Experimental and pre-production models of the Microwriter typewriter

Experimental and pre-production models of the Microwriter typewriter, by Microwriter Ltd, London. 1975-1979.

The Microwriter was more similar to a pocket calculator than a 1980s computer – in that it had low power components and rechargeable batteries ensuring a 30 hours autonomy. Early systems had an LED screen and later ones an LCD screen. In the latter case, the fourteen-character LCD display allowed horizontal text scrolling. Several editing controls made it possible to correct, remove, add and move text. The integral word processing software could connect directly to a printer and did formatting. It also allowed to upload/download documents to a computer via that same serial port. Microwriter could be also connected to a video monitor via an external unit, and an acoustic modem. The text could be recorded as well on tape.

Experimental and pre-production models of the Microwriter typewriter, 1975-1979, donated to the Science Museum by one of the developers, Cyril (Cy) Endfield (1910-1995), an American screenwriter, director, author, magician and inventor. Designed as a handheld alternative to the typewriter and with only six buttons (or chorded keypad), the Microwriter was a small pocket-sized computer that allowed rapid typing without a bulky single-stroke keyboard. It functioned like a musical instrument by pressing combinations of keys to generate a full alphanumeric character set. The Microwriter was marketed in the early 1980s by Microwriter Ltd, of 31 Southampton Row, London and has been claimed to be the world’s first portable digital word processor.