A relic of the past is making noise again in the digital age. CBS News' Itay Hod shows us how the humble typewriter hasn't pounded out its last words.

The resurgence of typewriters in the digital age has been unexpected, but it's creating ripples in places like Berkeley, California. A small shop there is witnessing a renewed interest in these machines, as enthusiasts and newcomers alike are drawn to their tactile appeal. Ken Alexander, a mechanic at Berkeley Typewriter, reports a revival in typewriter sales as people seek the unique experience of using these now-vintage machines.

Typewriters, which were once considered obsolete, are fetching substantial prices on the market, often running into the hundreds of dollars. Sylvie Alcivar, a poet who utilizes typewriters, remarks that their allure lies in their simplicity, without the distractions that come with modern word processors. Users appreciate the immersive experience and the focus on a 'stream of consciousness' writing approach.

The resurgence is partly credited to pop culture influences, such as Taylor Swift, who featured a vintage typewriter in her music video. Richard Polk, an author on the subject, notes that younger generations are rediscovering the charm and magic of typewriters, valuing the hands-on engagement they provide. Ken Alexander expresses optimism about the future of typewriters, confidently stating that their popularity is not a mere trend but a lasting comeback.



Typewriters making a comeback, thanks in part to Taylor Swift

We end tonight with a relic of the past, now making noise again in the digital age. In tonight's Weekend Journal, CBS's E. Taihad shows us how the humble typewriter hasn't pounded out its last words. Nestled in the heart of Berkeley, California, is a quaint little shop where the past refuses to fade. Here, the clickety-clack of forgotten treasures is inspiring a whole new generation to tap into nostalgia. They have been really coming out of the woodwork. Ken Alexander is a mechanic at Berkeley Typewriter. A few years ago, things were looking pretty bleak. Now, business is booming. To a T, they pretty much tell me the same thing. When they get down on a typewriter and start working on it, that's what they call a tactile feel is what they're looking for. Once destined for the trash heap, typewriters are making a comeback, fetching hundreds of dollars on the open market. You can't erase. And if you make a mistake, you just backspace and type really hard and hope that people find it charming. Typewriter poet Sylvie Alcivar says these old machines are gaining popularity for all the features they're missing, like the distractions of an internet connection and the constant prompts of a word processor. I think the typewriter allows you to do, if you want to, is to be connected to a more stream of consciousness, a more flow of presence. Richard Polk literally wrote the book on typewriters. He says many younger people are rediscovering these old relics, thanks in part to Taylor Swift, who included a vintage typewriter in her music video Fortnite. What they find is a kind of magic that comes from doing things physically, doing things in a way that requires more personal touch and personal connection. As for Alexander, he says this renaissance is a much-needed shift, one that might just keep him from typing up his resume any time soon. I don't think they're going anywhere. I think they're back to stay. Itay Had, CBS News, Berkeley, California.

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