"@sup I try not think about its utility--its clearly not very useful--but more its playfulness and ability to foster conversation. In this latter, it's certainly been successful."

"My reply: I do think the purpose of the iTypewriter is unclear, especially since the iPad works quite well with a Bluetooth keyboard or even just tapping on the screen. And real typewriters are still avaiable for those so inclined. So maybe (and I'm thinking out loud here) it's not about functional design or nostalgia. The mash-up, I'm realizing, makes it more a conversation tool than a functional object. And if it's the case (and is indeed the designer's intent), I think it's been successful. I've been talking to a lot of folks about the iTypewriter, so it's definitely generated a lot of conversation."

"Thanks, Jaeyoung. Yes, I remember seeing those around Seoul and really appreciated being able to know when the bus was coming. Unfortunately, these live displays are a little slow to be implemented in cities like Los Angeles (where I live), even tough the bus data are available and easily accessible. What I like about Graham-Cumming's design is that it's a way for citizens to create their own display, without having to wait for the transportation department to install them, which can be a slow and costly process."

"Continued from Renato: When I ask myself what its purpose is, I come up empty-handed. If you've used a mechanical typewriter you know they're not exactly sleek--I remember getting my fingers stuck between the keys and jamming the typebars--but this contraption actually makes that old tool look good. The iPad typing experience is not perfect but there's no doubt humans are quickly adapting to it--as we did with the typewriters, word processors and computers. For those longing for the clacks and swoosh of a Remington, you can still get one. It is certainly amusing, interesting, nostalgic but I can't really take it seriously. The amount of energy, thinking and effort put into making the new feel (or worse work) like the old could be better applied but hey, at least it assumes, unlike Microsoft's Surface, that a physical keyboard belongs on a table."

"Got this from reader Renato Castilho at writedowneverything.com: Undoubtedly neat but for me personally, this specific application of the wildly popular idea of "retro-futuristic device adapters" does not work, it is barely valid as a design exercise. While the concept seems to have been carefully crafted, the very way it takes a forward-looking mobile device (which fits in an envelop) and makes it bulky, loud and cumbersome should be enough of a reason to shelf it--let alone the fact that it is by design less useable than the iPad screen or a regular Bluetooth keyboard."

"@Tom Mc That's interesting - the old complaint that "they don't make 'em like they used to" kind of holds true. So many of my old gadgets just don't work anymore, but this TV I have that was made in the 80s? Still going strong. I'm not technical enough to understand this, but maybe it's because our devices have more moving parts that are therefore likely to break down? @C3 "Hipster design" - but perhaps nostalgic hipsters? You're right, I'm not convinced the iTypewriter is for the generation who had to use the real things. @PIckard Ha!"