Busy offices need quality equipment that gets the job done. Since there are so many kinds of typing machines and accessories available, it can be confusing to determine what you need for your business. There are also those who prefer to use older kinds of office equipment or collect it for display purposes. No matter how you plan to use typing machines and accessories, it is important to know the key terms for them as well as how to utilize them. Learn the key terms for typing machines and accessories to help find the kinds of equipment that fit your business or personal requirements.

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Digital dictation machine

In the past, dictation machines used tapes that could be easily erased or tangled. Today, digital dictation machines can record meetings and messages without the burden of having to change tapes or use multiple devices so that office personnel can transcribe events with accuracy and ease.

I recommend: Browse the information about the dictation machines offered by Wheeler Machines.

Electric typewriter

Electric typewriters offer users traditional typewriter functions without all the extras of computers. For many who want an affordable typewriter that has some word processing functions such as 250-character memory or spell-check functionality, electric typewriters are the ideal solution for business and personal use.

I recommend: Find out about the electric typewriters offered at Office Depot. The site offers information about the benefits of modern day typewriters.

Portable or manual typewriter

For those who prefer using a traditional portable or manual typewriter, there are still many models available. Portable and manual typewriters can be used anywhere since they don't use batteries or electricity.

I recommend: Review the information about the portable typewriter at the Portable Typewriter Reference Site.

Transcription machines and accessories

Transcription machines come in both digital and tape cassette models. Digital transcription machines work remotely as well as via the Internet. There are transcription machine accessories including headsets, foot switches, and software programs.

I recommend: Learn about transcription machines and accessories at Transcription Gear.

Copy holders

Copy holders hold papers in place for typing as well as data and word processing. Adjust copy holders to prevent eye and neck strain. You may secure papers to them and copy the information with ease and comfort.

I recommend: Find out about copy holders at Typing Aids.

Keyboard wrist rest

Keyboard wrist rests support and protect wrists from strain and injury. For office staff that are required to do a lot of typing, keyboard wrist rests decrease the risk of developing stress injuries such as carpal tunnel or other similar repetitive stress conditions.

I recommend: Gather information about keyboard wrist rests at WiseGeek.

Typing machines include typewriters, computers and keyboarding devices, all designed to expedite the ability to process data and produce information. Choosing the right typing machines and with them the proper typing accessories and typing supplies, can make a significant difference in worker productivity and reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

Typing accessories include ergonomic keyboards, forearm and wrist rests, footrests, anti-glare screens and document holders provide a wide choice of low-cost typing supplies designed to improve ergonomic comfort. No matter what kind of typing machine you’re using, there are three essential practices that don’t require the purchase of typing accessories.

1. The most important thing is good posture. This reduces strain on neck, shoulders, back and arms. Don’t slouch or sprawl. Sit all the way back in your chair, with your knees lower than or at the same level as your hips. Keep your feet flat to the ground.

2. Your keyboard must be placed directly in front of you. Not off to the side or on your lap.

3. Take breaks from what you’re doing. This allows your muscles to stretch and flex, and reduces the risk of repetitive motion injuries.

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Typing machines require the correct keyboard

Keyboards are perhaps the most important typing accessory. Invest time in choosing the right keyboard for your typing style. Don't just settle for the one that came from your typing machine distributor. There are multiple alternative styles, which interface with most digital typing machines and typing machine software.

I recommend: Review keyboard options at Tifaq.com. You can learn the pros and cons of available keyboards. Evaluate such options as adjustable split keyboards, contoured keyboards that are built to fit your hands, and the newest vertical split keyboards, designed to reduce repetitive motion injuries. Ergonomic Resources offers ergonomic keyboards that feature a number of these choices, and even Microsoft has gotten into the act with their new Natural® Ergonomic Keyboard.

Wrist supports make it easier to use typing machines

Wrist rests prevent and reduce a variety of basic injuries including neck and shoulder fatigue. Without them, most people have their wrists bent at an awkward angle, placing constant strain on the body. Consider buying not only wrist rests for in front of the keyboard, but also buying a mouse pad that includes one.

I recommend: MySimon offers many choices. Alimed provides wrist rests for all types of typing machines and transcription machines. Choose one that keeps your hands level with the keyboard. Avoid one that is too soft–these tend to wear out quickly. Remember that wrist rests wear out long before the typing machine, so replace them on a regular basis.

Choose typing machines that suit your needs

There are a variety of resources you can use when evaluating typing machines, and looking for and comparing different makes and models of typewriters. Save time by comparing different typewriter brands and models before you buy. Review features, pricing and availability online.

I recommend: To better select the typing machine best for your office needs, check out eHow's Guide to Typewriters. Typewriters.com provides useful comparison charts on IBM and Brother, along with new and reconditioned typewriters and a vast supply of typewriter supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When searching online for typing machines and accessories or other computer typing accessories, use the keyword 'ergonomics' when investigating typing accessories or typing supplies you'll often get a better selection of what you're looking for.
• •  Keep your monitor at arm's length and at eye level. If you have to tilt your head to see the screen, it's not in the right position.
• •  Keep your mouse nearby. Your keyboard and mouse should be close together and on the same level. If you have to reach or stretch to get to your mouse, it's too far away.

A typing machine can come in handy for a number of business purposes, such as filling in forms and adding typed text to other types of existing documents, but keep in mind the added cost of maintaining typewriters and getting typing accessories. Electronic typewriters and classic, antique typewriters come in a variety of price ranges for whatever your business need.

In addition to the cost of the typewriter itself, typing machine accessories that you will need to purchase include ribbon and printwheels. Other accessories to keep in mind are paper for daily use and replacement keys if your portable typing machine requires service.

Calculate typing machines and accessories pricing and costs before you buy to decide if a typewriter is right for your business:

1. Shop for electronic typing machines for an economical word processing option;
2. Browse ribbons and printwheels to estimate costs for typing accessories;
3. Use a collector's guide to estimate costs for an antique typing machine.
   

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Buy typing machines for current office use at comparatively low rates

Typing machine distributors sell a wide range of current electronic typewriters for modern business use. These machines are a cost-efficient option for basic word processing and for specialized word processing needs like adding text to existing documents that may not feed well through a computer printer. For a basic electronic machine, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500.

I recommend: Batchelor Business Machines sells IBM Lexmark typewriters in the range of $300-$500, with specials advertised regularly. Officetronics sells typing machines and accessories from several leading brands, including Lexmark and Royal typewriters priced between $300 and $500 and Brother models at the lower rate of $99-$120.

Get typing supplies online for your electronic typewriter

Include an estimated cost for typing accessories in your overall pricing of using a typewriter in your business. Typing supplies are a less expensive option than printer cartridges, with printwheels typically costing about $30 and black ribbon between $3 and $10 for a single cartridge.

I recommend: Discount Office Items sells black ribbon and correction ribbon for $3 to $10, depending on the compatible models of typewriter. You also can buy typing supplies from Ribbons Unlimited, which sells typing ribbon, printwheels and hard to find supplies for new and old models of typewriters.

Find an antique typing machine for sale with a collector's guide

Antique typewriters can add a distinctive touch to your company's appearance and character, while still providing the same basic functions of a typing machine. The best way to estimate typing machines and accessories pricing and costs for antique models of typewriters is with a pricing or collectors guide. Most antique typewriters, like electronic typewriters, cost $100-$400 or less, while rare collectibles may cost $1,000 or more.

I recommend: Get a quick pricing guide to antique typing machines from How to Collect Antique Typewriters. You can also browse prices listed for various models in the Classic Typewriter Classifieds.

Even though technology continues to improve our lives and our work, we still rely on typing machines to communicate ideas on paper. While computers have become the dominant tool in business, there is still a need for typing machines such as a typewriter to quickly compose letters, forms, envelopes and labels.

There are several typing machines and accessories types and styles. Most offices use a combination of computers and typewriters in the office, as well as dictation tools that allow for quick and accurate note-taking. Typing accessories can help improve the ergonomics of typing, which can be tiresome and repetitive. Typing accessories can help position paper to prevent neck strain, cut glare on a computer screen or give your wrists a resting place. You can also find typing tools to improve your typing speed and accuracy.

To find out more about typing tools, try the following:

1. Look for typing supplies that cover all the aspects of office needs, including computers and typewriters.

2. Give your employees typing accessories to improve their work environment, such as typing stands.

3. Improve typing speed by learning from typing aids, such as tutorials.

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Take a look at different types of typing machines

Typing machines can refer to different forms, such as a manual or electric typewriter. The computer typing machine, the manual or electric typewriter or the typing transcription machine are all necessary within an office environment.

I recommend: Computer Hope offers help to anyone who wants to learn more about computers and their benefits and uses. A typing transcription tool from Transcription Gear can help record notes in a law office or a medical office. See a variety of typewriters, both manual and electric at Officetronics.

Speed up production with computer typing accessories

Because typing can be a tedious task, tools to increase your typing speed can help you complete your work faster, freeing you for other tasks. You can find computer programs to download that will teach you ways to improve your skills on any typing machine.

I recommend: Typing Master is an example of a computer typing accessory that can help increase your typing speed and accuracy. You can also improve your typing skills with Typing Tutorial.

Design a more comfortable work environment with typing accessories

Typing supplies you can purchase for the office include stands that you can use to attach papers and notes, as well as stands that keep a book flat for easy reading. These stands keep papers upright so you can read without straining your neck.

I recommend: Find out how to make the act of typing more comfortable with Typing Aids. WiseGeek discusses how you can get relief from wrist pain with a Keyboard Wrist Rest.