Image via Wikipedia
Godrej Prima’s announcement of shutting down the typewriter manufacturing division has led to a howl of protests and complaints on social media networks. Many persons declared that the typewriter was indispensable for modern living and that this action should not continue.
Such a nostalgic and romantic approach towards technology may have served us fine in the early years of the 20th century. However, considering the fact that we are rushing at breakneck speed towards new technologies and improvements in existing ones, this romantic association and attachment with technologies is only going to create complications.
Research and development does not take place because it is a nice thing to do. Rather, companies participate in research and development only when they foresee profits and benefits in the future.
The personal computer was based on the typewriter combined with electronic devices. When the history of personal computers will be written, the typewriter will be given its position and status of importance as its predecessor. However, to speak of producing and to think offer using the typewriter on a regular and daily basis just because it should stay alive does not make sense.
The theory of survival of the fittest applies to technologies as it is applicable to human beings. Those devices that cannot sustain public interest and lose out to other devices and gadgets will, sooner or later, die a natural death. To speak about the time in nostalgic terms is one thing. To produce it all over again is another thing. Some enterprising individuals have combined the keys of the typewriter with a laptop to produce a unique device to cash in on typewriter’s popularity.
