Model M SSK NIB

[strafe]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-1397681-1397685-Model-M-Space-Saver-Clicky-Keyboard-1992-New-In-Box-PS2-/191257158293

[rowdy]

I don't think I'd want a NIB one - I couldn't bring myself to tear open the packaging

[Elrick]

I don't think I'd want a NIB one - I couldn't bring myself to tear open the packaging

Yes you do, especially rubbing that SSK all over your naked body  .

You know you want to do it, don't be a tease  .

[calavera]

This will def go beyond $1200? no?

[HoffmanMyster]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

[Techno Trousers]

If I had $1,200 to spend on keyboards, I'd much rather buy 10 or 11 F-122s.

[Techno Trousers]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

It's $128 right now. Even well-used ones are going for around $225 these days.

[Techno Trousers]

Derp

[rowdy]

I don't think I'd want a NIB one - I couldn't bring myself to tear open the packaging

Yes you do, especially rubbing that SSK all over your naked body  .

You know you want to do it, don't be a tease  .

Ssshhh!  No-one's supposed to know about that

[HoffmanMyster]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

It's $128 right now. Even well-used ones are going for around $225 these days.

This is why I said "my price range" and not "the going rate".  I am not interested in paying that price for an SSK.

[nubbinator]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

Dunno.  I bid $0.99 before it got posted here.  Same way I got outbid on the DC-2014 so aggressively already.

[Techno Trousers]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

It's $128 right now. Even well-used ones are going for around $225 these days.

This is why I said "my price range" and not "the going rate".  I am not interested in paying that price for an SSK.

Ah, I see. Well, maybe the price will come down when Unicomp (eventually) releases their new SSK-ish keyboard.

[Elrick]

Ah, I see. Well, maybe the price will come down when Unicomp (eventually) releases their new SSK-ish keyboard.

Nothing we like better here than another poor soul hoping for the impossible, like buying a brand new 87 or 104 Thorpie Key-set  ) .

[False_Dmitry_II]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

It's $128 right now. Even well-used ones are going for around $225 these days.

This is why I said "my price range" and not "the going rate".  I am not interested in paying that price for an SSK.

Ah, I see. Well, maybe the price will come down when Unicomp (eventually) releases their new SSK-ish keyboard.

Hopefully they work on the layout a bit more, I think the mockup they showed us looks kinda funny.

[rowdy]

LOL it's already outside my price range.  Why you people gotta bid so aggressively so soon?

It's $128 right now. Even well-used ones are going for around $225 these days.

This is why I said "my price range" and not "the going rate".  I am not interested in paying that price for an SSK.

Ah, I see. Well, maybe the price will come down when Unicomp (eventually) releases their new SSK-ish keyboard.

Unicomp SSK-ish keyboard is not SSK-ish enough for me.

Still looking for SSK for < $150.

[Techno Trousers]

Used SSK prices might come down when there's a new alternative. Keep the dream alive!

[iloveucla]

I think it'll go up to $500...... at least

[strafe]

I'm going to take a guess and say $650

[Vanilla]

Yup, this is going to be expensive....

ANYHOW, NIB m's lack character imho. There's no story or battlescars behind them.
I love me some m's with asset stickers on them or some very nice penmenship from yesteryear about what grant money paid for the m's trip to which school.

Used SSK prices might come down when there's a new alternative. Keep the dream alive!

I think they're embedded into keyboard culture.
Only crash I could forsee is when unicomp releases this guy:

[rowdy]

To me that's just weird, like an SSK trying to be a 60%.

Missing gaps between function key quartets, arrows in the wrong place, six-key cluster has the wrong layout.

Not for me

[Photekq]

Show Image

Looks like a really bad version of the MX5000 layout :))

[Vanilla]

Yeah, if this tanks unicomp is gonna be in some deep trouble considering they need something to keep them away from the red and competing with the mass influx of Asian boards.
And I'm pretty sure they've put all their cards into this.

If it wasn't for IBM/ lexmark? legally pulling the plug on them selling the SSK & parts to the SSK & even servicing customer owned SSK's; I'm sure they wouldn't be in this mess and that board will go for a whole
lot less....

[Elrick]

Yeah, if this tanks unicomp is gonna be in some deep trouble considering they need something to keep them away from the red and competing with the mass influx of Asian boards.
And I'm pretty sure they've put all their cards into this.

It would be a real shame to see the last manufactured BS keyboard Made in the US disappear soon.  Makes me want to buy a Unicomp and some key-sets on their website before it's too late.

[fohat.digs]

This will def go beyond $1200? no?

Six months ago it surely would have. Today, I predict half to 2/3 that amount.

[noway]

Show Image

Looks like a really bad version of the MX5000 layout :))

I actually don't mind the layout (at first glance).  The money I would save would go a long way to helping me like it.

[vivalarevolución]

NIB ain't worth the premium.  Do a bolt mod, and it's as good as new.  Those rivets are going to break eventually.

[Jotokun]

To me that's just weird, like an SSK trying to be a 60%.

Missing gaps between function key quartets, arrows in the wrong place, six-key cluster has the wrong layout.

Not for me

It's a little odd looking, but if they would only rearrange the right column a bit they would have a near-standard 75% layout. I think that would sell well, since 75% lovers don't have many options.

Even better if the pointing stick version of it promised on facebook gained a third mouse button.

As-is though, yeah. I don't see it doing too well. Not compact enough for compact lovers, not standard enough for everyone else.

[Vanilla]

Yeah, if this tanks unicomp is gonna be in some deep trouble considering they need something to keep them away from the red and competing with the mass influx of Asian boards.
And I'm pretty sure they've put all their cards into this.

It would be a real shame to see the last manufactured BS keyboard Made in the US disappear soon.  Makes me want to buy a Unicomp and some key-sets on their website before it's too late.

I've amassed 10 extra minty fresh spacebars and a decent freezer size bag of spring hammer assemblies between my orders of parts from unicomp already 

NIB ain't worth the premium.  Do a bolt mod, and it's as good as new.  Those rivets are going to break eventually.

I'm pretty sure it's going to stay NIB forever as chances are whoever is going to win it already owns a couple SSK's and industrials.

[Elrick]

I think they're embedded into keyboard culture.
Only crash I could forsee is when unicomp releases this guy:

Show Image

I would buy this when they release it officially simply because it's still usable as a keyboard.

No ONE else in this world is building Buckling Spring Keyboards hence what Unicomp is attempting to do should be praised because this will be a totally new 'smaller' layout.  I think sometimes you people in the US are way to hard on your own manufacturers especially this last one building these type of keyboards.

All that matters in the end is they release it with a high quality standard for the money they will be asking for.  Be happy that there is still someone making these in 2014 and hopefully will keep on making them for everyone else in the future.

[Vanilla]

I think they're embedded into keyboard culture.
Only crash I could forsee is when unicomp releases this guy:

Show Image

I would buy this when they release it officially simply because it's still usable as a keyboard.

No ONE else in this world is building Buckling Spring Keyboards hence what Unicomp is attempting to do should be praised because this will be a totally new 'smaller' layout.  I think sometimes you people in the US are way to hard on your own manufacturers especially this last one building these type of keyboards.

All that matters in the end is they release it with a high quality standard for the money they will be asking for.  Be happy that there is still someone making these in 2014 and hopefully will keep on making them for everyone else in the future.

Yeah I've pretty much had my heart settled getting one the instant I was shown the news release ahead of time while inquiring for service for an SSK and them telling me that I'm SOL due to IBM/ lexmark legalities and gave me a document about this as a consolation.

We're not hard on manufacturers, we're way too lenient especially politicians. So lenient that we let the big guys outsource and take our jobs to Asia. We also let them keep their corporate earnings offshore so they won't have to pony up corporate taxes; Apple has so much money off-shore that they found it cheaper to loan money domestically and pay interest then to bring the money back and pay the corporate tax to uncle sam.

And besides, the problem is durable goods in this case; the US is known for specializing in durable goods. Unicomp is stuck in a catch 22 with that part. Their keyboards are durable and do not need replacement for a long long long time. Yet they use durability as one of their sparse selling points. Where's the cash flow?
They need to stay!

[fohat.digs]

Their keyboards are durable and do not need replacement for a long long long time. Yet they use durability as one of their sparse selling points. Where's the cash flow?
They need to stay!

This is what is so sad. And especially since a Unicomp is what, HALF the price of something common like a Filco or a Deck?

[1391406]

All that matters in the end is they release it with a high quality standard for the money they will be asking for.

If that's all that mattered, the XT Model F would be embraced far more than it is. The XT's build quality is practically second to none, however its layout is a deal breaker for many enthusiasts.

[Elrick]

All that matters in the end is they release it with a high quality standard for the money they will be asking for.

If that's all that mattered, the XT Model F would be embraced far more than it is. The XT's build quality is practically second to none, however its layout is a deal breaker for many enthusiasts.

If we could all enjoy the quality standard of Model F's I'm sure there would be a greater following here on Geekhack but have you also considered the distinct lack of any available Model-F's for sale anywhere?

If everyone wanted a Model-F keyboard then where would you obtain your gear from in the future?  Far better to leave a small percentage of people interested in it then getting thousands fighting over a keyboard selling on Ebay (you know what happens with any SSK's lately).

Unicomp is doing what's right for itself whether they survive another year before releasing their new small keyboard is still undetermined.  When they do finally release it, then I'm there with my money in hand  .

[1391406]

All that matters in the end is they release it with a high quality standard for the money they will be asking for.

If that's all that mattered, the XT Model F would be embraced far more than it is. The XT's build quality is practically second to none, however its layout is a deal breaker for many enthusiasts.

If we could all enjoy the quality standard of Model F's I'm sure there would be a greater following here on Geekhack but have you also considered the distinct lack of any available Model-F's for sale anywhere?

If everyone wanted a Model-F keyboard then where would you obtain your gear from in the future?  Far better to leave a small percentage of people interested in it then getting thousands fighting over a keyboard selling on Ebay (you know what happens with any SSK's lately).

Unicomp is doing what's right for itself whether they survive another year before releasing their new small keyboard is still undetermined.  When they do finally release it, then I'm there with my money in hand  .

Remember, I'm talking about the XT (83-key) Model F specifically, to which there are practically always several available on eBay(even now). The same can't be said of the 84-key and especially 122-key Model F's. They are usually far more in demand. Coupled with the reviews from numerous Geekhackers regarding the XT's horrible layout(myself included), I contend that demand is not solely oriented toward keyboards with the highest build quality. In fact, a number of enthusiasts who've used both the 83-key and 84-key Model F's will tell you that the XT (83-key) edges out the AT (84-key) in terms of build quality. The denominating factor between those two for many users comes down to their layout. Hence, I'd contend that layout can and does play a pivotal role when it comes to demand.

[1391406]

Anyway, regarding Unicomp. If layout plays a pivotal role in determining demand for a keyboard and the layout of their upcoming SSK isn't resonating with the majority of their target market, what's the point?

[Vanilla]

Anyway, regarding Unicomp. If layout plays a pivotal role in determining demand for a keyboard and the layout of their upcoming SSK isn't resonating with the majority of their target market, what's the point?

Going out of business sale.

[HoffmanMyster]

Anyway, regarding Unicomp. If layout plays a pivotal role in determining demand for a keyboard and the layout of their upcoming SSK isn't resonating with the majority of their target market, what's the point?

Going out of business sale product launch.

FTFY.  But it doesn't make any more sense. 

[fohat.digs]

In fact, a number of enthusiasts who've used both the 83-key and 84-key Model F's will tell you that the XT (83-key) edges out the AT (84-key) in terms of build quality.

And some of us are still holding our breath for the XTant project.

[dorkvader]

In fact, a number of enthusiasts who've used both the 83-key and 84-key Model F's will tell you that the XT (83-key) edges out the AT (84-key) in terms of build quality.

And some of us are still holding our breath for the XTant project.

It's gonna happen! The controller is finishing up, the firmware is finishing, we just need to figure out how to make properly bent plates, and finish testing custom F PCBs.

[Daspartic]

It will be a glorious day when this project is finished, can't wait.