Author Topic: IBM Model M price range  (Read 5921 times)

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Offline digi

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IBM Model M price range
« on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 11:53:15 »
So I've been looking around for a NIB IBM Model M keyboard. What is a good price for one NIB? Any major differences in year/models that I should be aware of?

Any issues with using a standard ps2 > usb converter with them?

Cheers.

Offline salcan

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 12:45:26 »
It makes a big difference if you want a new Model M or if you want a NIB one. My last one was new, like never used before, it just didn't have the box, which doesn't bother me. You can save a lot if you don't need the cardboard...

Offline ch_123

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 12:54:45 »
I think the most desirable full-sized Model Ms from a strictly objective point of view are 1391401s made by Lexmark (1992-1994) - that way you get the two piece keycaps, removable cable, but also the modern trimmings such as drainage channels and the additional internal supports.

As for the space-saver Models, it's pick and mix. I've seen a few Lexmark space-savers that don't have drainage channels... And there seems to be no way of knowing whether you get double or single piece keycaps without asking the seller. Either way, they're good no matter when they were made, or which part number they had.

For more info on part numbers, the IBM Wiki has a detailed guide on the common ones.

Offline salcan

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 13:08:53 »
Last new space saver I saw (on ebay) was going for like $225. That's another a whole different story from something like the 1391401 or 52G9658 which you have a much better shot of finding NIB, at least from what I've seen.

But yeah, for your first or only model m the 1391401 is pretty much the one to get.

Offline digi

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 17:23:46 »
Just ordered the 52G9658 and adapter from Clicky...

I hate these forums :)

Offline InSanCen

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 17:30:55 »
Quote from: digi;160531
Just ordered the 52G9658 and adapter from Clicky...

I hate these forums :)


No, you love these forums, but hate that reading them incites you to purchase more keyboards.

Search out Jbert's sig, it sums things up nicely.
Currently Using :- IBM M13 1996, Black :
Currently Own :- 1391406 1989 & 1990 : AT Model F 1985 : Boscom 122 (Black) : G80-3000 : G80-1800 (x2) : Wang 724 : G81-8000LPBGB (Card Reader, MY) : Unitek : AT102W : TVS Gold :
Project\'s :- Wang 724 Pink-->White Clicky : USB Model M : IBM LPFK :
Pointing stuff :- Logitech MX-518 : I-One Lynx R-15 Trackball : M13 Nipple : Microsoft Basic Optical\'s
:

Offline digi

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 17:36:46 »
Exactly....it just wouldn't have sounded the same if I said it that way :)

Offline InSanCen

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« Reply #7 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 17:39:00 »
My wallet on the other hand hates this Forum with a passion...
Currently Using :- IBM M13 1996, Black :
Currently Own :- 1391406 1989 & 1990 : AT Model F 1985 : Boscom 122 (Black) : G80-3000 : G80-1800 (x2) : Wang 724 : G81-8000LPBGB (Card Reader, MY) : Unitek : AT102W : TVS Gold :
Project\'s :- Wang 724 Pink-->White Clicky : USB Model M : IBM LPFK :
Pointing stuff :- Logitech MX-518 : I-One Lynx R-15 Trackball : M13 Nipple : Microsoft Basic Optical\'s
:

Offline platon

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 17:39:06 »
Quote from: digi;160531
Just ordered the 52G9658 and adapter from Clicky...

I hate these forums :)


At least you are lucky enough not having to pay $60 just for the shipping of a 3 kg model M to you.

I got a NIB Chicony 5181 the other day for $9.99. Shipping costs were $47.5.
Spoils all the fun.
Filco Majestouch brown no nkro, Filco tenkeyless white lettered with browns, IBM Model M 1392934 Space Saving \'91 x 2, Cherry G80-3000 LSCEU-2, Chicony KB-5181, SGI Granite 9500900, IBM Model M 52G9658 \'94, HHKB Lite 2 for Mac, SGI RT6856T (rubber dome), Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, CH DT225 trackball, SGI 063-0009-001 mouse

Offline InSanCen

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 18:03:17 »
Maybe capacitative buckling springs with IBM's finest Model F AT? Possibly some delectable Topre goodness?
Currently Using :- IBM M13 1996, Black :
Currently Own :- 1391406 1989 & 1990 : AT Model F 1985 : Boscom 122 (Black) : G80-3000 : G80-1800 (x2) : Wang 724 : G81-8000LPBGB (Card Reader, MY) : Unitek : AT102W : TVS Gold :
Project\'s :- Wang 724 Pink-->White Clicky : USB Model M : IBM LPFK :
Pointing stuff :- Logitech MX-518 : I-One Lynx R-15 Trackball : M13 Nipple : Microsoft Basic Optical\'s
:

Offline Mental Hobbit

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 18:14:02 »
Quote from: ripster;160443
I rarely see much price difference if the box is there or not.  It's the new part that matters.


How can you tell? I think you can make most Model Ms look new even after 20 years, unless they've been seriously mistreated. The cable will probably be the hardest part.
Typing on blues.

Offline digi

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IBM Model M price range
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 24 February 2010, 18:18:43 »
Quote from: webwit;160539
That's a nice M.. but how do you know you don't prefer some Cherries or Alps ??? *wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge*


I do like the Alps, I believe they used Alps in the older Focus branded KB's. I love Cherry Brown's, I also have the Filco 87 and the Scorpius M10. Just ordered the Dell POS KB with cherry browns.

I grew up booting up my computer with 5 1/4 floppies using DOS 2, I've always wanted a model M but I could never find one in decent shape. I couldn't pass it up....especially in practically new condition.....*click..*clunk..*click...*clunk....I can't wait!