr 6 #30

I could see AI being used to address these issues. David__77 Apr 6 #29

I remember taking typing back in High School LetMyPeopleVote Apr 6 #31

I wanted to graduate early, so..... HAB911 Apr 6 #32

I'm so glad I took typing class in HS at the start of the personal computer age... wcmagumba Apr 6 #33

funny how things work out HAB911 Apr 6 #34

The word processor Wifes husband Apr 6 #35

Exactly right. DavidDvorkin Apr 6 #37

The advent of the word processor gave me two careers. Intractable Apr 7 #44

Now they too can go get ribbons off the electronic bay! Initech Apr 6 #36