Hi, and welcome to the forum. It always helps to mention where you live as the availability of certain brands and models can vary greatly by region.

My first recommendation concerns the category of typewriter you should buy: If you are planning on using a typewriter for hardcore writing, in other words novel-length works or shorter essays that over time would equal a novel, then I would buy a standard and stay well clear of portable and ultra-portable machines. Standard typewriters are better suited to sustained periods of typing and are more durable than portables in this regard.

It's difficult to recommend a specific machine since most often you'll be limited to what is available on the used market in your area. You could always buy one online, but then you won't be able to examine the typewriter before you pay for it, and there's a good chance it will be damaged - especially when it comes to standard models - during shipping.

I would suggest starting off with letting us know roughly where you live. From there I'd be happy to look at your local listings and recommend a few models. At that point you could look over the machine in person and even type a page to see how you work with it.

With respect to your comments on switching from a word processor to a typewriter, it's exactly what I did several years ago. The process of writing is completely different, and I've found there are far fewer distractions. My own process is to punch out a first draft on the typewriter and then edit it with pen, and then type out the edited copy. I don't go near the computer with it until it's a final draft, and at that point I use OCR software to scan the typed pages and create a digital copy of my work. 

I had a quick look at the Wilmington Craigslist and found a couple of possibilities. First there's a Remington Speed-Riter that is claimed to be in good condition. They're asking $100, but I wouldn't pay more than $60. I got my Speed-Riter from a journalist who used it for over twenty years and it still types wonderfully. 

Another possibility is this Royal KHM. The seller thinks it's from the '40s, but I'm fairly certain it's a '30s model. No price listed, and apparently some keys "stick", which usually is a simple matter of just cleaning the machine. Again, around $50 would be a fair deal. There's another Royal listed - a later model - but they're asking a ridiculous $350 for it.

I don't know if those listings are close to you, but you would do well to end up with either of those machines. If it doesn't work out or if you want more suggestions I can search other listings in your region for you.

 

theoctavis wrote:

thank you so much Uwe! (are you german?) I am at a loss to be honest, so much info to wade through. .so you are a godsend.  I will gladly take any suggestion you have, should you see something noteworthy!  what is your "main" typewriter btw?
 

(please pardon my ignorance.. that is exactly what it is, ignorance!) Are those older machines still capable/easy to maintain and get stuff for(i guess ribbons ? ) 

I can tell you that even though some machines are more plentiful than others, the best thing you can do is to look at a few, and test them out a little bit--sort of what you would do when buying a used car.  You'll have to just look to see what is out there--particularly in your area.  I have learned that some models uncommon in other parts of the world, even other parts of the country, can be had in scads in other parts.  I have learned, for example, that Underwood 150 typewriters, while plentiful here in Texas, are rare in other parts of the country.  Olympia S-series portables, I have only seen three in my entire life.  I've seen a lot of SG Olympia uprights, though, and serviced quite a few.  As for the era of what machines were the easiest to maintain,  more or less it really doesn't matter.  If a typewriter was taken care of, it should still last you whether it was made pre-World War I or post-Vietnam era.  Ribbons, I've been hearing things about there availability in general.  But for now, if you can find a computer cartridge that contains half-inch nylon ribbon in an office supply store at all, grab it.  Keep your original spools and wind the new ribbon on basically the same way the old ribbon was wound on.  I hope this helps.