Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I thought I'd add my tuppence-worth!
If I'd seen this thread when it was created (which I did not as I had no internet at the time), I would have replied stating that I would love to try a typewriter but had never used one. Well, about a month ago I picked one up and as such, I can now give my views on them.
I found an advert on Freecycle from somebody who was giving away a typewriter, so I immediately replied and a few days later picked up a mint condition AEG Olympia Compact i electronic typewriter with three spare ribbons, spare lift-off tapes and the instruction manual.
After reading the manual I fired it up and got to grips with it. My first thought was how I have managed to get this far without trying one. They are absolutely fantastic.
I have always enjoyed typing, but never realised how much more satisfying it is to see the words being stamped onto the paper as you type, rather than onto a computer screen and thereafter onto paper via a printer.
Of course, you will make typing errors, even I do, but that is where the lift-off tape (or similar eraser method) comes in.
With my AEG, as long as you realise your mistake before you leave that line, you can go back, erase the letter/word and re-type it. Simples.
Of course, if you have already hit return and THEN notice it, you will have to use correction fluid, reset the typewriter to the spot you want to print, and re-type it that way. It won't look as good, but hopefully with practice you won't have to do it often, if at all.
The first few times I wrote letters with mine I was making mistakes here, there and everywhere, but now I can type up a whole 2-3 page letter with only a couple of errors which I pick up before leaving the line and, as such, can correct without any signs of the mistake ever existing.
All-in-all, I would not be without my Olympia now. Even though I only use it about once a week - it is my weekly treat.
Here is a picture of it in all its electronic top-of-the-range glory:
