User:ThisIsNotABetter/IBM Wheelwriter

The IBM Wheelwriter was a line of electric typewriters introduced by IBM in 1984.

History
IBM replaced the Selectric line with the IBM Wheelwriter in 1984, and transferred its typewriter business to the newly formed Lexmark in 1991.

Description
The Wheelwriter featured a replaceable daisy wheel cartridge, had advanced word processing features and electric memory and allowed for multiple typefaces; the Selectric, after more than two decades, couldn't keep up. The promoted features also included an electronic font support and spelling correction.

The first models of main line were made in a large case with the logic boards in the back of the case, as well as option cards clipped on the back. They also had very weak plastic hinges which tended to break off over time. Around the time IBM spun off the printing division into Lexmark, the Wheelwriters acquired a new shape. These used a significantly reduced mainboard, and option cards were mounted inside the cases. The case hinge was significantly improved as well, as it is a fundamental part of the case molding.

Main line

 * IBM Wheelwriter 5, type 6747 - the first Wheelwriter to come out.

Series I
The Series I typewriters have the same casing as the first Wheelwriters, but have somewhat different internal circuitry, requiring different Option Cards. They also add full cursor keys:


 * IBM Wheelwriter 3, type 6746
 * IBM Wheelwriter 6, type 6747-2

Series II
These final models were made in the 90's by IBM/Lexmark joint venture, and have significantly improved case design, as well as simpler electrical circuitry and more interesting option cards. The 4 digit models came around the time IBM spun off its printing division into Lexmark, so they were dual branded with IBM and Lexmark logos.

IBM reported its wheelwriter 50 and 70 as certain personal word processors, but these models can be specificaly identified as office typing systems.
 * IBM Wheelwriter 3, type 6782
 * IBM Wheelwriter 6, type 6784
 * IBM Wheelwriter 10, type 6783
 * IBM Wheelwriter 30, type 6787
 * With display:IBM 6788 - włączony.jpg
 * IBM Wheelwriter 50, type 6788
 * IBM Wheelwriter 70

The Wheelwriter 30 typewriter can be upgraded to become Wheelwriter 50 or Wheelwriter 70 Typewriter.

Series III

 * With display:
 * IBM Wheelwriter 7000
 * IBM Wheelwriter 5000
 * Full-size models:
 * IBM Wheelwriter 1500
 * IBM Wheelwriter 3500
 * Compact:
 * IBM Wheelwriter 1000

IBM Wheelwriter 15 Series II (?) 2500 (?)

IBM Actionwriter, IBM Personal Wheelwriter
In 1985 IBM introduced an "Actionwriter" series that had a smaller case size. Eventually, it was renamed the Personal Wheelwriter, and then the Wheelwriter 1000 under Lexmark.

IBM Quietwriter
Quietwriter 7 released in 1984, and promoted as silent typewriter with one ribbon handles for printing and correcting.

Quietwriter 8 in 1986.

Literature

 * IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 2500 user's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 1500 user's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 1000 user's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM/Lexmark Personal Wheelwriter II user's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 15 series II User's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 10 series II Operator's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 6 series II Operator's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM Wheelwriter 5 Operator's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM Wheelwriter 5 and Wheelwriter 6 Operator's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM Wheelwriter 3 Operator's guide, Lexmark.
 * IBM Actionwriter 1 Operator's guide, Lexmark.