Definitely a SM. Maybe something like a Lettera 32 for the ultra-portable. Looks are one thing, but dependability would be my main priority for typing duties overseas.
H3k seems like a good choice. Sturdy, durable and comfortable. Probably a Hermes Rocket for the ultraportable. Good luck in the negotiations for your future (:
Although I'm partial to the H3K, I know firsthand they don't stand up well to impacts. I think I'd take an SM as my main machine. As for the portable, I'm going to say a Skywriter even though I don't have one yet. They just seem like the toughest of the little ones.
Being away for only a month with only my Lettera 22 for English typing use has made me miss all of my others very much… I'm afraid I'm too attached to even be able to choose just one. I could narrow it down to 5. But not really more.
SM3/Torpedo with a modified lighter case, or no case at all! *heckyuspunchtheair* Or… my new favourite the Oliver Courier Portable. (It's the size of a Olivetti 22! Only downside to the model is the malleable like body…) Mini-me's wise – Maybe a Splendid or one of your many Hermes Babies 😉
Of all the the ones heartily recommended, I only have had actual experience with the Olympia SM8/9. I have no hesitation nor reservation in recommending those. They have been great for me in all ways.
Wow -12 comments already. Before reading them, here's my two cents. I'll assume that the risk of loss of what you take is limited to the normal vagaries of airline travel. Take one that makes you happy. But not happiest – leave that one safe at home. Take one that is straightforward to get out of its case and typing. And of course, it should be very, very pleasant to type on – no quirks at all. this does not necessarily completely overlap completely with the happy criteria, which could include the rare ones, or those that make you happy because you were able to resuscitate them from near death.
So, given all that, for me those criteria would fit my Hermes 3K, (but only if I had two off them!). Or an S-C Skyriter for its tough compactness and pleasant typing feel.
OK – now the fun of reading the other suggestions!
PS — And, of course, the best of luck that you are able to embrace this opportunity. In which case of course we all will be looking forward to the posts. From any typer at all!
Same as Tony, upfront my suggestions, and this is how I would proceed: pre-select about five of the machines, then type on them a bit, and choose one. In the end, I would say it doesn't matter much which one you take, because it will be the one you take with you, and this will be your machine. Meaning that the act of embracing one will make it this special machine.
Mmmm that SM9 of mine would certainly do. I'm not sure if the L32 is much of a traveller though, as it is about twice the thickness of – say, my Kolibri.
You're right on the differences between the SM3 and the Hermes 3000. The H3K's bodywork is a bit on the soft-side compared to the SM3. And the SM3 has that almost amour plated case.
Oh that's interesting. I do have a couple of those, but I find them quite inferior to most of my machines. That said, you're right – no one is going to shed a tear if it gets busted up, which is why I described the environment that it would be getting used in.
(raised eyebrow) Oh? This is an interesting option. I don't have one, but I think this sort of sit along the same lines at the previous sperry rem comment. I'd be interested in giving one a go.
Oddly enough I haver an SM3 which I brought back to life (yet to be featured on my blog) from an awful state. It has a couple of scars, but would be perfect for this. Indeed, it was the SM3 that I wrote this post on.
I actually have 5 H3K machines – three of which are the nice 1950's version featured above. One of which cost me $3.
I like your line of thinking. Really, almost all of my machines have been posted to me when I received them, and have withstood the 'travel test'. I'd like to think all of them are priceless and invaluable machines, but really they are only priceless and invaluable if I have them to use.
The Skyriter seems to be a popular choice. I personally don't have either an SF or a Skyriter. But it doesn't mean I can't get them. Thanks for the suggestions!
For me it would be a no-brainer given the criteria. Lettera 32 punches way above its weight and means I wouldn't need to take two typewriters. Also pretty easy to fix compared to, say, an H3K.
Wow, I will be the first to say this (sadly, c'mon people!) but if I could bring ONE typewriter with me somewhere for some serious writing it would HAVE to be a 1940s Royal Aristocrat/QDL/Arrow. They are simply the best typewriters I think, and they are so reliable, and you don't have to cry if it gets lost or damaged because they are easy enough to replace. Now, I did just get my first Torpedo and it might steal the title, time will tell, but it would be far too precious I think. Hemingway trusted a Royal, you can too!
And if I could sneak a portable it would be toss up between the junky Royal Mercury I bought as an expendable travel tyepwriter (I am writing all the places it has been on the case, would love to add more) or an Olivetti Lettera like pretty much everyone else said.
Ha ha. Why not, everything is up for discussion here. I have two, a round key and a square key. Mind you, the square key is going to be a gift sometime soon.
That obese case that is on the Classic 12 is also on the 5 series onwards. The advantage with that case, is that it looks like luggage, and I can even throw in a few t-shirts.
My concern with the Royals, is that at their age they aren't the same machines that they used to be in Hemingway's time. Mind you, it would be a cracker of a piece to have in the house when people that are essentially of the 'new, flash and sharp' mindset come by.
I'd go with with Smith Corona Classic 12. It types great, has the solid oversized case where I could pack other things around it, is usually easy to find parts for, and I can type blazingly fast on it.
For the ultra-portable, I'd go with my bicycle typer, a Signature 440T made of ABS plastic. More weather proof, durable, and don't care as much if something happened, like damage or theft. I love traveling with my Tippa S, but couldn't bear losing it.
I had to pull out both my L22 and L32 to check it out. In my view there is less than half an inch of a difference between these two (and in not all directions), the weight is comparable too so I'm not so sure about that “smaller” thing… 😉 Therefore it comes to a personal preference but I would agree with Ton (and a few others) about the L22 for the “traveller” position if you're concerned about its safety – plenty of these still around on a cheap. And for the mid-size – if safety/robustness is a concern my vote goes to Olympia, if not – take whatever give you the most typing pleasure.
Hermes hermes hermes! For the love, maybe. But an Olivetti for sheer practicality and parts replacement. Would be sad to see the Brisbane typosphere lose you! (Don't worry, I have a theory: everyone comes back to Brisbane eventually). ((although in the current political context, that sounds a bit like Chinese revenge))
I can assure you that I'd be coming back. The contract is for a limited period – and I can pretty much assure you that we're not likely to want to stay there long term. Good advice with the Olivetti. It is a machine that I frequently have been able to repair with a very limited set of tools.
The Filthy Platen 
Mid-size portable? SM3. Travel-size? Skyriter.
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Hmm! Where is this, Qatar or something?
I think I'd take a Torpedo 18 or an SM9, and an Olympia SF.
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Definitely a SM. Maybe something like a Lettera 32 for the ultra-portable. Looks are one thing, but dependability would be my main priority for typing duties overseas.
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H3k seems like a good choice. Sturdy, durable and comfortable. Probably a Hermes Rocket for the ultraportable. Good luck in the negotiations for your future (:
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Traveller: Lettera 22.
Medium: Hermes 3000
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Although I'm partial to the H3K, I know firsthand they don't stand up well to impacts. I think I'd take an SM as my main machine. As for the portable, I'm going to say a Skywriter even though I don't have one yet. They just seem like the toughest of the little ones.
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H3K and Lettera 32 if you can fit it.
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Being away for only a month with only my Lettera 22 for English typing use has made me miss all of my others very much… I'm afraid I'm too attached to even be able to choose just one. I could narrow it down to 5. But not really more.
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Exclusively for writing, not having to be afraid I would break something during the traveling or by the sand, probably one of my Sperry Remington's.
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My Smith-Corona Classic 12.
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SM3/Torpedo with a modified lighter case, or no case at all! *heckyuspunchtheair*
Or… my new favourite the Oliver Courier Portable. (It's the size of a Olivetti 22! Only downside to the model is the malleable like body…)
Mini-me's wise – Maybe a Splendid or one of your many Hermes Babies 😉
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Of all the the ones heartily recommended, I only have had actual experience with the Olympia SM8/9. I have no hesitation nor reservation in recommending those. They have been great for me in all ways.
Hope it works out well for you.
== Michael Höhne
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Wow -12 comments already. Before reading them, here's my two cents. I'll assume that the risk of loss of what you take is limited to the normal vagaries of airline travel. Take one that makes you happy. But not happiest – leave that one safe at home. Take one that is straightforward to get out of its case and typing. And of course, it should be very, very pleasant to type on – no quirks at all. this does not necessarily completely overlap completely with the happy criteria, which could include the rare ones, or those that make you happy because you were able to resuscitate them from near death.
So, given all that, for me those criteria would fit my Hermes 3K, (but only if I had two off them!). Or an S-C Skyriter for its tough compactness and pleasant typing feel.
OK – now the fun of reading the other suggestions!
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PS — And, of course, the best of luck that you are able to embrace this opportunity. In which case of course we all will be looking forward to the posts. From any typer at all!
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Same as Tony, upfront my suggestions, and this is how I would proceed: pre-select about five of the machines, then type on them a bit, and choose one. In the end, I would say it doesn't matter much which one you take, because it will be the one you take with you, and this will be your machine. Meaning that the act of embracing one will make it this special machine.
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The Olympia SF or Skyriter, both can be replace.
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You know. I love my SM3, and I think it is one of my top 3 take away options. But I have yet to write on a Skyriter!
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*cough* errrr…….. yes actually.
Somehow I thought you might say Torpedo. I'm seriously considering my Bluebird.
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Mmmm that SM9 of mine would certainly do. I'm not sure if the L32 is much of a traveller though, as it is about twice the thickness of – say, my Kolibri.
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Well… we're still at the stage where I'm waiting to hear the term 'shortlist' and 'interview', but we'll see what happens.
H3K is definitely do-able. And I have enough Hermes Baby machines that I wouldn't be to upset if one got damaged in transit.
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Oh, this is a surprise! I do love the style of the L22, and its smaller profile is much better suited than the L32.
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You're right on the differences between the SM3 and the Hermes 3000. The H3K's bodywork is a bit on the soft-side compared to the SM3. And the SM3 has that almost amour plated case.
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Mmmm. I think I might be struggling to fit the H3K into my shoulder-bag. I might have to give it a try.
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How did you find the L22 for serious typing?
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Oh that's interesting. I do have a couple of those, but I find them quite inferior to most of my machines. That said, you're right – no one is going to shed a tear if it gets busted up, which is why I described the environment that it would be getting used in.
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(raised eyebrow) Oh? This is an interesting option. I don't have one, but I think this sort of sit along the same lines at the previous sperry rem comment. I'd be interested in giving one a go.
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Modified case? Mmmmm. Interesting!
Yeah, this sounds like an idea – mind you, my Russian Hermes may not work so well 😛
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Thanks Michael! I actually have an Olympia SM9 that would be perfect for this. Excellent working order, while being cosmetically a bit shot.
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Oddly enough I haver an SM3 which I brought back to life (yet to be featured on my blog) from an awful state. It has a couple of scars, but would be perfect for this. Indeed, it was the SM3 that I wrote this post on.
I actually have 5 H3K machines – three of which are the nice 1950's version featured above. One of which cost me $3.
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Oh, I've even been thinking of adding an additional blog, for my o-seas adventures, if they happen.
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I like your line of thinking. Really, almost all of my machines have been posted to me when I received them, and have withstood the 'travel test'. I'd like to think all of them are priceless and invaluable machines, but really they are only priceless and invaluable if I have them to use.
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The Skyriter seems to be a popular choice. I personally don't have either an SF or a Skyriter. But it doesn't mean I can't get them. Thanks for the suggestions!
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For me it would be a no-brainer given the criteria. Lettera 32 punches way above its weight and means I wouldn't need to take two typewriters. Also pretty easy to fix compared to, say, an H3K.
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I've used my square-key 22 quite a bit this NaNo, and it's performing well. I haven't used the round-key as much, it needs a ribbon.
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I know you were asking nick there but thought I should put it near the topic.
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I would feel the same about a brother – tolerable to use, tough as nails, cheap as dirt.
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In that case I would consider a plastic SCM such as a corsair for the bag. No tears if they are lost, but they perform well enough.
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well, a Classic 12 is a little fat, I would think. worth a pair of H3k's spacially-wise when you consider the suitcase.
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Wow, I will be the first to say this (sadly, c'mon people!) but if I could bring ONE typewriter with me somewhere for some serious writing it would HAVE to be a 1940s Royal Aristocrat/QDL/Arrow. They are simply the best typewriters I think, and they are so reliable, and you don't have to cry if it gets lost or damaged because they are easy enough to replace. Now, I did just get my first Torpedo and it might steal the title, time will tell, but it would be far too precious I think.
Hemingway trusted a Royal, you can too!
And if I could sneak a portable it would be toss up between the junky Royal Mercury I bought as an expendable travel tyepwriter (I am writing all the places it has been on the case, would love to add more) or an Olivetti Lettera like pretty much everyone else said.
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There's a thought. And they have a great looking setup with the exposed ribbon spools.
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Ha ha. Why not, everything is up for discussion here.
I have two, a round key and a square key. Mind you, the square key is going to be a gift sometime soon.
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That obese case that is on the Classic 12 is also on the 5 series onwards. The advantage with that case, is that it looks like luggage, and I can even throw in a few t-shirts.
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L32 hey? You know… I have an L33… which gives it a nice feel for style. I like your thinking.
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My concern with the Royals, is that at their age they aren't the same machines that they used to be in Hemingway's time. Mind you, it would be a cracker of a piece to have in the house when people that are essentially of the 'new, flash and sharp' mindset come by.
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I'd go with with Smith Corona Classic 12. It types great, has the solid oversized case where I could pack other things around it, is usually easy to find parts for, and I can type blazingly fast on it.
For the ultra-portable, I'd go with my bicycle typer, a Signature 440T made of ABS plastic. More weather proof, durable, and don't care as much if something happened, like damage or theft. I love traveling with my Tippa S, but couldn't bear losing it.
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I had to pull out both my L22 and L32 to check it out. In my view there is less than half an inch of a difference between these two (and in not all directions), the weight is comparable too so I'm not so sure about that “smaller” thing… 😉 Therefore it comes to a personal preference but I would agree with Ton (and a few others) about the L22 for the “traveller” position if you're concerned about its safety – plenty of these still around on a cheap. And for the mid-size – if safety/robustness is a concern my vote goes to Olympia, if not – take whatever give you the most typing pleasure.
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Hermes hermes hermes! For the love, maybe.
But an Olivetti for sheer practicality and parts replacement.
Would be sad to see the Brisbane typosphere lose you! (Don't worry, I have a theory: everyone comes back to Brisbane eventually). ((although in the current political context, that sounds a bit like Chinese revenge))
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I can assure you that I'd be coming back. The contract is for a limited period – and I can pretty much assure you that we're not likely to want to stay there long term.
Good advice with the Olivetti. It is a machine that I frequently have been able to repair with a very limited set of tools.
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Signature 440T! That's interesting. Not quite throw-in-your-luggage size, but not a bad machine though.
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