Hot Wheels Flying Wedge: The Electronic Typewriter That Flew Under the Radar

The Hot Wheels Flying Wedge is an electronic typewriter that has often flown under the radar, and for good reason. With its innovative design and advanced technology, it's no wonder why many have overlooked this fantastic writing instrument.

Firstly, let's talk about the problem of alkaline batteries in electronic devices. When left unused for extended periods, they can spill and damage the battery holder tabs and even the circuit boards. This is a common issue with many electronic typewriters, including the Hot Wheels Flying Wedge.

Another challenge faced by these machines is the storage of settings, margins, and line spacing configurations. In the past, this information was stored in erasable-programmable read-only memory chips (E-PROM), which require a constant power supply to retain the data. This can be a problem if the machine is not used frequently.

Some electronic typewriters, like the IBM Wheelwriters, use standard alkaline batteries to keep the internal memory running. However, this means that they also need to be turned on and used periodically to prevent problems from developing.

As someone who has collected a few Hot Wheels Flying Wedges over the years, I can attest to their inherent flaws. For instance, most of these machines use proprietary design cartridge ribbons, which can be difficult to find once the original one is used up.

I must admit that I skipped the electronic typewriter era altogether during my career in journalism. Instead, I went straight from a manual typewriter to an early NEC laptop in the mid-to-late 1980s. However, I have kept a few electronic typewriters as curiosities and can't help but be fascinated by their design and functionality.

One interesting observation is that electronic typewriters seem to stay on the shelves longer than manual portable typewriters. I've noticed this in recycling centers, op shops, and second-hand stores, where they often appear more frequently. Interestingly, many would-be donors tell me that these machines have hardly ever been used.

While it's hard to imagine a time when electronic typewriters become collectibles, maybe I'm just not seeing the bigger picture. The fact that people are still asking me to 'give a good home' to these machines suggests that there may be more interest out there than I initially thought.

In conclusion, the Hot Wheels Flying Wedge is an electronic typewriter that deserves more recognition for its innovative design and advanced technology. While it may have flown under the radar, it's clear that many are still interested in these machines as writing instruments and collectors' items.

Hot wheels flying wedge