The iTypewriter is a new device, or rather, a rehash of an old device, that enables typing on the iPad. It’s a gadget that makes retro meet urban, old school meet contemporary and analog meet digital.
Austin Yang’s iTypewriter is a quirky device that adds the interface of an old school typewriter to the iPad. The look and feel of the typewriter is retained while giving it a digital edge. The old school typewriter’s type bar pressed against the paper to type out a letter once the corresponding button for the letter was pressed; similarly on pressing the buttons of the iTypewriter, the type bar strikes the corresponding letters on the iPad keyboard. So a direct typing process on the iPad gets unnecessary steps added to it
The iTypewriter according to Austin Yang brings back the tactile feeling of typing, a feeling that’s been erased from our memories. It also gives an opportunity for senior citizens to type on the iPad because they have a sense of familiarity with the retro typewriter. Austin Yang feels that the iTypewriter is a better way of typing.
It’s obvious that Austin is a little carried away with his invention. The world is now very familiar with the touch interface of the iPad and typing on it is simply a piece of cake. We don’t need another device to type on our handheld device Austin. The iTypewriter, though, is another way in which one can be nostalgic about the past and revere old school technology. It is more of an art piece than a functional addition to the iPad. It works well as a showpiece, something that can get your friends’ momentary appreciation and prove that you’re a true blue hipster. It also brings back the old world experience of being a lonely, destitute writer giving life to his creativity on his typewriter for the 21st century.
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