Author Topic: Dell AT101 tour! (2012/2013) (Read 19229 times)

AKIMbO · « **on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:03:56 »

I'm starting a 2012/2013 Dell AT101 (black ALPS) tour. Post in this thread if you want a spot.

The Rules:
-You get to keep the board for 12 full days and then must ship it to the next person on the list.
-Tour is CONUS only (sorry Canadian peeps...I'm just not that informed aboot Canadian shipping

).
-You must have been a member of Geekhack for 2 months.
-You must have 35 posts as today.
-You must ship the keyboard with tracking info.
-You must post your impressions of the keyboard (think of it as a mini review).

The tour will start ~~when I have a minimum of 5 participants~~ NOW!

Participants:
1. daerid
2. whiteduck
3. dante
4. Lmnr
5. CPT BadAss
6. prdlm2009 (status: Dell AT101 is in the hands of prdlm2009)

A picture of the board:

Keyboard is PS/2...so make sure you have a PS/2 port or a PS/2 to USB converter (not an adapter).

Halverson · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:05:23 »

Great idea!
Don't worry about us Canadians. Shipping up here is just a hassle.

SmallFry · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:05:30 »

Does this board work on a passive adapter?

AKIMbO · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:07:23 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:05:30

Does this board work on a passive adapter?

I don't think so. You don't have an active converter yet? And you call yourself a Geekhacker...for shame!

SmallFry · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 17:08:32 »

I have a PS/2 port. I am above adapters! I'll probably steal your OP for when I get the Leopold with Reds from the Free thread the other day. Thanks!

Burz · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 22:18:56 »

The AT101 is a pretty sexy board. Needs a better photo...

daerid · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 02 December 2012, 23:59:58 »

Been thinking about picking up one of those NIB ones off ebay, but I want to make sure my memory isn't deceiving me. Sign me up.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:05:29 »

No one wants to try out alps?

Burz · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:22:09 »

Quote from: AKIMbO on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:05:29

No one wants to try out alps?

But I can't coordinate the key caps with the He-Man and Smurfs decor in my basement!

On a serious note, do you have any boards in mind for a Matias switch transplant?

---
Typed on my AT101W

AKIMbO · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:29:16 »

I actually have a board prepped and completely desoldered. Its a Zenith ZKB2-AT. You?

SmallFry · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:32:09 »

Quote from: AKIMbO on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:29:16

I actually have a board prepped and completely desoldered. Its a Zenith ZKB2-AT. You?

WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO THAT BEAUTIFUL BOARD?

Burz · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:34:08 »

I got another MiniTouch with XMs that I hope will accept the Matias quiet switches. I am also thinking of getting an SMK85 to convert as the layout seems a bit better... or a Filco Zero.

As for the MiniTouch you sold me, I could still use a few Monterrey switches so keep me in mind if you run across some extras.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:34:31 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:32:09

Quote from: AKIMbO on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:29:16
I actually have a board prepped and completely desoldered. Its a Zenith ZKB2-AT. You?
WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO THAT BEAUTIFUL BOARD?

Because I have two and the boards are beasts....how can you not like metal based keyboards?

metalliqaz · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:38:39 »

I would totally be in on this, but I already have an AT101. In fact I got it from Akimbo

)
Although, mine is Salmon Alps... never tried blacks

AKIMbO · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:42:32 »

Quote from: Burz on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:34:08

I got another MiniTouch with XMs that I hope will accept the Matias quiet switches. I am also thinking of getting an SMK85 to convert as the layout seems a bit better... or a Filco Zero.

As for the MiniTouch you sold me, I could still use a few Monterrey switches so keep me in mind if you run across some extras.

I don't have any spare Monterey Blue switches...but I do have a bag of complicated linear yellow alps.

Burz · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:43:07 »

Quote from: metalliqaz on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:38:39

Although, mine is Salmon Alps... never tried blacks

Don't worry- Unless you dislike the click, you're probably not missing anything. Blacks may be the worst of the actual ALPS-made switches (though I vastly prefer them to RD).

AKIMbO · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:44:58 »

I actually like the black alps. They aren't orange alps sure...but I find them better than simplified whites.

Burz · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:46:37 »

Quote from: AKIMbO on Mon, 03 December 2012, 21:42:32

I don't have any spare Monterey Blue switches...but I do have a bag of complicated linear yellow alps.

Hmmm... can't replace Monterreys with ALPS.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 04 December 2012, 10:37:29 »

Let's get more signups por favor.

aggiejy · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 04 December 2012, 15:23:36 »

What does this board cost to ship around about? I know some TKL boards you can fit in a flat rate box, but usually these you can't.

fohat.digs · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 04 December 2012, 15:48:13 »

There is a large flat rate box called a "game board" box that the USPS does not stock in POs, but they will deliver 25 of them to your front door, free of charge. Order them online.

They are about $15.80 if I remember correctly. Otherwise, a keyboard the size and weight of a AT101, packed in a reasonably appropriate box, will probably ship ground for about $10-12 in-state or nearby, $12-14 for the neighboring region, and $14-16 to the other side of the country. If you use a box unnecessarily large, you will pay for it, regardless of weight.

Usually, the PO is the least expensive, especially as the distances get longer, with UPS and FedEx being more. FedEx is often the most expensive but has BY FAR the best tracking.

tipo33 · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 04 December 2012, 16:01:15 »

I own one. If you don't sign up, you'll be missing out on a great board.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 04 December 2012, 16:35:38 »

Quote from: aggiejy on Tue, 04 December 2012, 15:23:36

What does this board cost to ship around about? I know some TKL boards you can fit in a flat rate box, but usually these you can't.

It will fit in a large flat rate box (aka a game board box). It costs $14.85 if you buy the postage online and $15.80ish if you buy the postage at a USPS branch.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #23 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 12:51:55 »

Need more signups.

whiteduck · « **Reply #24 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 14:32:27 »

I would be interested but don't meet your post minimum... can u make an exception?? Im a fan of the alps on my focus 2001 so would like to try other types!!

AKIMbO · « **Reply #25 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 14:36:29 »

Sure. I'll lower the post requirements to 50 and add you.

daerid · « **Reply #26 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 21:37:36 »

Quote from: dante on Sun, 09 December 2012, 21:24:37

The AT101's feel just varies too much - not just from the age / condition of the switches - it seems like black alps can feel either like heavy browns or clicky white alps!

Oh man you ain't kiddin. I've had 4 of 'em, 2 white, 2 black, and all but one of the black ones were buttery smooth with a satisfying clack, while the last one felt like a stiff, grainy brown. Very, very unsatisfying.

I also with you didn't have to go to such insane lengths to get one of these working in OSX

AKIMbO · « **Reply #27 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 21:54:25 »

Quote from: dante on Sun, 09 December 2012, 21:24:37

Quote from: tipo33 on Tue, 04 December 2012, 16:01:15
I own one. If you don't sign up, you'll be missing out on a great board.

Not being poopy pants, but I'd be much more interested in AKIMbO's SGI Granite.

The AT101's feel just varies too much - not just from the age / condition of the switches - it seems like black alps can feel either like heavy browns or clicky white alps!

The alps on this AT101 are in pretty good condition. I've had some bad alps board before, this is one of the better ones.

SGI Granite will never go on tour. They are much harder to find than the Dell boards. XD

AKIMbO · « **Reply #28 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 22:48:04 »

Quote from: dante on Sun, 09 December 2012, 22:04:27

Go ahead and add me to the tour plz.

Added.

I think I may kick the tour off when we get 5 total participants. It doesn't seem like that many people are interested in alps boards...so 10 participants may have been a bit optimistic.

Lmnr · « **Reply #29 on:** Sun, 09 December 2012, 22:56:46 »

Ill join since these are the only ones I've yet to try.
I have been in the Topre tour and Cherry mx tour as well as over 50 posts and member for a full year or so.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #30 on:** Tue, 11 December 2012, 07:03:09 »

Lets get a couple more signups then I'll mail the board out on tour this weekend!

fohat.digs · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 11 December 2012, 07:08:30 »

You guys should sign up.

A good AT101 can give you a very nice typing experience.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 13 December 2012, 07:26:13 »

Give me one more signup....I demand it!

AKIMbO · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 17 December 2012, 07:27:44 »

Tour will start in a few days...if you want to signup do it now.

I've relaxed the requirements to get in on the tour. Post in this thread and I'll add you to the list provided I feel like you won't run off with the keyboard.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #34 on:** Mon, 17 December 2012, 19:28:18 »

The tour has commenced and the board will be mailed out to the first person on the list (daerid).

daerid · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 18 December 2012, 00:43:31 »

Weeeee! Will post when I get it

daerid · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 22 December 2012, 19:46:07 »

Got the board. Been trying it out. It's not quite as consistent as I remember my other AT101W's being, but I do remember how much I love these switches. Will forward it on to whiteduck here in about a week probably.

daerid · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 08 January 2013, 15:16:55 »

Shipped off to whiteduck! Sorry for the delay, had a busy last weekend.

whiteduck · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 21 January 2013, 12:19:54 »

Have the board and will post a review tonight and ship tomorrow. Sorry for the delay -,-

XTF · « **Reply #39 on:** Mon, 21 January 2013, 14:08:58 »

Already got two of them (AT101W), just need to clean them.

whiteduck · « **Reply #40 on:** Mon, 21 January 2013, 22:21:06 »

I have been typing a bit on this board... but I don't think it is for me. It takes a bit too much force for my liking, especially the keys with stabilizers. Not sure if I could make it through a work day using this... I have a board with white ALPS a focus 2001 of which I am more of a fan. Was fun to try out another type of ALPS switches, but I am much more into cherry mx switches... =/
Hope someone else enjoys this board more than me...
sending out to next guy tomorrow, Thanks AKIMbO

whiteduck · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 22 January 2013, 17:19:21 »

Shipped around 4pm today to Dante.
-wd

Tym · « **Reply #42 on:** Tue, 22 January 2013, 17:34:34 »

I would love to be apart of this, but I live in the Uk

maybe we can do a single key in the future? Round the world postage

Obviously not a CC maybe just a daft novelty key?

AKIMbO · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 26 January 2013, 12:14:14 »

Quote from: whiteduck on Mon, 21 January 2013, 22:21:06

I have been typing a bit on this board... but I don't think it is for me. It takes a bit too much force for my liking, especially the keys with stabilizers. Not sure if I could make it through a work day using this... I have a board with white ALPS a focus 2001 of which I am more of a fan. Was fun to try out another type of ALPS switches, but I am much more into cherry mx switches... =/
Hope someone else enjoys this board more than me...
sending out to next guy tomorrow, Thanks AKIMbO

Thanks! I hope you enjoyed the board.

Quote from: dante on Fri, 25 January 2013, 18:01:58

I received the board.

Black alps rock/suck

My first at101 nib that I bought over a year ago felt like if you took a black switch and added just barely any tactility like in a Cherry Brown.

This at101 feels much more tactile and I don't know if it's been from typing on MX Blacks for so long but it feels a bit lighter - possibly because of the slightly reduced travel.

Pretty decent board mang. I'm going to take it work next week and torture my coworkers with all sorts of clicky pleasure/angst.

Have fun annoying your coworkers...and remember, that board has a steel plate in it. So if any of them give you lip for being loud...smack them in the back of the head with the board (you have my permission)!

Number_25 · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 16 February 2013, 10:35:18 »

I own a DELL AT102W which I would like to do something similar with in the UK.

If anyone is interested please feel free to email me -

keo7@aber.ac.uk

calavera · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 16 February 2013, 10:59:31 »

These use black alps don't they?

Tarzan · « **Reply #46 on:** Sat, 16 February 2013, 11:27:39 »

I was interested in trying out the Alps switches, so I went to my local-ish computer scrapper and dug through their bin of used keyboards. The only had one, a black AT101W, which they forced me to pay $5 for. :-)

Cleaned it thoroughly, and using it now. Pretty nice, although I think I like the Cherry switches a tad bit better for gaming. I was having some of the "stickiness" other posters have alluded to, so I lubed all the switches with some teflon lube I had around. Smooooth...

I have a Noppoo Choc mini at work (w/Browns), I think I might swap that out for the Dell board, I like the larger form factor for general typing. Also more likely to use the ten-key pad at work, the Noppoo is TKL.

AKIMbO · « **Reply #47 on:** Sat, 16 February 2013, 11:30:20 »

Quote from: calavera on Sat, 16 February 2013, 10:59:31

These use black alps don't they?

Yes, black alps.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #48 on:** Sat, 16 February 2013, 11:32:27 »

Akimbro, are you going to do another tour after this one wraps up?

AKIMbO · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 16 February 2013, 11:49:00 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Sat, 16 February 2013, 11:32:27

Akimbro, are you going to do another tour after this one wraps up?

I will just keep tacking on people to the list....so yes, if you want to get in on this tour just say so and I'll add you to it.

News:

Author Topic: Dell AT101 tour! (2012/2013) (Read 19229 times)