Smith Corona PWP 2400

I wanted a word processor for whatever reason; So I went hunting for one. There sure is a lot of different models out there. Online, there isn't a lot of info about each individual models, so I turned to looking at old advertisements.

Also, I specifically wanted a model that could save to standard 1.44mb or 720k floppy disks, could exchange data to and from a PC, and had a built-in display.

Because there isn't much info, I was looking at ads and found many different models with almost all of them meeting most of my criteria, except for one or two things. Some were massive with a external CRT display, didn't take standard floppy disks, saves in a weird format, or a tiny display.

After much online searching, I finally found something I think would be best: A Smith Corona Personal Word Processor 2400, with manual, utility disk, and extra daisy wheels for just $40.

Familiarizing myself with the PWP

Its a mostly beige with some gray as well. On the left is your paper bail and paper release lever, and on the right is the platen knob and vertically mounted disk drive. Facing you is the platen, paper feed, keyboard and monochrome LCD, plus 2 switches for power and switching between WP and TYPE modes. The back has a little cubby with a door and a standard two-prong power cord. Underneath is a fold-out carrying handle. The keyboard cover matches with the beige and snaps over the keyboard. The display has a contrast lever on the side and can tilt to almost whatever you like too.

Functions

Inside, it looks to be your average daisywheel printer. It uses Smith Corona H series supplies, including the ribbon cartridge and correction ribbon.

There are two modes - Typewriter mode and Word Processing mode. Typewriter mode behaves like a normal typewriter, printing as you type, along with some limited word processor features such as centering text, bold, underline, and a few others. The is also a spell check which makes an audible beep when it thinks you misspell a word. You also have a correction ribbon, which takes the letter off the page and it works pretty descent too. I forgot to mention Auto return, so you don't have to press the return button at the end of a line which it nice (press Code + Return to turn it on).

Word processing mode allows for you to type an entire document and review before printing, much like a computer. It can do just about everything you would expect, but certain computer functions from today (for example, copy and paste) require different/more complicated key combinations. When turned on, you are greeted by a menu with various options;

Create, Edit, or Review Document
Set Margins, Tabs, and Format
Print Document
Save to Diskette
Recall from Diskette
Erase File from Diskette
Merge Document with Personal Cards - (this allows for you to add saved names, addresses, and phone numbers into a document)
Format Diskette

In WP mode you can, as mentioned earlier, make and edit documents, fill out forms (Forms Layout feature), save names, addresses, and phone numbers (Personal Cards feature), and save to floppy disks (in its proprietary PWP format, or ASCII for exchange with a PC).

How do I rotate photos on Google Sites?

The Keyboard

It can be deceiving; The keyboard looks like it has clicky mechanical switches, but it actually has minimal travel. It feels weird at first, but you learn to use and get used to it after a while. The arrow keys are a bit funky too

Keys that are notable on this machine are the WordEraser® / Line Eraser, Code, and Margin L/R keys. The Code key works similar to the Control or Command key on a computer, where you hold it down while depressing another key and a different function is performed (those functions are marked in red on the keys, and at the top of the keyboard). WordEraser® (I can't believe they trademarked that) does exactly what you think it does, and when used in conjunction with the Code key, erases an entire line. The Margin key sets the left margin, and when used in conjunction with the Code key, sets the right margin.

Typing sample

Using the thing

This is actually quite handy for writing letters, filling out forms (even though I don't use the Forms Layout feature), and actual writing. It gives you the features of a computer word processing program with none of the distractions, plus a whole bunch of novelty. The PWP does take a bit of getting used to, with the keyboard, odd key combinations, and all that.

Other stuff

It comes with a PWP Utility Disk that has a tutorial, and I believe a thesaurus.
You can change the font by changing the daisywheel; I have the Script and Micro fonts.
It's kind of heavy, but not too bad for taking places, but I would definitely not go for a walk with this thing.
If you press Code + Z, you'll get a store demo that talks about its features.
I'm very lucky to have one of these for cheap and in great condition with the accessories.
The floppy disk drive belt melted after 30 years and I had to replace it; I don't know if this is common.
I've had it for a little over a year.
Jason Taylor reviewed a similar model https://jasontaylor.blog/2024/01/19/my-new-typewriter/
The PWP 145 and 58D I know for sure do not save in ASCII (so don't buy one if that's what you're looking for.
The next thing on my I want to mess around with list is a typewriter that can be used as a USB printer, I've got a Swintec 4000 on order so we'll see how that goes.