Hartley Neita

It took me years to acquire a computer. During my teens, I learned to type with my 10 fingers on my father's Baby Hermes portable typewriter.

Later, I bought one for myself and became quite an expert in typing, a skill which has served me well.

Progress through the new technologies of typing was slow. I was very comfortable with my portable Hermes typewriter, until it collapsed and refused to function any more. My serviceman suggested I should get an electric portable - which I did.

Unfortunately, it had one major fault. If there was a power cut, it was useless. I missed many deadlines because of this.

At the time, too, I was travelling a lot and because there was no electricity, it could not be used on planes while I was flying, or on one occasion on a train while travelling to an assignment.

Then the electric motor burnt out. The agency which imported this model had closed down and I could not find a technician to repair it. I was then introduced to an electronic typewriter, and some years later to a word processor.

For over 10 years, I was wedded to this machine. Every time I passed through Miami, I purchased an updated one, despite the urging of friends who kept nagging me to get a computer.

introductory lesson

Finally, I succumbed. I got a laptop. The lady who bought it for me gave me an introductory lesson. The following day, I turned the machine on. The flashing lights confused me. I turned it off. I got another lesson and thought I had mastered it.

I typed my first manuscript, filed it, and left my home for other business. When I returned, I could not find the material I had filed.

For two days, I searched for it diligently, during which time I kept uttering words which, had I done so publicly, would have brought me before a magistrate.

I finally found it and, over time, became an expert. So, I graduated to a desktop computer.

I do not know how I existed without this machine. It edits, deletes, moves sentences and paragraphs, numbers pages and corrects spelling mistakes and grammar errors. I have written three books on it without having to shred reams of paper.

Now, it is glory of glories. I have now gone on the Internet and the email service. I do not have to carry my letters to the post office.

With two commands to my computer, these letters can be sent to the addressees. In an instant. Locally and overseas. I am saving money on telephone calls and for gasolene, and am saving time from no longer fighting my way through traffic.

Yes, it took me a long time to move from my Baby Hermes typewriter to a computer. Looking back, I realise it has been my reluctance to change from the familiar to the new unknown.

You see, I grew fond of the Baby Hermes, the electric and electronic typewriters and the word processors. I came to know them and to love them. We were compatible and comfortable together. And I still remember them.

It has been the same with the women I have loved. Even when we fell apart, I still loved them, and still remember them.

And by the way, the computer may be as good as a secretary. But a secretary looks good.

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