Posted by bzedan on Feb 01, 2022
You know there are some things you just covet? An object of joy that ticks some primal box in your brain? I think pill cases are like that—the little metal ones with a shitty plastic divider inside and something fancy on the lid. They way they snap closed, they’re the kind of object you want to find something it goes with.
Certain old tech is like that for me. Typewriters, obviously, I learned to type on electric typewriters and their whirr is part of their joy. I mean, keyboards in general. I’m no keyboard slut, I only have two (well, plus three various blue tooth options for mobiles). Anyway, call it nostalgia, but I’ve always found that particular clear-landline-phone era of design charming as shit. So, when Chase, pursuing a current hobby, asked if I would want an Alphasmart, I said yes (I have the Alphasmart 3000, this post has a good breakdown of the models).
And I love it. It’s got a chonky typing sound and is upsettingly light—that makes sense as it is what? mostly keys and a little screen that holds four lines. It arrived and he cleaned it up and I was presented with a new problem not unlike the problem of the pill box: what do I use this for?
I have a ~system~ of notebooks and files and whatever for writing projects. All ideas claimed. Then, the email from Storytelling Co came around and reminded me of Flash Fiction February and I realized this little guy is perfect for little fic. Or blog posts, as I am learning right this moment. I like to write curled up, which is partly why I do a lot of writing on notebooks, my wretched bones grasping a felt tip pen. With this bad boy I can TYPE curled up. Truly an innovation! Anyway, we’ll see how the month goes. I have other plans/hopes/dreams for February but this post was 100% an excuse to test out typing something on my new, brilliant, toy.
Cross-posted with Patreon