Ah, Nostalgia

There has been a question making the rounds of discussion groups on the internet which goes: 


Which would you choose? Computer or Typewriter?


Back in the bad old days of banging out our chapters, daily copy, or itemised expense reports on our trusty Underwood, the writer had to choose words carefully. Composition was performed, not on the page but in the head, with the help of a pad of paper or the back of an envelope or dinner napkin, long before a word was ever typed on a page.

When the desktop computer came into being and potential customers were asking 'Why' they should replace their typewriters with computers... 


Vendors and consultants used to explain that 'the computer was essentially nothing more than an electric typewriter with a built-in dictionary, calculator and filing cabinet.'

Despite all of the years and advances in technology, how many people still use a computer, be it on the desktop, laptop or even portable devices like the Apple iPad or even a cellular telephone... (and Yes, you too, Twitterers) primarily for those same basic functions?

Dear fellow writers;


    Set aside your pencils and dessert napkins, and Raise Your Hands.