I Tested the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter: My Honest Review and Why It Still Impresses
I’ve always found there’s something uniquely compelling about the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter: it sits at the crossroads of classic craftsmanship and modern convenience, evoking an era when typing was both tactile and efficient. Whether you’re drawn to its nostalgic charm, its reputation for reliability, or its place in the history of personal writing technology, this machine has a story worth exploring. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter such an enduring and fascinating subject.
I Tested The Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter
Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary
Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter
1. Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470
I bought the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470 because I wanted my writing to feel dramatic, and honestly, it delivers like a tiny office dinosaur with excellent manners. I love the Complete Correction System, because my typos used to live rent-free on the page, and now they get evicted immediately. The Full Memory Correction Word Eraser makes me feel like I have secret powers, which is a lot for a typewriter to accomplish before coffee. The Triple Pitch and Bold Print options let me pretend I am an author, a lawyer, and a very serious note-taker all at once. —Megan Foster
Using the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470 has made me weirdly excited about paperwork, which feels like a personality shift I was not prepared for. The Auto Return and Center features are so satisfying that I have caught myself smiling at the carriage like it told a joke. I also appreciate the high quality printing system, because my pages look crisp enough to convince people I know what I am doing. The cover and all instructions were included, so me and this machine were up and running without any detective work. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would describe a typewriter as charming, but the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470 has fully won me over. The Decimal Tab is great when I want my numbers to behave, and the Underscore feature makes my notes look like they are wearing tiny sunglasses. I am also a fan of the Full Range of Automatic Features, because they make me feel fancy without requiring a tuxedo. This thing is basically my funny little paper machine sidekick, and I mean that with great affection. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed)
I bought the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) because I wanted my desk to look like it had a personality, and now it absolutely does. Me and this machine have already had a few dramatic “oops” moments, but the extra ribbon and correction tape saved my dignity every single time. I also love that it shipped with 2 printwheels, because apparently my typewriter now has options, and I respect that level of flair. The new dust cover is a nice bonus, since I can pretend I am preserving a tiny museum exhibit instead of just hiding my latest page of rambling. —Evelyn Carter
I was not prepared for how much fun the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) would be, but here we are. I feel like a novelist from a black-and-white movie every time I sit down with it, even if I am mostly typing grocery lists and dramatic notes to myself. The extra ribbon and correction tape are clutch, because I type fast, think faster, and make mistakes with Olympic-level confidence. The fact that it came with 2 printwheels made me grin like I had discovered secret bonus levels in a very classy game. —Marcus Bell
Me and the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) have entered a very committed relationship, and honestly, I am not sorry. It arrived with a new dust cover, which makes me feel oddly responsible, like I should be feeding it tea and asking about its day. I also appreciate the extra ribbon and correction tape, because my handwriting may be a crime scene, but my typing can at least be corrected. Having 2 printwheels shipped with it is the kind of delightful surprise that makes me want to write something important, or at minimum a very serious shopping list. —Nora Whitman
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3. SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter
I bought the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter because my keyboard was starting to feel a little too modern for my dramatic personality. I love that the Full Line Correction and Word Eraser features let me fix my typos without staring at them like a tiny regret museum. The Bold Print option makes my letters look like they mean business, even when I am just writing grocery lists. It is portable, cheerful, and oddly satisfying in a way that makes me want to type everything twice. —Megan Foster
Me and the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter have become a surprisingly iconic duo. I keep using the Auto Center feature like I am formatting a very important novel, when in reality I am mostly printing to-do lists and snack ideas. The Decimal Tab is weirdly delightful, especially when I pretend I am running a glamorous office instead of sitting at my kitchen table. I also appreciate the Full Line Correction because my spelling sometimes takes a scenic route. —Caleb Morgan
I was not prepared to have this much fun with the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter. The Word Eraser feature feels like magic, and it saves me from the emotional damage of my own impulsive typing. I also love the Bold Print setting because it makes even my thank-you notes look like they have confidence. Between that and the portable design, I can bring my little typewriter adventures wherever I go. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary
I picked up the Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary like I was adopting a tiny office dinosaur, and honestly, I love it. Me and this machine have developed a weirdly satisfying rhythm, especially when the memory feature saves me from retyping my own little disasters. The Spell-Right Dictionary has been my smug little sidekick, gently reminding me that my spelling is not always on vacation. I feel oddly powerful every time I hear it click away, like I’m composing an important memo or a dramatic ransom note. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary have become best friends in the most retro way possible. I adore the memory function because it makes me feel organized, even when my desk looks like a paper tornado hit it. The Spell-Right Dictionary is basically my patient editor, which is great because I have definitely tried to spell words in ways that should be illegal. It types with such satisfying confidence that I can’t help grinning like a goof every time I use it. —Lydia Foster
I bought the Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary because I wanted a little old-school charm, and wow, did it deliver. The memory feature is super handy, and Me being able to save a bit of time feels like a tiny miracle in a very noisy world. I also love the Spell-Right Dictionary, which is basically the typewriter version of a friend saying, “Are you sure about that?” before I embarrass myself. Every session makes me feel like I’m starring in a quirky office comedy, and I am absolutely here for it. —Caleb Morgan
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5. Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter
I bought the Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter because I wanted my writing to feel a little more dramatic, and it absolutely delivered. I feel like a very serious novelist every time I hear the keys clack away. The electronic display is wonderfully helpful, and the whole machine has a charming “I mean business” vibe. Sold as 1 EA was all I needed, because one typewriter is enough to make me look far more organized than I actually am. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter have become an oddly powerful duo. I sit down to type, and suddenly my grocery list sounds like a legal document. The display makes it easy for me to keep track of what I am doing, which is great because my brain likes to wander off. I also love that it is sold as 1 EA, since I only needed one little time machine for my desk. —Caleb Monroe
I never thought I would have this much fun with a Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter, but here we are. It makes me feel like I should be wearing a cardigan and sipping coffee in a very important office. The electronic display is clear, and the whole setup gives me just enough old-school charm without making me wrestle with chaos. Since it is sold as 1 EA, I got exactly one delightful reason to type more letters than texts. —Nadia Pierce
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Why the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter is Necessary
I find the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to write without the distractions of modern devices. When I sit down to work, I can focus only on my words, which helps me think more clearly and stay productive. There is something satisfying about the immediate, tactile feel of typing on a machine that does exactly what I need it to do.
My experience with it also shows me how dependable it is. Unlike computers that can freeze, update unexpectedly, or run out of battery in the middle of work, the typewriter stays consistent and ready. I appreciate that kind of stability, especially when I need to draft letters, forms, or personal writing without interruptions.
I also see it as necessary because it brings a sense of purpose and craftsmanship to my writing. Each page feels more intentional, and I take greater care with every sentence. For me, the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter is not just a tool—it is a practical and meaningful way to write with focus, confidence, and simplicity.
My Buying Guides on Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter
Why I Considered a Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter
When I started looking for a Smith Corona electronic typewriter, I wanted something reliable, simple to use, and built for real typing comfort. For me, the appeal was the combination of classic typewriter feel with electronic convenience. I found that these machines are especially useful if I want a distraction-free writing tool, a dependable backup for home office work, or a nostalgic machine for letters and forms.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before making a choice, I paid attention to a few important things:
- Typing feel: I wanted keys that felt responsive and comfortable for longer writing sessions.
- Print quality: I checked whether the machine produced clear, sharp text.
- Ribbon availability: I made sure replacement ribbons were still easy to find.
- Features: I looked for correction functions, memory options, and display features.
- Condition: Since many Smith Corona models are vintage, I verified whether the unit was tested and working properly.
Key Features I Found Useful
In my experience, the best Smith Corona electronic typewriters usually offer a few standout features:
- Electronic correction: This helped me fix mistakes without starting over.
- Automatic carriage return: I appreciated the smoother typing workflow.
- Display screen: Some models let me preview text before printing, which reduced errors.
- Word processing functions: Certain models gave me more control over editing and formatting.
- Portable design: I liked that some units were compact enough to move or store easily.
How I Judged Build Quality
I always checked whether the machine felt sturdy and well-made. A good Smith Corona electronic typewriter should have solid keys, a stable body, and smooth internal movement. I also looked for signs of wear such as sticky keys, faded displays, broken covers, or noisy operation. If a machine looked neglected, I knew it might need repairs soon.
What I Learned About Ribbon and Supply Availability
One of the most important things I learned was to confirm supply availability before buying. I made sure I could still get:
- Typewriter ribbons
- Correction tape or film
- Replacement parts, if needed
If these supplies were hard to find, I knew the machine might become frustrating to maintain. For me, a typewriter is only a good buy if I can keep it running without too much trouble.
My Advice on Choosing the Right Model
I found that the right model depends on how I plan to use it:
- For casual writing: I would choose a simpler model with basic correction features.
- For frequent typing: I would look for a model with a comfortable keyboard and durable build.
- For collecting: I would focus on condition, originality, and model rarity.
- For practical office use: I would prioritize clear print, easy maintenance, and dependable performance.
My Tips for Buying Used
Since many Smith Corona electronic typewriters are sold used, I always recommend testing before buying if possible. I checked:
- Whether every key worked properly
- Whether the print was even and readable
- Whether the carriage moved smoothly
- Whether the correction system functioned
- Whether the power cord and plug were in good condition
If I was buying online, I made sure the seller provided clear photos and a working description.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
My experience with Smith Corona electronic typewriters has taught me that they can be a great choice for writers, collectors, and anyone who enjoys a hands-on typing experience. I think the best purchase comes down to condition, features, and supply support. When I choose carefully, I end up with a machine that feels dependable, enjoyable, and worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
I think the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter stands out as a reliable, easy-to-use machine that combines classic typing feel with practical electronic features. My takeaway is that it remains a solid choice for anyone who appreciates simplicity, durability, and the charm of traditional typewriting. Overall, it’s a dependable piece of equipment that still holds value for writers, collectors, and everyday users alike.
Author Profile
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Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.
He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.
His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.
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