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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: spikeh on Tue, 07 February 2012, 20:44:36

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: spikeh on Tue, 07 February 2012, 20:44:36

Hi Geekhack! I happen to be working in China so I thought it's a rare chance for me to pick up some hard-to-get items that the UK just does not offer. I've already indulged in Cherry boards with doubleshots and now I would like to purchase an IBM Model M SSK. Taobao has two different part numbers available: 1391472 and 1397681 and while I've searched the wikis both here and on Deskthority there doesn't seem to be concrete info on their differences - or other SSK models for that matter. Wikipedia fares better and according to it:

1391472 is older (1987-1991), with detachable key caps (does this mean the two-piece caps?), AT or PS/2, no drainage holes, grey label.
1397681 is newer (?-1991-1993-?), without detachable key caps, PS2, has drainage holes, grey or blue label (both available on Taobao).

Are there any other discernable differences between the two? They are both are priced around the same region (~300RMB including p&p) and I beseech GH's advice: which one should I buy? If 1397681, there is one blue label available; is newer likely to be in a better condition? To give something back, I will compile the information obtained in this thread into Deskthority's (rather empty) wiki page on IBM SSKs.

Best regards,
spikeh

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: ed_avis on Wed, 08 February 2012, 12:03:39

Older Model Ms with detachable keycaps (and two-colour key caps) and detachable SDL cord are usually more desirable.  Grey label is older and so usually more desirable than blue label (personally I think the grey looks better two).  Drainage holes and channels are one advantage that newer Model Ms have over the older ones (but Greenock-made ones often have the holes without the channels).  I imagine this advice generalizes to SSKs, though I don't know about those in particular.

Anyway, you should have no trouble selling them for a small profit on ebay USA, so you might want to get more than one.

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: spikeh on Fri, 10 February 2012, 23:42:53

Well ripster, when you deliver I shall vote accordingly!

Thanks ed_avis, it seems safe to say that differences between standard size Model Ms carry over to SSKs. I will use the advice contained in the IBM wiki.

A standard Model M is 2-2.5kg depending on when it was manufactured. How much do the SSKs weigh? I'd like to buy one of each and take them back with me since I know a good friend who would love to have one, and I'd like to know if it will all fit. This data would be most useful, thank you!

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: spikeh on Mon, 13 February 2012, 00:24:35

Hey! So does the Deskthority wiki! Deskthority wiki 1, ripster 0.

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 13 February 2012, 08:01:46

I remember when you threatened to move your wikis there.

The reason you didnt I call the GLWN theory (Good Luck With Nickels).

GLWNT.

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: sordna on Mon, 13 February 2012, 10:30:23

I have two 1391472 and one of them has drainage holes, the other doesn't.
I suggest you buy both, see what you like best, and when you get back home sell the other one. You won't be losing any money.

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: spikeh on Thu, 23 February 2012, 08:31:59

Hey ripster, the keyboard has finally arrived after much anticipation. Seller said they'd pick the best one out for me, so I ended up with neither of the two part numbers I originally mentioned. It's a 1392934, born 08-01-90. Detachable PS/2 cable, one-piece caps, no drainage holes. Shame because I really like love the IBM Blue colour.

The most interesting thing about this board has to be the caps themselves; many have strange side text on them. For example, the left Alt is actually "Reset" with a side printed "Cancel". Instead of Home and End, it's Home and a 1x Tab. Instead of Pg Up and Up Dn it's Clear and Erase EOF. Return also has a small LF as well (designed for Windows?!). I'll let the pictures do the talking:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]41453[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]41454[/ATTACH]

According to Wiki's part number list, these caps are also present on a full sized Lexmark 1392565. This board is meant to have detachable caps, so maybe the scrupulous seller swapped them for singulars?! Side printed numpad letterings are there though, so it doesn't make sense to swap in the unusual modifiers...

Title: Difference between IBM Model M 1391472 and 1397681
Post by: sordna on Thu, 23 February 2012, 09:17:33

Quote from: spikeh;523002

Return also has a small LF as well (designed for Windows?!)

Ah, must be a distant ancestor to the Kinesis Advantage LF :-)
Hey congrats on your keyboard, it looks like new, I wouldn't complain at all!