Two different technologies with different outcomes (Week 2)

The typewriter

A typewriter is a mechanical machine that is used for writing by pressing keys instead of using a pen. It features a key for every letter, number and some symbols. When a key is pressed a hand is pushed against an inked ribbon, which hits the paper, creating a character. The hands have the characters physically on them which makes them act like a stamp.

Typewriters have been around from at least the 1700s when a patent was filed in England. A typewriter was much faster than writing by hand, also blind people could use them. There was a specific typewriter made for writing music and other ones have been created for other specific uses.

https://www.engadget.com/2014-10-17-dico-typewriter-messaging.html

Eventually, the typewriter evolved into the modern keyboard. Also the QWERTY layout that is widely used today, was first used on a typewriter. Today people have a hobby of restoring these machines. You can buy new ink ribbons and replacement parts for your typewriter. You can even buy brand new and modern typewriters. Even though they are not as widely used anymore they are still around.

The laptop

It wasn't very long after personal computers were becoming more widespread that the idea of a portable computer came about. The first idea of the laptop was in the 1970s. In about 25 years computers went from filling an entire room to fitting on your lap. Though, at first they weren't very portable. They were pretty big, some upwards of 10kg, and barely even fit on your lap. Today some can even fit in your pocket.

As with every new technology, the first laptops weren't very affordable either. A Grid Compass 1100, released in 1982 cost $8000. Laptops continued to evolve in the following decades, becoming smaller and more powerful. The Apple Powerbook was the first ever laptop to come with a touchpad (instead of a trackball) that we are used to today.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-laptop-go/94fc0bdgq7wv?rtc=1&activetab=pivot:overviewtab

 

Laptops are still very much around today, replacing a regular PC tower for some. They're also more affordable with some costing as little as $100. You might even be provided one for school or work. They can do everything a normal-size computer can do. Battery technology has also evolved so they don't have to be plugged in during use.

Sources:

https://www.engadget.com/2014-10-17-dico-typewriter-messaging.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typewriter

https://www.officemuseum.com/typewriters.htm

https://steemit.com/history/@rahmat6457/history-and-development-of-laptop-from-the-time-to-the-time-7929ee28f4c3a

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-laptop-go/94fc0bdgq7wv?rtc=1&activetab=pivot:overviewtab

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_laptops