Current Model M Prices

[smknjoe]

I've been out of the "scene" for the most part since all of the trouble here last year. Now that everything looks stable I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

One thing that I'm having trouble figuring out is the current pricing for model m(s). What gives? Up until 8-12 months ago you could easily find used m(s) for $25-$50 tops (and $50 was often laughable) and NIB Ms were going for about $100-$130 tops.

Is there some new Model M movement, are hipsters snatching them up to be nostalgic (ironically of course), or has Ripster cornered the market to make all GHers PAY for the permaban (lol)?

Seriously, other than NIB potentially becoming harder to find, why has the price go up so much on the used ones? There has to be several tens of thousands of them still out there and compared to the size of the enthusiast community it doesn't seem the demand would be very high.

I've seen used ones posted here for ~$140, REALLY?

[fohat.digs]

Who knows? It is all crazy.

Less than a year ago I had an immaculate bolt-modded 1992 blue label that I tried to sell here and on ebay. I started at $100 and after several weeks of steadily dropping prices, I finally sold it on ebay for about $55.

Having owned a couple of dozen Model Ms of all ages, I can tell you that there are distinct differences but still within a rather narrow band of variation. If you have never used buckling springs, buy a Unicomp with native USB and Windows keys. If you like "classic" and/or "collectable" stuff, there is tons of classic IBM hardware out there.

The parallel thread "Thinking about buying a Unicomp" shows just how wild it has gotten.

But that is all moot. After moving past the neophyte stage, anybody who is serious about using buckling springs is probably on a Model F.

Flame on, haters!

[The_Beast]

I got my M for $30 shipped. It needed some care for it and it was missing the Tab key, but it was still very decent. Ebay seems like the prices are really high. I often see recyclers with 15 listings for model M's at $50 a pop if not more for the crappiest looking model M's I've seen.


I don't really need another model M, but if I find one for cheap, then I'll buy just encase, one day I do need it. I doubt they'll ever be going down in prices so.....

[smknjoe]

I have one that I bought from a client. They had an extra for their old (but still chugging away) IBM AIX box.

Most of the ebay prices are really high, but what really surprises me are the prices at clickykeyboards. $90 used $200 new. Almost double from a year ago.

What's the going average rate for an SSK?

[The_Beast]

I have one that I bought from a client. They had an extra for their old (but still chugging away) IBM AIX box.

Most of the ebay prices are really high, but what really surprises me are the prices at clickykeyboards. $90 used $200 new. Almost double from a year ago.

What's the going average rate for an SSK?

$150-$220 depending on condition.


I paid $190 shipped for mine, but it had a blank set included with it.

[smknjoe]

I guess the SSK I bought for $170 wasn't too bad then. Seemed pretty high but worth it to me as long as it is as advertised. We'll see when it gets here.

Wish I had saved the ones I had way back when. 

[smknjoe]

But that is all moot. After moving past the neophyte stage, anybody who is serious about using buckling springs is probably on a Model F.

I haven't see one of those in "the wild" since I was a kid. Maybe I'll get another F one of these days (if I can even find one.) I think these Ms will hold me over for a while.

[Techno Trousers]

I noticed the prices going up too. My theory is that with the expansion of the mechanical keyboard market, more and more people are seeking out the original beloved mechanical board. There are only so many of the classic Ms to go around.

TL;DR Supply & demand.

[Techno Trousers]

But that is all moot. After moving past the neophyte stage, anybody who is serious about using buckling springs is probably on a Model F.

I haven't see one of those in "the wild" since I was a kid. Maybe I'll get another F one of these days (if I can even find one.) I think these Ms will hold me over for a while.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=330949585131

There was a second with BIN, so I jumped on it because of fohat.digs' evangelism.

[fohat.digs]

Most of the ebay prices are really high, but what really surprises me are the prices at clickykeyboards. $90 used $200 new. Almost double from a year ago.

Clickykeyboards used to sell for about twice the going ebay rate. I have never bought anything but parts from them, but always assumed that they sold good clean, solid, tested gear, but some people here have indicated that they don't spend much time sprucing up their merchandise.

Buying on ebay is a crap shoot, but I have had good luck. Probably a third has been quite nice, at least a third serviceable but filthy, and the rest anywhere from easily repairable to hopelessly wrecked. I was lucky that my first M was pristine and cheap, but my advice is that you might have to buy 2 (or more) to get what you want.

Buying used Model Ms on ebay is a "hobby" type affair for people who like to tinker. If you want a "sure thing" buy new Unicomp.

[fohat.digs]

There was a second with BIN, so I jumped on it because of fohat.digs' evangelism.

If your desk can accommodate something 56 cm wide, with 1277 square cm of area, and you don't mind it weighing 3.75 kg, then there is truly nothing to compare to an F-122. After you spend a couple of hours modding it at your work bench, and ordering and configuring a Teensy, of course.

Wimps, be gone!

[CPTBadAss]

If you really look around you can get good deals. I paid $35 for a Model M 1390120 and paid $110 for an SSK. Both were from people on GH. I haven't had much luck on eBay though. For AT Fs, there was a recent eBay auction that some GHers were watching where the board went for $150. I almost sniped it but I just forgot about it.

[dorkvader]

But that is all moot. After moving past the neophyte stage, anybody who is serious about using buckling springs is probably on a Model F.

I haven't see one of those in "the wild" since I was a kid. Maybe I'll get another F one of these days (if I can even find one.) I think these Ms will hold me over for a while.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=330949585131

There was a second with BIN, so I jumped on it because of fohat.digs' evangelism.

I saw both of those right as soon as they were posted on eBay and I wondered who got the BIN one. I had the high bid on the other one until my $50 was outbid. There haven't been any good F122's on eBay in a while, so I expect prices to go high.

For model M's, you can get one for $30 without too much trouble. I got my 1390120 (march 1986) for $26.81(shipped) but I had been looking for some time. If you are willing to be patient, you can still get a good deal.

[The_Beast]

But that is all moot. After moving past the neophyte stage, anybody who is serious about using buckling springs is probably on a Model F.

I haven't see one of those in "the wild" since I was a kid. Maybe I'll get another F one of these days (if I can even find one.) I think these Ms will hold me over for a while.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=330949585131

There was a second with BIN, so I jumped on it because of fohat.digs' evangelism.

What was the BIN price?

[Techno Trousers]

$89 plus $21 shipping. Seemed like a good deal since the seller said it was tested and fully functional.

I am curious to see how high the other one goes.

How many of the F 122 keyboards were made, total? Anyone know? I'm sure a lot of them must have ended up in the electronics recycle bin or landfill after the corresponding computer systems became obsolete.

[The_Beast]

$89 plus $21 shipping. Seemed like a good deal since the seller said it was tested and fully functional.

I am curious to see how high the other one goes.

How many of the F 122 keyboards were made, total? Anyone know? I'm sure a lot of them must have ended up in the electronics recycle bin or landfill after the corresponding computer systems became obsolete.

That's more than a decent deal on a F122


However, it's just too big for my desk

[smknjoe]

If I decide I need any more I'll be sure to take my time looking around for a good deal. Those F-122 are cool but about the size of and aircraft carrier. My desk should be able to handle the F PC AT better

Dork - love the signature. So true, so true.

[Techno Trousers]

However, it's just too big for my desk

Fortunately, I've got lots of room. I can't wait to bring it to work to use for a while in place of my Model M. Everyone is going to think I've lost my mind -- at least until I let them take it for a spin, maybe. )

[The_Beast]

However, it's just too big for my desk

Fortunately, I've got lots of room. I can't wait to bring it to work to use for a while in place of my Model M. Everyone is going to think I've lost my mind -- at least until I let them take it for a spin, maybe. )

I wish I had a desk that would let me have a F122 (I will, once I get done building it) but a F AT will have to do once I buy one (this F AT is from the tour)

[wcass]

i'm sure you guys have seen this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VERY-Rare-Vintage-IBM-Gray-17DEC85-Model-M-Clicky-Industrial-Keyboard-1388032-/171069330334?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d486d39e

$1600 - i have no idea what drugs he is on.

[dorkvader]

I've actually spotted an IBM keyboard that may be even larger than the F122! I want it of course.
Hard to say haw many exist. They started making them in 1984(I think, this is based on the 6110668 and 611034* serial numbers and dates) (though the unsaver has been around since before that)  and quit making them not too lang after that (look at PN/s for the older style M 122 cases, they appeared in the later 1980's) which doesn't leave too much room for F production, which I belive stopped in the very late 1980's

If I decide I need any more I'll be sure to take my time looking around for a good deal. Those F-122 are cool but about the size of and aircraft carrier. My desk should be able to handle the F PC AT better

Dork - love the signature. So true, so true.

It's actually a quote from the tech support / sysadmins mailing list at my local university. He is referring to a specific person, and the discussion was about changes to the wifi security, my opinion of which will not be aired here.

Below is the quote, as I plan to change it in a few days/weeks when I see another good one

The biggest threat to information security -- by far -- is the deep and rampant ignorance of the average IT professional, fueled by others who are ignorant or benefit from that ignorance.

[fohat.digs]

That's more than a decent deal on a F122

You would have thought so. I had almost decided to sell one of mine, but when poxeclipse's incredibly pristine one went all but ignored and sold on one lowball bid, I knew that the market simply had not matured.

The rarity level of these is far higher than any Model M, except probably the industrial SSK (and the handmade quartz crystals, of course).

[UniClown]

cheapest one I could find on eBay after a quick search was this one for $24 + $13.57: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-3151-TERMINAL-KEYBOARD-1392595-MODEL-M-102-KEY-EXCELLENT-CONDITION-/111100766339?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19de1f2883

[dorkvader]

I would say the rarity on these is about the same as for 1388032's, you don't see them that much, but they aren't unheard of (Actual industrial SSK's are vanishingly rare, though unicomp did have a stock of the industrial SSK covers.)

I see plenty of room on the_beast's desk for an F122.

As far as pricing, My expected payment on one of these is only so high, as I already have one, and would only use the second as a spare (or to modify).

[The_Beast]

I would say the rarity on these is about the same as for 1388032's, you don't see them that much, but they aren't unheard of (Actual industrial SSK's are vanishingly rare, though unicomp did have a stock of the industrial SSK covers.)

I see plenty of room on the_beast's desk for an F122.

As far as pricing, My expected payment on one of these is only so high, as I already have one, and would only use the second as a spare (or to modify).

I don't want it on the glass since it's super high and uncomfortable to type on at that height ;(

[DuckNorris]

I honestly believe the price is up in some of these due that the restoring/ cleaning part is accounted for in the price from clickykeyboards so I can understand the price there. However , the whole 90 dollars for a model M that looked like it was ranover is just people trying to get slick on ebay. Like if you check everyday , a post or two may come up for a model m at good price in good condition but they get bought fast.

[smknjoe]

I don't disagree with you Duck, but a year ago it was common to see these at least a 1/3 cheaper than now regardless of condition or labor. Now I guess you can still get a good price, but you have to look a lot harder.

[DuckNorris]

I wish I had known earlier I would save so much money for that price. I have found 2 good deals on White logo and Silver Logo Model Ms. Under 75 dollars including shipping and tested (according to the sellers) and I am waiting for them. But I spend a good amount of time looking for them and checking on ebay.
I like the quality and security clickykeyboards give but the prices are high for me.

Also some ebay posts say cleaned and the picture you see obvious dirtiness on the keys o.O

I was mad when I saw AS IS model M's on ebay for 50+ plus like 15+ shipping 

[fohat.digs]

Also some ebay posts say cleaned and the picture you see obvious dirtiness on the keys

I take it as a given that I am going to completely disassemble and clean a keyboard from ebay, so I do not even blink at the idea of mere dirt.

[The_Beast]

Also some ebay posts say cleaned and the picture you see obvious dirtiness on the keys

I take it as a given that I am going to completely disassemble and clean a keyboard from ebay, so I do not even blink at the idea of mere dirt.

Yea, the cheap model M I got was pretty dirty. I just soaked all the parts in warm soapy water over night, it looked brand need in the morning with just a bit of scrubbing

[Endzone]

errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrere ya go.  It sure looks pretty in the picture anyway:

http://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/sys/3911593831.html

[DuckNorris]

errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrere ya go.  It sure looks pretty in the picture anyway:

http://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/sys/3911593831.html

Oh WOW, I was actually looking at that last night XD . Then I remembered Wichita Falls is a 2 hr drive from Dallas . I thought it was a very nice deal.

[Techno Trousers]

I put a bid in on an M2. I'd like to see what one of those is like, even though the seller said that a couple of keys may not be working right. I had to ask him that in a question because it wasn't in the listing -- only that it had all key caps.

Based on the M2's reputation, I'm shocked that the bids are already up to $51 with over a day left!

[morpheus]

I got mine for $40 on ebay, all the keys were fine except the Backspace key which felt stiffer, probably a defect from much usage. I wish it was lighter and smoother like the other keys, but like other people said, buying on ebay is a crapshoot.

[rao2100]

I got my SSK for $285 from a local guy who moved to kinesis .
It was bolt nodded and in pristine condition.
a.k.a "snooki "

[Techno Trousers]

I got my SSK for $285 from a local guy who moved to kinesis .

I hope to one day have the option to buy mkawa's SSK revival board for less than that. 

[DuckNorris]

Actually there is a person living 20 min away from me selling a mint , new condition SSK that looks like it was ordered from clickykeyboards for  about $200 dollars(barely even touched), he even threw in the adapter. However, that is pretty high for me and as much valuable as the SSK is here, I cannot afford that nor do I need it since I have to use the 10key.

Basically a SSK dreamers deal but too bad it wasn't for my own good.

[fohat.digs]

Actually there is a person living 20 min away from me selling a mint , new condition SSK that looks like it was ordered from clickykeyboards for  about $200 dollars(barely even touched), he even threw in the adapter. However, that is pretty high for me and as much valuable as the SSK is here, I cannot afford that nor do I need it since I have to use the 10key.

Basically a SSK dreamers deal but too bad it wasn't for my own good.

Buy it and trade up. Geekhackers love to trade, and these are always solid currency.

[DuckNorris]

Thought about that for a bit but I legitly have like no cash in any shape or form XD. I did though get a DSLR camera sent in mint condition from the manufacturer for $160 that usually costs $550 so I went with that since it was more suited for my needs. I already bought 2 Model M's , both also IBM made and one had a silver label. I need tenkey.  I did forward that in the listing threads though

[The_Beast]

Thought about that for a bit but I legitly have like no cash in any shape or form XD. I did though get a DSLR camera sent in mint condition from the manufacturer for $160 that usually costs $550 so I went with that since it was more suited for my needs. I already bought 2 Model M's , both also IBM made and one had a silver label. I need tenkey.  I did forward that in the listing threads though

Is it just the camera body? I'm looking for a good camera for cheap

[DuckNorris]

Thought about that for a bit but I legitly have like no cash in any shape or form XD. I did though get a DSLR camera sent in mint condition from the manufacturer for $160 that usually costs $550 so I went with that since it was more suited for my needs. I already bought 2 Model M's , both also IBM made and one had a silver label. I need tenkey.  I did forward that in the listing threads though

Is it just the camera body? I'm looking for a good camera for cheap

It is just the body, the lens will cost me $50 that regularly comes with it ( found a good price) standard original lens. It was in a Fry's , I work as Sony Representative and the department manager asked me about it since he was going to buy it and it was never really used and had just come from the Sony facility and I told him about it. He didn't know about lens/and all the accesories and was not as interested. Gave it to me, got them to take off 40 dollars more and boom it is a deal .

Beats the Canon T3i, T4i, and Sony 58k(all about $500+). Whole camera is practically new. Sorry though, only one in the entire Fry's chain that was available.

[PointyFox]

They were $15-$20 used like a year ago.  I think there just a few people here trying to inflate the prices.

[Techno Trousers]

I bought a lovingly refurbished 4/1986, silver logo,  old school BIG bottom label Model M on eBay in 2009. Because of this thread, I just checked records, and it cost me 50 bucks when I bought it. So yeah, they have gone up quite a bit since then. I'm sure I could get at least $100 for it today.  It's immaculate. I use it as my daily driver at work.

[Techno Trousers]

They were $15-$20 used like a year ago.  I think there just a few people here trying to inflate the prices.

Nice conspiracy theory, but there are currently around 50 eBay auctions in process for Model Ms. If someone is trying to corner the market,  they sure have some deep pockets!

[The_Beast]

They were $15-$20 used like a year ago.  I think there just a few people here trying to inflate the prices.

I see a lot of crappy/dirty model M's being sold be e-waste recyclers for super high prices ($50-$150), so I'm going to blame them

[PointyFox]

Maybe they caught on that Geekhackers will pay anything for a dirty old keyboard.

[fohat.digs]

"Completed Listings" are far more realistic than asking prices.

What interests me is the relationship between a used IBM and a new Unicomp.

Until recently, a "common" used M went for roughly half the new price. Suddenly that jumped up.

*      *      *      *      *

I understand why it happened in the Model F market - Soarer's Converter, overnight, made it easy and fun.