ADLEPOCH ROYAL EPOCH MANUAL, PORTABLE TYPEWRITER by Generic

Well, I guess there's no way of keeping this short. But as the photo shows, I have a 1963 Royal Safari, which after 55 years has a right to be a little wonky (especially with its crappy push-button "magic margins") and the 2018 Royal Epoch that just arrived today.I can't write with my hands anymore. . .either incipient Parkinson's or some more ominous neurological problem has made that impossible (we're working this out). I can't write checks, can't inscribe the books I publish, can't do anything with a pen. But I can type. And the 1963 Royal was mostly, well, OK. . .But you get the idea.55 years of someone's thinking about typewriters (who thinks about typewriters now? I want to meet the people at the plant in North Carolina) has resulted, in the Epoch, in some absolutely basic changes that are magnificent. If you want to set the margins, you push down on the left and right buttons on the back of the carriage and you set them. It couldn't be simpler. The touch, compared to the 1963 Royal, is a gift to quick typers, and after a day of use I haven't found a downside yet. If you actually want portability (I don't), the Epoch, made of high-impact plastic mostly, weighs in at about 10 pounds, while the 1963 weighs in at about 15. That's actually a significant reduction in weight if you want to haul this around. Mostly, though, after spending years wrestling with annoying desktop and laptop software problems, I just want to put something physically in place and know it will do exactly what it's supposed to.I could probably have continued to get by with the 1963 Royal, but I love seeing the thinking behind the 2018 version. And what a trip that people are still buying typewriters. . .Maybe they're all like me, and a typewriter is actually essential. But I imagine some people just forget and are now remembering. My youngest children, ages 4 and 6, who mostly use iPads, are entranced with the typewriters. "Why would anyone MAKE anything that complicated?", they ask. Of course iPads and MacAirs are simplicity itself. . .Oh--be aware--the instruction manual is charming because in English it's only 3 pages long (aussi pour des autres langues)--either you already know what you're buying or you don't--you don't need much advice. It's like flying a Cessna 152. But don't try typing right out of the box until you look at p. 1 of the instruction manual. There are three plastic stops--two on the sides, one on the return handle (these all have plastic pull rings, which identifies them), and most deviously--to prevent key movement in shipping--a heavy piece of wire that crosses all the keys and looks as if it belongs there. It doesn't. Squeeze both sides of it to take it out, and voila! You're ready to go. And remember that with portable manuals, you have to lift the return lever up slightly while pushing it across or it will hit the body of the typewriter. It's a classic argument about how much vertical tension return levers should have.What a gift from Royal. Thank you.

While purists may scoff at this machine for it being mostly plastic, don't worry. Yes, this typewriter is mostly made of plastic. About seven different types. But plastic has come a long way in 55 years. The only three areas where I have concerns about the plastic used are the ribbon spool mechanisms, the body lid, and the type slugs.The ribbon spool assemblies are all plastic. I wonder how the ribbon reverse mechanism will hold up over time. The cover that goes on top of the machine is ever so slightly loose when snapped into place and prone to rattle. The type slugs are plastic but pressed onto metal type bars. I'm not too concerned about the typeslugs because they are beefy and look sturdy.The machine has many nice features, including fully functional tabs, a paper stand that swings out of the way for storage, and a wonderful touch adjuster that is simply a little lever. You push it up for firmer typing. The lever adjusts on a gradient and is not notched, something that I have never seen before on a manual typewriter.The carriage does drag when you return it, so be prepared to push it some far left. I actually prefer the slight carriage resistance because it slows me down and I can think while I write.Is this machine for those who want to type 120 words per minute? No. Is it for one who wants a vintage typing experience? No. Is it a bad little typewriter, though? No. I'm happy that I bought it.

My personal experience with this typewriter is that it is similar to the Crosley all-in-one record players. A cheap cash grab to a neiche revival movement of older techniques and equipment. While it is a heavy piece of equipment, these typewriters feel rather cheap and flimsy in rather important parts, especially the keys. The spacing of the letters and how defined they are on the page is all over the place, no matter how hard or light you type; and the most frustrating part is that the belt constantly slips while in use, so I could start a word at the beginning of a line, and accidentally finish it at the end. This in particular can be infuriating when one is in the groove of quickly typing something, but has to stop to correct or realline the page to where you were, halting your creative flow. Simply put, this typewriter serves its purpose, but that’s all it does, and sometimes just barely at that. They serve a better purpose as decoration/conversation pieces or for someone interested and unfamiliar with typing that needs an introductory starter.

Love this I bought two of them one for me and one for my daughter their service is absolutely excellent the people that I bought it from I was contacted by a gentleman who wanted to be sure that I wanted two of them and gave me a number to call in case I had any problems with it have had them for about 2 weeks now and use them everyday they work great but please be aware they're not like typing on a computer I learn to type on a typewriter like this so be prepared if you order it that it will be different give yourself a chance to learn how to use it and I think you will love it thank you for great service

I made a mistake and did not look at the reviews when buying this type writer. There are many angry people writing about this product and now I am one of them. I had difficulty getting any cooperation from the seller to do justice and return my money. I did file a claim through amazon and did win. I received full payment less taxes. This typewrite has a very nice picture. However the instant I opened the package it definitely did not look like the picture. It looks and feels quite cheaply made. I have had many type writers. I went through eleven years of college working with mechanical type writers. The name "Royal" was a great deception. Royal typewriters of the past were nice type writers. Do not be deceived by connecting this word. In any event, I agree with the many who gave only one star. My opinion is the same as those giving the one star.