IBM selectric "golf ball" typing head. You could change fonts by pulling up the level and swapping out the dirty golf ball. Some of these typewriters were also capable of being used as early computer printers/terminals.
When I started in police work, every detective's office came with an IBM Selectric typewriter and your desk drawer had a handful of these print balls rolling around in them.
Typing on a Selectric was wonderful! If only my computer keyboard had that great key feel.
There still isn't anything better for filling out those multi-part forms that are still mandated by state law, or quickly doing an envelope for a one-time addressee, etc.
B0-121806 VICTIM PAID FOR CAR VIA INTERNET/WIRED MONEY/NEVER RCVD CAR
I'm sure it was an unbelievably great deal, a late-model very cool ride with low miles, in perfect condition, with plenty of hi-res professional-quality photos posted, and priced at only about 25% of market value. Oh, and the ad was on a site like Craigslist that SPECIFICALLY warned against wiring money for a vehicle purchase - but you know, it was such a great deal and...
Some time ago a recruit under the tutelage of an FTO was stricken with earth shaking problem, a ticket back to write and the computers were down. With quick response his FTO showed him the way to the old Selectric sitting in the report room corner. Now seeing his most unacceptable perform of the day before him, he reluctantly told the FTO, "I have never used a typewriter before". After the ribbing died down, and with the experience only and older officer can provide this upstarts, the Recruit was given his brief instruction on Selectric operation. And off he went. Shortly, however, the speed and robust typing stopped and only silence remained. As the seconds of silence ticked on, the FTO finally asked "Did a key stick" and received the response totally unexpected from the Recruit, "It doesn't text wrap."
The times they have changed. Certainly retirement must be around the corner for me.
That's a typewriter heah thingie...
ReplyDeleteFrom IBM Seletric typrwriter. To chane fonts you chnge this ball
ReplyDeleteCar 54
From IBM Seletric typrwriter. To chane fonts you chnge this ball
ReplyDeleteCar 54
Oh shades of the IBM Selectric that I used in typing class back in the day. Before it was called keyboarding!
ReplyDeleteIBM Selectric type ball with a 12 pitch.
ReplyDeleteHelvitca.
ReplyDeleteI know what it is but it also looks like a GI Joe hand-grenade.
ReplyDelete256
IBM selectric "golf ball" typing head. You could change fonts by pulling up the level and swapping out the dirty golf ball. Some of these typewriters were also capable of being used as early computer printers/terminals.
ReplyDeleteI still miss the sound of that old Selectric. The computer keyboard just doesn't have the same tactile joy.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started in police work, every detective's office came with an IBM Selectric typewriter and your desk drawer had a handful of these print balls rolling around in them.
ReplyDeleteTyping on a Selectric was wonderful! If only my computer keyboard had that great key feel.
Oh the memories of Jr. High typing class are flooding back.
ReplyDeleteThe best were the days we were given a set of instructions and in the end it made a picture of a turkey, Santa, Jack-O-Lantern etc.
Fun Times!
I agree 256 it did make me think of a G.I. Joe hand grenade at first glance!
That's easy. It was replaced by this.
ReplyDeleteMy new keyboard makes it easier to choose a font.
Looks like a part for an IBM Selectric typewriter of which I used to learn how to type in high school. What do they call it now? Keyboarding?
ReplyDeleteIt appears Arrrrg is into recycling!
ReplyDeleteI recently found one of these in my mother-in-laws drawers (no, not her underware). No one at work even knew what it was.
There still isn't anything better for filling out those multi-part forms that are still mandated by state law, or quickly doing an envelope for a one-time addressee, etc.
ReplyDeleteA scale model of Disney's Epcot Center?
ReplyDeleteMidevel Ben Wa Balls?
ReplyDeleteSteve-Obviously your mother-in-law has drawers that predate 1975....
ReplyDeleteAll this nostalgia kind of makes me want to whip out the Atari, play some pong, and listen to my Joe Walsh Funk 49 eight-track....
256
256:
ReplyDeleteI'm more inclined to do some calculations on my abacus, or at least my slide rule.
256--I found approx. 20 Atari games in my closet, would you like them? If not, what good are they? Wii! X-Box--"New and Improved."
ReplyDeleteChief,
ReplyDeleteOff-topic, but:
B0-121806 VICTIM PAID FOR CAR VIA INTERNET/WIRED MONEY/NEVER RCVD CAR
I'm sure it was an unbelievably great deal, a late-model very cool ride with low miles, in perfect condition, with plenty of hi-res professional-quality photos posted, and priced at only about 25% of market value. Oh, and the ad was on a site like Craigslist that SPECIFICALLY warned against wiring money for a vehicle purchase - but you know, it was such a great deal and...
Former Deputy D-
ReplyDeleteI'll open a Mickey's Malt Liquor in the green Wide-Mouth bottle and consider your generous offer.
After thinking it over, I'd say Goodwill is a great option for you.
Gotta go now. I'm practicing the "hustle" and the "electric slide". Almost broke my ankle on those stacked heel shoes.....
256
Letter Gothic, 12 point!
ReplyDeleteI used one of these in the 1980s on 11th Floor of the Capital.
DB
Thats what I learned to type on in junior high school in Beatrice, around 1988 or so.
ReplyDeleteSome time ago a recruit under the tutelage of an FTO was stricken with earth shaking problem, a ticket back to write and the computers were down. With quick response his FTO showed him the way to the old Selectric sitting in the report room corner. Now seeing his most unacceptable perform of the day before him, he reluctantly told the FTO, "I have never used a typewriter before". After the ribbing died down, and with the experience only and older officer can provide this upstarts, the Recruit was given his brief instruction on Selectric operation. And off he went. Shortly, however, the speed and robust typing stopped and only silence remained. As the seconds of silence ticked on, the FTO finally asked "Did a key stick" and received the response totally unexpected from the Recruit, "It doesn't text wrap."
ReplyDeleteThe times they have changed. Certainly retirement must be around the corner for me.