IBM Selectric Typewriter
Date1971-1984
Credit LineGift of Ms. Dianne Lauzon, London, Ontario, 2012.
Object number2012.030.001
Label TextDianne Lauzon received this IBM Selectric typewriter from her mother, Jean Lauzon of Winnipeg Boulevard in London, Ontario. Despite this Selectric model being introduced in 1971, Jean used the IBM typewriter from around 1985 onward to type correspondence instead of writing. The Selectric mechanism was notable for using internal mechanical binary coding and two mechanical binary-digital-to-analog converters, called whiffletree linkages, to select the charcter to by typed. Selectrics and their descendants eventually captured 75% of the United States market for electric typewriters used in business. IBM replaced the Selectric line with the IBM Wheelwriter in 1984.
NameTypewriter, Electric
After 1946
