<p>love the computer
our impression- colleges are being truthful when they say they prefer common app.
You can always print your essay- make corrections to hard copy then reformat to send.
I have had to read many resumes/applications and handwriting is much more work to read. If filling out a basic form I wouldn't bother getting a typewriter but for anything else- type.
My daughter did her original applications on the computer then printed it out and school mailed it in- but then she took a year off, and as the schools were emphasizing to use common app we took them at their word.
She was accepted to all her schools- so I would advise do whatever you feel comfortable with, but if they want a one page essay- make it large enough to be readable- which usually means keyboarding.</p>