Typewriters & Typewriter Supplies

Typewriters and typewriter supplies are essential to old-school writers and creatives who like to see their work on paper as they type. In time, there have been improvements that make them easier and more convenient for people who prefer to use them. The added features have increased the ease in writing as well as increased productivity. Browse the wide selection of typewriters and typewriter supplies at Staples in the shredders, projectors, and office machines sections.

Consider the features
Typewriters are portable; a user can carry the machine and write from anywhere. Most typewriters feature the QWERTY keyboard. They feature sturdy carriages of varied sizes that can hold different sizes of paper in place. Ribbons are typically black, while bi-colored ribbons are in black and red, and they may come in different widths. They're nylon, which is a hard-wearing material, offering long life as long as the ribbon remains inked. Typewriters come in electric and manual formats. Electric typewriters need access to a regular power outlet, while manual units work anywhere. 

Writing convenience for users
Select models come with a handled carry case, making portability even more convenient. The carriage return lever allows the writer to create distinct paragraphs and chapters. The typewriter margin stop defines the writing margins on the paper. Select electric typewriters have 20-keystroke buffers that allow easy corrections of typos and accommodates fast typists with its 12-character-per-second speed. Some machines offer a variety of font types so that writers can choose a convenient one for their writing needs for readability or saving paper. Underlining, indentation, and centering features make it easy to format the documents. Typewriters often feature auto-return keys, relocation features, automatic backspace caps lock, and paper ejection technology, which all make writing faster and more fun, reducing errors in the work.

Various typewriter supplies
A correctable ribbon comes in handy, allowing writers to cover unwanted lines or words in white color to allow smooth writing. The lift-off correction tape removes the letter or word from the paper, while the cover-up corrector covers the words, and users can choose a more fitting one. The starter kits provide bulk ribbons and lift-off tapes, which makes them economical to purchase and convenient for long-term use.

What is the compatibility of lift-off tapes and ribbons with typewriters?
Lift-off tapes and ribbons are either compatible with a certain brand of machine or are universal, working well with a wide range of typewriters. Check labels before purchase to ensure you get the correct lift-off tape and ribbon for your typewriter. 

What is the lifespan of a ribbon?
Most ribbons yield up to 180,000 words and about 700 pages of material. Some are even re-inkable, giving users long-term service. However, ribbons may need changing, and you can order whenever there is a need for change. They have a shelf life of a number of years provided they stay in their original packaging, so it's possible to order more than one ribbon at a time.

Do typewriters have ribbon switch features?
Some machines come with ribbon color selector switches for flexibility of highlighting chapters, titles, or any other writing that the writer wants to stand out on the page.