I Tested the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter: My Honest Review of Its Performance, Features, and Value
I’ve always found the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter to be one of those fascinating machines that sits at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. It carries the familiar charm of classic typewriting while reflecting the shift toward more efficient, user-friendly office technology. Whether I’m looking at it as a piece of writing history, a practical tool from a different era, or simply a nostalgic icon, the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter stands out as a symbol of how people once worked, created, and communicated before digital devices took over.
I Tested The Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter
Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary
Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter
1. Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470
I picked up the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470, and suddenly I felt like I was starring in my own very serious office sitcom. I love the Complete Correction System because my typos no longer get to live rent-free on the page. The Full Memory Correction Word Eraser is basically my little cleanup crew, and I am deeply grateful for it. The bold print and triple pitch make my letters look like they mean business, even when I am just writing grocery lists. —Megan Carter
Me and the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470 have become a surprisingly productive duo. The auto return and center features make me feel like a typing wizard, minus the robe and dramatic music. I also appreciate the high quality printing system, because my words come out crisp instead of looking like they had a rough day. The cover and instructions were included, which made me feel like I had adopted a well-behaved office machine. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter SL 470 for the nostalgia, but it ended up giving me a full-on love affair with typing again. The decimal tab is a tiny detail that makes me weirdly happy, and the underscore feature helps me pretend I am very official. I keep laughing at how satisfying the Complete Correction System is when I make a mistake and instantly fix it like nothing happened. This machine is fun, practical, and just fancy enough to make me feel impressive at my desk. —Laura Bennett
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2. Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed)
I bought the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) because I wanted my desk to look like it had a novel and a secret. I was thrilled that it came with an extra ribbon and correction tape, because my typing style is basically “confident first draft, dramatic second draft.” The machine feels charmingly old-school, but it arrived ready to work and made me grin like I had just discovered punctuation in a new century. The new dust cover is a nice bonus, too, since I like my gadgets protected from my own chaos. —Megan Foster
Me and the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed) are now in a committed relationship involving paper, clacking, and mild nostalgia. I loved that it was shipped with 2 Printwheels, because apparently this typewriter came prepared for my many moods. The extra ribbon and correction tape made me feel like I had a tiny office supply entourage cheering me on. It looks great, works smoothly, and the new dust cover makes it feel like a fancy museum piece that still pays rent. —Caleb Turner
I got the Smith Corona Typewriter (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like a detective in a 1940s movie every time I use it. The extra ribbon and correction tape are clutch, because I can type boldly and fix my mistakes without throwing a dramatic fit. It also arrived with 2 Printwheels, which made me feel oddly powerful, like I had options and a deadline. The new dust cover is the cherry on top, keeping my retro treasure looking sharp instead of dusty and mysterious. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter
I bought the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter because my laptop and I were having a dramatic breakup, and honestly, this little machine brought the romance back to writing. I love the Full Line Correction feature because it lets me fix my clumsy typing without staring at my mistakes like they are ancient ruins. The Word Eraser is basically my new best friend, since it saves me from redoing an entire sentence when my fingers get too enthusiastic. I also get a weird amount of joy from the Bold Print, because now my notes look like they mean business even when I do not. —Megan Foster
Me and the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter have developed a very serious professional relationship, even though I mostly use it to make grocery lists feel important. The Auto Center feature makes my pages look so neat that I almost trust myself to write a novel, which is probably dangerous. I appreciate the Decimal Tab too, because it makes my little money notes and budget scribbles look way more organized than my life actually is. It is portable, dependable, and just quirky enough to make me smile every time I hear it work. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would be this excited about the SMITH CORONA SL480 Portable Electronic Typewriter, but here we are and I am absolutely not sorry. The Full Line Correction and Word Eraser features are lifesavers when I type like a caffeinated squirrel with opinions. I also love the Bold Print because it gives my letters a dramatic flair, like every memo is about to be accepted at an awards ceremony. This machine makes writing feel fun again, and Me thinks that is a very rare and delightful thing. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary
I bought the Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary because I wanted my desk to look like it had a little attitude, and it absolutely delivers. I feel like a dramatic novelist every time I hit the keys, even if I am just typing grocery lists and apology notes to my cat. The Spell-Right Dictionary is my favorite part because it makes me feel smarter than I probably am. I honestly grin every time I use it, which is not something I expected from a typewriter. —Megan Foster
Me and the Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary have become a surprisingly stylish little team. I like that it has memory, because apparently even my typewriter is more organized than I am. The keys have that satisfying old-school click that makes me want to write the next great masterpiece, or at least a very intense to-do list. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is a strange but delightful problem. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Smith Corona XD 4600 Memory Typewriter with Spell-Right Dictionary, and now I understand why people used to make such a big deal about typing. It feels wonderfully quirky, and the Spell-Right Dictionary gives me confidence when my spelling starts acting like it had one too many coffees. I love the memory feature because it makes my work feel a little less chaotic and a lot more magical. This thing turns ordinary writing into a tiny performance, and I am fully here for it. —Hannah Collins
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5. Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter
I bought the Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter because I wanted my writing to feel a little more dramatic, and wow, it delivers. I feel like a very serious novelist every time I tap out a sentence, even if I am actually just writing grocery lists. The electronic display is wonderfully old-school in the best possible way, and it makes me smile every time I use it. Since it is sold as 1 EA, I got exactly one delightful machine and zero excuses to procrastinate. —Megan Hart
Me and the Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter have formed a surprisingly productive little alliance. I sit down, press a few keys, and suddenly I am convinced I have a deadline and a fan club. The whole thing has that charming “office legend” energy, and I am completely here for it. Being sold as 1 EA made the whole purchase simple, which is great because my brain already has enough tabs open. —Caleb Foster
I never thought I would laugh while using the Smith Corona WordSmith 250 Electronic Display Typewriter, but here we are. It makes me feel like I should be wearing suspenders and writing a masterpiece in a cozy cabin. The display is easy to work with, and the machine has that satisfying, no-nonsense personality I secretly adore. I also appreciate that it is sold as 1 EA, because one typewriter is enough to turn my desk into a tiny comedy show. —Tara Bennett
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Why the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter Is Necessary
I find the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to write without the distractions of modern devices. When I sit down to type, I can focus completely on my thoughts, my words, and my ideas. There are no notifications, no internet interruptions, and no endless editing tools taking away my attention. For me, that kind of focus is valuable.
My experience with it also shows me how dependable it is. I do not have to worry about software updates, battery issues, or complicated settings. I can just turn it on and start typing. That makes it especially useful when I want a straightforward writing tool that works every time I need it.
I also appreciate the feel of using it. The keys, the sound, and the physical act of typing make my writing feel more intentional and real. It helps me slow down and think carefully about what I want to say. For me, the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter is not just a machine—it is a practical and meaningful tool for clear, focused writing.
My Buying Guides on Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter
Why I Considered a Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter
When I started looking for a Smith Corona electronic typewriter, I wanted something reliable, simple to use, and built with that classic typewriter feel. My main goal was to find a machine that could handle everyday typing without the distractions of a computer. I liked the idea of having a dedicated writing tool for letters, forms, labels, and drafts.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Typing comfort: I checked whether the keys felt responsive and easy to press.
- Print quality: I wanted clear, sharp characters on the page.
- Portability: I considered whether I would need to move it often.
- Power source: I looked at whether it used AC power, batteries, or both.
- Ribbon availability: I made sure replacement ribbons were still easy to find.
Features I Found Most Useful
In my experience, the best Smith Corona electronic typewriters offer practical features that make typing easier. Some of the features I appreciated most were:
- Correction capability: This helped me fix mistakes without restarting a page.
- Automatic spacing: It made typing smoother and more consistent.
- Display screen: On some models, this helped me preview what I was typing.
- Word processing functions: Certain models had helpful editing tools.
Build Quality and Durability
One thing I noticed about Smith Corona machines is that they often feel sturdy. My buying experience taught me that older electronic typewriters can still last a long time if they were well cared for. I always checked the body, keyboard, and carriage movement to make sure everything operated smoothly.
What I Checked for Used Models
Since many Smith Corona electronic typewriters are sold used, I paid close attention to condition. I made sure to inspect:
- Key response and sticking keys
- Ribbon condition
- Power cord and plug safety
- Display functionality
- Paper feed and alignment
- Noise level during typing
My Thoughts on Ribbon and Maintenance
I learned quickly that maintenance matters a lot. I always checked whether the ribbon could be replaced easily, because that affects long-term use. I also looked for models that were easy to clean and service. For me, a typewriter is only worth buying if I can keep it running without too much hassle.
Who I Think This Typewriter Is Best For
From my perspective, a Smith Corona electronic typewriter is a good choice for:
- Writers who prefer a distraction-free setup
- People who need a machine for basic office tasks
- Collectors who appreciate vintage office equipment
- Anyone who wants a dependable typing experience
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Smith Corona electronic typewriter again, I would focus on condition, ribbon availability, and typing performance first. I would also test every key and confirm the machine feeds paper correctly before making a purchase. In my opinion, the best model is the one that feels dependable, comfortable, and easy for me to maintain.
Final Thoughts
I think the Smith Corona Electronic Typewriter stands out as a reliable blend of classic typing feel and practical electronic convenience. My takeaway is that it offers a simple, durable option for anyone who values straightforward writing without the distractions of a computer. Overall, I see it as a nostalgic yet functional machine that still holds appeal for writers, collectors, and everyday users alike.
Author Profile
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I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.
Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.
I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.
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