Manual Typewriter Buying Guide

Manual typewriters can be both a collectible and functional item to do some writing without the aid of a computer. A wide range of styles and types of manual typewriters is available. Here is some information that can be helpful when selecting a manual typewriter from the various affordable offerings on eBay.

Variable: This type features different styles and sizes of letters to allow for different font sizes and the ability to use italic, bold, and underline.

This type features different styles and sizes of letters to allow for different font sizes and the ability to use italic, bold, and underline. Electric: This type makes use of a motor to decrease the amount of energy needed for keystrokes.

This type makes use of a motor to decrease the amount of energy needed for keystrokes. Noiseless: This type features a bar that reduces the noise caused by the typing bar.

This type features a bar that reduces the noise caused by the typing bar. Portable: This type is designed with a small form factor to be carried around to different places. Some portable typewriters will also have a case built in with a handle for transportation.

This type is designed with a small form factor to be carried around to different places. Some portable typewriters will also have a case built in with a handle for transportation. Standard: This type can come in different sizes such as foolscap, policy, and brief sizes depending on the type of typing involved.

Front feed: Some typewriters have the option of adding a front feed that allows checks, orders, and receipts to be typed easier with a different paper loading option.

Some typewriters have the option of adding a front feed that allows checks, orders, and receipts to be typed easier with a different paper loading option. Carbon roller: This attachment allows for copies to be made without using special carbon paper to duplicate the typed text.

This attachment allows for copies to be made without using special carbon paper to duplicate the typed text. Card holder: This feature allows for thicker paper such as card stock to be fed into the typewriter by holding it in place.

This feature allows for thicker paper such as card stock to be fed into the typewriter by holding it in place. Continuous feed: This feature on some manual typewriters allows the use of perforated paper to feed multiple sheets into the typewriter without requiring you to manually feed sheets after the first one.