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Brother Compactronic 310 Typewriter Specifications

Though the company now manufactures fax machines, printers and all-in-one multifunction copiers, typewriters were once the bread and butter of the Brother International Corporation. The 310 was part of Brother's Compactronic line, a series of space-efficient electronic typewriters. As a member of the Compactronic 300 family, the 310 shares specifications and features with the baseline COM300 series.

Basic Specs
- Like all members of Brother's COM300 line, the COM310 is an electronic daisy wheel typewriter, meaning that its hammers are housed in a circular cassette rather than fixed in the fan-like fashion of earlier typewriters. This compact typewriter has a full-sized, 12-inch carriage and a 96-character keyboard. The device operates on 115 volts of AC power and measures about 16 inches wide, 16 inches deep and 5 inches high and weighs about 11 pounds. The Compactronic has a beige-colored casing with a built-in protective cover. The model's SKU is 57679.
Features
- Brother Compactronic 310 features a "Word-Spell" function as well as the one-step, built-in 40-character lift-off correction memory standard to COM300 models. Other standard features of the COM300 line include 10- and 12-pitch typing options, automatic relocation and a built-in, electronic self-demonstration feature. In addition to a margin release key, these units have time-saving features, such as one-touch tab buttons, repeat keys, a half-backspace option and an express backspace option.
Compatibility
- The COM310 typewriter works with Brother's 1030 correctable film ribbon, 1031 multi-strike ribbon and 1032 black nylon ribbon. For whiting out mistakes, the machine uses Brother 3010 or 3015 lift-off tape. Users can swap out this typewriter's interchangeable daisy wheel cassette for numerous standard and nonstandard font options, including Pica, Prestige 1012, Script 1012, Brougham, Legal Prestige 10 and Super Grande II.
Pricing and Availability
- At the time of publication, Brother no longer manufactures the Compactronic 310 typewriter. However, collectors can find a used unit at secondhand office supply retailers, classifieds and auction sites online, in addition to local thrift stores and flea markets. At 2011 prices, a COM310 can be had for about $20 to $25. Brother still offers compatible ink ribbons, lift-off tape and fonts for sale at its website (brother-USA.com).

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