Hanx Writer
By Amanda Bindel,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Typewriter sounds with modern features mostly a novelty.
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Hanx Writer
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What’s It About?
The iPad screen becomes a typewriter, and kids can type pages of text with the modern convenience of the delete key. New pages can be added to folders and saved in-app, or pages can be emailed as PDFs. Each of the three typewriters available has a different look, both of the typewriter and keys as well as the font. The Hanx Prime Select is included with the free download. The Hanx 707 features a bolder font, and the Hanx Golden Touch is sleeker and a bit more modern. Those are offered individually or in a bundle as in-app purchases.
Is It Any Good?
Upon opening HANX WRITER, kids will find a typed note from Tom Hanks explaining the inspiration behind the app. The letter closes with, "You already know how to work them," referencing typewriters, but that may not be true for most kids. They do know how to use an iPad, though, and that's close enough. The interface is totally intuitive, even though it looks like a typewriter. Kids can type on the touchscreen or use a Bluetooth keyboard. They won’t get the feel of a typewriter's keys, but they will experience the sounds of the clacking keys and clicking returns. Playing around with the typewriter will be a little fun, but the nostalgia will be lost on them, and they'll likely prefer to stick with more familiar and fully featured word-processing options.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how word processing has changed since the days of typewriters. Parents (or grandparents) can share stories of correction fluid and double spacing.
Find an old typewriter for kids to explore hands-on, feeling the weight of the keys on the return bar.
App Details
- Device: iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: writing
- Skills: Communication: multiple forms of expression, Tech Skills: using and applying technology, Health & Fitness: fine motor skills
- Pricing structure: Free to try, Free (Hanx 707 Bundle is $2.99 -- additional typewriter that offers a different feel, background colors, and text alignment Hanx Golden Touch is $2.99 -- additional typewriter that offers a different feel, background colors, and text alignment Writer's Block Bundle is $4.99 -- adds both typewriter options )
- Release date: August 14, 2014
- Category: Productivity
- Topics: History
- Publisher: Hitcents.com, Inc.
- Version: 1.0.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated: August 15, 2016
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