The Olivetti Lettera 32

If you're a writer, or like to write, or just like old, mechanical gadgets, try to find yourself an Olivetti Lettera. I have the Lettera 32 — a solid, cold but loving chunk of steel designed by Marcello Nizzoli. It's a sleek, fashionable little typewriter which you can tote around pretty easily. The design and charm surrounding this device was probably something akin to the MacBook of its day; an aesthetic that is both functional and beautiful.

I find the typewriter useful because it keeps my writing process from stuttering or stalling. Nothing like a word processor where you might get stuck dicking around with a particular word choice for half an hour. With the typewriter, things just keep moving, even though I can really only type using my two index fingers. And it's hard. All mechanical. You have to really mean every character you type, and if not, you have to be prepared to deal with wherever it takes you. It's a much more concrete experience for me.

Cormac McCarthy used the Lettera 32 his whole life, then auctioned it off at Christie's to benefit the Santa Fe Institute for $254,500! He bought another Lettera 32 shortly after for $20, and in better condition. My mother gave me my Lettera as a gift, and I think she found it at some antique market, so keep your eyes open.