When did IBM Selectric II come out?
1971
In 1971, the Selectric II was released, with sharper corners and squarer lines, as well as new features such as the ability to change “pitch” from 10 to 12 characters per inch and, starting in 1973, a ribbon to correct mistakes.
How much did an IBM Selectric II cost?
It cost about $3,000 in today’s dollars and feature a replaceable type ball that improved typing speeds immensely. Unlike other typewriters, which struck the paper with hammers, it used golf ball-like type heads embossed with a full set of alphanumeric characters.
Who invented the IBM Selectric typewriter?
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.
When did IBM stop making Selectric typewriters?
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.
How did the Selectric work?
The IBM Selectric typewriter was a highly successful line of electric typewriters introduced by IBM on 31 July 1961. The Selectric mechanism was notable for using internal mechanical binary coding and two mechanical digital-to-analog converters, called whiffletree linkages, to select the character to be typed.
How much does an IBM Selectric weigh?
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 22 x 15 x 7 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 36.9 pounds |
| ASIN | B01M5C1LAE |
| Item model number | IBM Selectric II |
| Customer Reviews | 2.3 out of 5 stars 17 ratings 2.3 out of 5 stars |
How much does an IBM Selectric II weigh?
Are old electric typewriters worth anything?
How much is an electric typewriter worth? An older machine in working condition runs about $200. If you have a great typewriter repair store, you can find non-working typewriters from this vintage for $50 and under. Refurbished vintage typewriters can be had from $200 all the way up to $800!
When was the electric typewriter introduced?
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.
How does IBM Selectric work?
Are old IBM Selectric 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.
What does Selectric mean?
Filters. Introduced in 1961 by IBM, the Selectric was the first typewriter to use a golf ball-like type element that moved across the paper, rather than moving the paper carriage past the individual character hammers. Allowing different fonts to be used by easily switching balls, the Selectric became extremely popular.
What was the last typewriter made by IBM?
1966 The IBM Selectric Composer and Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer are introduced. 1967 IBM introduces in April the Model D Executive Typewriter and the IBM Model D Standard Typewriter, the last IBM typebar typewriters. In all, the Model D incorporates some 250 improvements over the Model C at the time of its introduction.
What was the golf ball on an IBM Selectric typewriter?
Instead of the “basket” of individual typebars that swing up to strike the ribbon and page in a typical typewriter of the period, the Selectric had an “element” (frequently called a “typeball”, or less formally, a “golf ball”) that rotated and pivoted to the correct position before striking.
How many characters are in an IBM Selectric typewriter?
Some versions of the Electronic Typewriter, the original Model 50, and the later Model 65 and 85, could use 96-character elements with proportionally-spaced typestyles in addition to 10-pitch and 12-pitch typestyles.
When did the IBM Selectric 2 come out?
In 1971, the Selectric II was released, with sharper corners and squarer lines, as well as new features such as the ability to change “pitch” from 10 to 12 characters per inch and, starting in 1973, a ribbon to correct mistakes.