I think it technically predates Selectric with IBM Electric/Electromatic, but Selectric – and then IBM PC – made it mainstream.
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Replying to @mwichary @mkirschenbaum
I'm so curious about the decision behind the switch and why it seems to have not made its way to other countries, despite IBM's clout
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Replying to @mattlaschneider @mkirschenbaum
That’s a really good question! (Actively trying to find people to answer this. IBM Archives have not been very helpful. :·/ )
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Replying to @mwichary @mkirschenbaum
It's so curious, because clearly it required some kind of active choice to change from the standard, yet it never spread.
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Replying to @mattlaschneider @mkirschenbaum
Sorry, which part are you referring to right now?
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Replying to @mwichary @mkirschenbaum
I'm curious what prompted IBM to change the layout of their keyboards, rather than stick w/ the established layout
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And secondarily, why IBM's new layout didn't spread more widely, despite IBM's market dominance
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Replying to @mattlaschneider @mkirschenbaum
Would you mind if I tried to answer this here later today in an abbreviated form? Would be curious to get feedback on my thinking.
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Replying to @mattlaschneider @mkirschenbaum
So, I think the bigger picture is this:
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1. Typewriters evolved into electric typewriters (Electromatic/Electric/Selectric) with 2@ and Caps Lock on the left. IBM dominated this.
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Replying to @mwichary @mattlaschneider
2. Teletypes detached from early typewriters, evolved into terminals, and then (many) home computers, with 2” and Ctrl on the left.
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Replying to @mwichary @mattlaschneider
First IBM PC, 5150, in 1981, started with a keyboard similar to Selectric, but also borrowing a bit from home computers (see: Ctrl).
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