A typewriter keyboard for your tablet, seriously

BANGALORE, INDIA: An antique piece that blends a Victorian device with ultra-modern circuitry and concept. Does it sound oxymoronic?

Fine. It is not that, but about obsolescence. And boy, what an innovation in that!

It's the good-old typewriter in lieu of a keyboard in a desktop or a laptop set. "Our USB Typewriter circuitry can transform nearly any manual typewriter into a retro-futuristic marvel," says the USB Typewriter website: http://bit.ly/MuOFD6.

"Use a gorgeous vintage typewriter as your main computer keyboard, or type with ink-on-paper, while electronically recording your keystrokes! We offer a a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Conversion Kit, as well as a variety of customized typewriters, ranging from Victorian steampunk keyboards to iconic mid-century designs," it adds.

USB Typewriter offers a line of antique typewriters that can double as computer keyboards for PC, Mac, and even the iPad, among other devices. The DIY Kit helps one convert any manual typewriter to USB.

According to the site, the USB Typewriter works just like any USB keyboard and there is no special software to install, and the necessary USB cable would be included with your order.

It is not only compatible with all desktop and laptop computers, but also the iPad and many other tablets, including any PC, any Mac, any Linux, Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy S II and Galaxy Tab (not Verizon models), Toshiba Thrive, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer Iconia Tab A500, Sony Tablet S, Nokia N810/N900, Motorola Xoom, Archos G9, Toshiba TG01, Coby Kyros, HP Touch (powered hub required), Rooted Nook Color running the "verygreen CM7" operating system, any tablet with "USB Host" or "USB OTG" capability.

The innovator behind his marvel is Jack Zylkin. He claims to be a founding member of Philadelphia's first hackerspace, Hive76. He collects antique typewriters, electric pianos, oscilloscopes, and other specimens of muggle magic.

Zylkin says on the website that not all tablets with USB 2.0 also have USB Host, and if you are unsure about your tablet's compatibility with USB keyboards, he asks you to get it touch with him at jack@usbtypewriter.com.

Here are some questions he cares to answer on the portal:

Does the USB Typewriter still write on paper?

Yes! In fact, you can write on paper while recording your keystrokes to a computer — that way you will have both a hard copy and a soft copy. You don't even need to turn on your monitor.

Does the USB Typewriter have modern keys such as Backspace, Escape, F1-F12, Control, Alt, and so on?

Yes. The USB Typewriter not only has built-in Control, Alt, and Backspace keys, but also a "Fn" key which, when held down, accesses secondary functions for all the keys, so that the typewriter keyboard supports a full complement of modern functions.

Where is the Enter key?

The Enter key, sometimes called the "Carriage Return" key, is actually activated by the typewriter's carriage return. Every time you make a new line on your typewriter's roller, an Enter command is sent.

Will the USB Typewriter work with my tablet?

The USB Typewriter is designed so that tablet computers such as the iPad act as virtual paper, when placed on the platen. Any tablet that supports USB OTG or USB Host mode will work with the USB Typewriter.

Will the USB Typewriter work with my laptop?

Yes. It will work in addition to the keyboard already on the laptop. You might consider getting a monitor and mouse for your laptop for better ergonomics.

What typewriters will the DIY Kit work on?

The kit is designed to work on almost any manual typewriter. The only requirement is that there be an easily accessible crossbar underneath the typewriter, which the keys must strike when depressed.

It costs around Rs. 40,000. Worth a buy, if you are an antique collector or an art connoisseur. Agree?

Watch this space for an exclusive interview of Jack Zylkin soon.