Writing vs. Typing vs. Computers

Writing is easy and comfortable, but it is slow, and Portfolios have to be typewritten in their final form. So most of us write first and then type what we've written.

A typewriter is faster, but you have to use correction fluid every time you make a mistake. Manual typewriters are more mobile (since they don't depend on electricity) but are often bulkier and heavier than electric or electronic typewriters. (If you have the leisure, look around in second-hand stores for old-fashioned journalists' manual typewriters-- they are usually very small and light.) Ribbons for ordinary (non-electric) typewriters come in a few standard formats that are fairly widely available.

Electronic Word Processors are very convenient for writing. You can correct mistakes, check your spelling, format your paper, and often do other fancy things quite easily. However, you are tied to a power supply, and you will usually need some unusual sort of adapter in another country. Ribbons for many word processor machines are unique to the company that makes them, and are often hard to find outside of large cities in post-industrial countries.

Laptop computers are the ultimate in convenience. You can do almost anything with a modern word-processing/design application that you could in the most lavish of print shops. However, you are again tied to an electrical outlet (limiting your choice of location and project) and most portable computers do not have their own printer. It is not too difficult to put your material on a floppy disk and print it out at the Center or (if you are lucky) at a copy shop, but this assumes that you have easy access to the Center (or some other computer printer compatible with your computer).

Be aware of what supplies you may need (anything from a container of machine oil for your 1965 Smith-Corona Imperial to extra toner cartridges for your laser printer) and where you can get them.

Be aware of typing and writing health. Use posture that won't break your back in ten years. Hold your wrists right so you don't get carpal tunnel syndrome (especially for electronic keyboards). Remember to rest your eyes regularly if your have to stare at a computer screen for long periods of time.
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