Analog typewriters faded away from offices years ago, seemingly rendered obsolete by the digital revolution – but a new generation is tapping into the old technology.
"Now the people using typewriters, they're a different group, and they love their typewriters," says Bill Wahl, a third-generation repairman at the Mesa Typewriter Exchange in Arizona. "In the last few years, I've had more and more interest among younger people."
High-school classes are using the machines as a way to help students concentrate on their communication. High-profile writers are adding a fresh coolness factor to the retro gizmos. Some enthusiasts are even organizing "type-ins" to show off their mad finger skillz.
Watch NBC's Stephanie Gosk take part in a type-off for "Nightly News" – and then hear more about the benefits of typewriters in the classroom, from English teacher Ryan Adney and his students at Alhambra High School in Phoenix: