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For well over a decade, experts in office automation have predicted the demise of the 
typewriter. In their view the computer is today's choice because of its versatility and
the fact it 
can perform word processing roles as well. With sales holding steady at over a million
units a 
year, the electronic typewriter does not appear endangered. 
Virtually anyone who has learned to key can sit down at the electronic typewriter and
within a 
few minutes operate it with amazing ease and speed. A familiar keyboard, which requires
fewer 
keystrokes and has a simpler, less code-intensive user interface, makes the transition to
a high-
end typewriter much easier than the transition to a personal computer with the same
functions. 
An electronic typewriter can perform some functions computers cannot, but a personal 
computer cannot be used as a mere typewriter. Perhaps that is why one large survey found
that 
85% of secretaries who use PC's also use typewriters. Using microchip technology,
sophisticated 
electronic typewriters can perform many of the automatic functions and editing functions
of 
which computers are capable. 
Among the features of electronic typewriters is automatic centering, right margin
justifying, 
and hang-indenting. These features are available on computers as well, but some users of
both 
types of equipment say that typewriters are more user friendly. 
Some electronic typewriters permit operators to backspace,delete, insert copy, move copy

from one place to another, and search and replace specific words or terms in a document.
Some 
are equipped with templates that make form fill-in easy; others permit the merging of 
information from different sources. All these functions are performed without re-keying 
documents. Computers require sophisticated software such as Microsoft Office to perform
these 
functions. The software is an additional cost that the user must pay for as well as try
to learn. 
Sophisticated electronic typewriters range from low-end machines with full-page displays,

diskette storage, and complete text-editing capabilities. The price range varies with the
amount 
of advanced features included. Some machines are upgradable so that the appropriate level
of 
sophistication can be obtained without replacing machines. Computers offer the same 
advancements, but the cost are tripled of that of a typewriter.
The typewriters and computers are very similar when used as word processors. They both 
offer basically the same features with only a few differences. The final decision is
which 
cost more or what the primary purpose it is used for.
References: PC World, June 2000