Customer Reviews

Brother SX-4000 Electronic Typewriter

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I received this for a gift and am extremely happy with it. I love to write short stories but often have writer's block, so I'm excited to have a new format. The best part about this typewriter is that even though it's electronic, it still makes the familiar old "clacking" sound as you type, and has the familiar typewriter font--really sets the mood for creative writing. I wouldn't have expected a typewriter to have spell-check, but this one does--it makes a little dinging sound if you spell a word incorrectly, and gives you the ability to erase one letter, the word, or an entire line with the (included and already installed) correction tape. You can adjust the positioning of the paper yourself with the knob on the side, which would be helpful when filling out forms. Includes a keyboard cover to keep dust out of the keys, and a carrying handle. Overall, the typewriter is easy to set up and use.

Although the bulk of my typing these days is on a computer (Microsoft Word), a typewriter fills a much needed gap--for typing on pre-printed forms,application forms, odd-sized pieces of paper, etc. When my old Xerox Memorywriter finally went to typewriter heaven after 20 years I was looking for a reasonably priced electronic typewriter and the Brother SX-4000 meets my needs perfectly. It has all the features of more expensive machines, like display, half-backspace, bold type, to state a few "bells and whistles." I confidently recommend this machine for personal needs.

excellent brand equipped with lots of features. instruction book well
written and easy to understand. doesn't weigh a ton like some other
typewriters. the only drawback that i can see (make that hear) is the noise. it makes a lot of noise when in use. all should keep in mind
that this is a personal opinion and is not meant to be any slur on the
manufacturer.

Brother seems to have cornered the market these days on electric typewriters. I bought this typewriter more than five years ago, from a warehouse club for $150.00, which is a much more than its Amazon price today. I only take it out to fill in forms and type on small labels or envelopes. It's worked perfectly and held up great.

I used to own a Smith Corona electric typewriter, with mushy keys. I'd push down on it and it felt spongy, doesn't have that "clicky" feel to it that I prefer. The Brother's keys have a firmer touch. I swore not to buy another Smith Corona electric because of the feel of the keys.

The only reason I didn't give the Brother five stars is that I type over 70wpm, and the typewriter can't keep up with me. I'd type a whole sentence, have to pause, then wait for it to complete the printout. It's a bit annoying, and I'm sure the little print-preview window would solve my problem, but I fix it by slowing...down...to...a...crawl...about...30wpm.

Warning about changing daisywheels. The original wheel that it came with works well. I'd pop it out play with it, then pop it back in and type away fine. However, when I changed it over to a different typeface, it printed wrong characters. I'd type a W and it came out A. I discovered that on the spare daisy wheel, I have to align a pin on the wheel to a hole on the daisy wheel uptake (pin has to be at around the 2 o'clock spot). You'd know it when you look at it. When I lined them up when installing the wheel, the spare daisy wheel printed fine.

It's very easy to change wheels, or change ribbons. I needed to follow instructions for changing the correction tape, but once I did it once, it wasn't hard. All the keys are clearly labeled. It has up and down line-scroll functions. The little print-preview window allows for correcting mistakes before they're typed out.

Overall a fine and reliable machine. I always liked Brother products.

If there are times when a computer just won't do, this is a great typewriter for the money. Despite the many features it has, it is very easy to learn to use and I have had no maintenance problems whatsoever. I purchased it to take the DC Bar Exam and it worked well over 6 hours of intensive use. The only issue I noticied was when typing in the Line Print mode, sometimes the words would merge together leaving a non-sensical word. Overall though, it held up well and performed up to expectations for my needs. Certainly a good product for the money.

I would rate this typewriter top quality, as are all Brother products. I find that it is a good bargain at the price offered. I use the typewriter for everyday typing (correspondence, package labeling, etc) and find it very suitable.

L. Thiel

I got one of these from my neighbor who was moving out, I only paid $5 for it. I've been wanting to get a typewriter for my wife for some time now, and this one is it. We got the starter kit from Amazon - it has everything you would need to get it going. I had only used an old mechanical typewriter in the past, but never actually did anything on it since my IBM PC30 in 1987 landed on my desk. I have to admit there is some charm in using a typewriter. This product is very good, sturdily build, worked like new after we wiped the dust and dirt of its face. The only shortcoming I can see is the limitation of font types available - Brougham (10 Pitch) and the same in italics.

Good for the money and very convenient. Mostly plastic in construction and looks cheap, but works as it's supposed to and great for forms and letterheads. Leave business letters or the great American novel for MS Word, but use this typewriter for smaller tasks.

I'm very happy with the typewriter. It's just used for envelopes and proposals for our business. I've used this brand name before without any problems. Thank you.

This was exactly what we needed. We needed to put numbers on parts and, thanks you your typewriter, we were able to number them, as our customer requested. Even the4y were VERY impressed. And, FAST shipping!! Thank you so very much. I would HIGHLY recommend!!