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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: clickclack on Fri, 11 June 2010, 11:26:22

Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Fri, 11 June 2010, 11:26:22: So is this like the HHKB of Model Ms or...????

Here is my goofy adventure in trying to find out more about this little thing. I said earlier that I would post something on this, so here I go...

We are getting rid of some stuff at one of my jobs and in the auxilliary storage area I saw what I thought looked like a corner of a Model M. The problem with being into keyboards is I wanted very much to find out if I was right, and that's where the adventure begins...

The keyboard is about 20 feet away and I cant get to it (at least not yet) because of some industrial shelving, delicate vitrines (clear enclosures for art), unsteady crates with tons of crap in them, computer stuff, and last but not least chairs and desks. I also have a chest injury so I can't really go exploring anyway, but did that stop me???? NOPE! I am stupid, so....

It's a dark-ish room and I was not really sporting much of a telephoto that day so here is me zoomed way in and leaning to within an inch of my life-
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10941&stc=1&d=1276271607)
Yup, 20 feet of problems in all directions, so then I decide to get a little creative...
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10942&stc=1&d=1276271756)
Creativity was not my strong suit that day so here is the pic I snapped as I fell off a small box while leaning over a crate full of junk. Oh, but I was not done yet I had more dumb ideas...
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10943&stc=1&d=1276271931)
I am a monkey apparently and I think I can somehow scale obnoxiously filled and stacked boxes and got this shot above! I thought that I could still get a better view so I decided to climb up the industrial shelves to see if an aerial approach was the ticket!
Well it wasn't and the result was this...
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10944&stc=1&d=1276272339)
Me falling off the big industrial shelves and on to those ever so perfectly placed, obnoxiously packed and stacked boxes on top of crates.
Although I kinda scored on the name of machine the keyboard is attached to...kinda =S
However I am as persistent as I am stoooopid so....
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10945&stc=1&d=1276272566)
SUCCESS!!!! clickclack cheated death once again and managed this incredibly useless photo at last!
But then I got cocky, and had to see if all the effort was worth it so....
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10947&stc=1&d=1276272727)
I felt compelled to see if it made a clicky sound. Why? Well you don't trudge through the desert dehidrated only to kick the bucket at the end because you forgot you had a full cantine on ya, right?
So I took some quick bar clamps and tightened them together and taped a pair of scissors to one end to get my needed 90 degree bend and to provide a supple pivot for the #2 pencils pink rubber eraser. Basically a 12 and half foot long index finger.
So what was the result??????????????????????????????????????
IT'S CLICKY! And I do believe it is of the buckling spring variety!!!!

What shall I do know I ask myself... what shall I do...
=D

I even bugged my boss to death (she now thinks I am officially nutz) with questions about it. But first I need some breakfast!
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: aegrotatio on Fri, 11 June 2010, 11:35:39: I'm gonna guess a clicky ALPS or something similar on a GBC Signmaker machine (before they became part of ACCO Brands and Kensington).
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: TexasFlood on Fri, 11 June 2010, 11:38:20: Don't recognize it, but did a quick and dirty enhancement that might help someone identify it.
Yes, I know, but I did say it was quick and dirty, didn't I? :biggrin:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10951&stc=1&d=1276274171)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: aegrotatio on Fri, 11 June 2010, 11:47:40: Looks like the numeric keypad is hidden under the blue bezel and is poking three extra keys. I still say it's a Signmaker machine keyboard. It would be interesting to take apart but those things are not cheap.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Mental Hobbit on Fri, 11 June 2010, 12:05:39: On a quest like this, extreme measures are justified. Nothing shall stand in your way.

(http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/128866846102714119.jpg)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Fri, 11 June 2010, 12:31:58: Does your bunny swear as much as Craig Ferguson's?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Rajagra on Fri, 11 June 2010, 14:28:53: Don't underestimate how dangerous store rooms can be.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: didjamatic on Fri, 11 June 2010, 14:48:38: I like keyboards that don't work on PC's with the hope that one day I will get it to work on a PC.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kriminal on Fri, 11 June 2010, 14:53:58: Quote from: didjamatic;192149
I like keyboards that don't work on PC's with the hope that one day I will get it to work on a PC.

you interested in a 83 key ibm model XT? :)
scratch that imma keep it until...
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 11 June 2010, 15:21:37: I was going to post a vid of Jack Bauer saying "I give you my word," but apparently, people must not have noticed how often he said it, thus finding it funny enough to make a vid of.

Bottom line - opportunity to post a funny, video response: fail.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Fri, 11 June 2010, 15:56:10: Quote from: aegrotatio;192079
I'm gonna guess a clicky ALPS or something similar on a GBC Signmaker machine (before they became part of ACCO Brands and Kensington).

Yeah it's a Signmaker machine but the keyboard they usually use is something similar to the space invaders mechanism. I will look for pics of that later and post them.
I am pretty sure they are a buckling spring, it sounds just like it!
=)

Quote from: ripster;192080
Call the LA SWAT team!

How on earth did you respond with a picture that damn quick! haahaa
You have a talent my friend, TALENT!

Quote from: TexasFlood;192081
Don't recognize it, but did a quick and dirty enhancement that might help someone identify it.
Yes, I know, but I did say it was quick and dirty, didn't I? :biggrin:
Quick and dirty you were not kiddin! I had a double take to make sure it was even from my photo! LoLz!

Lets see if I can pull up a better photo here in just a sec...
My boss said it was an IBM keyboard that they used for the Signmaker machine. Made it seem like they used it on a PC too!?!? The computer they used for it only had a PS/2 port so I would imagine it would work ya?
I didn't see an escape key. But I think I did see what looked to be a caps lock LED thingy on the capslock... let me see here...
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Fri, 11 June 2010, 16:32:07: Quote from: aegrotatio;192084
Looks like the numeric keypad is hidden under the blue bezel and is poking three extra keys. I still say it's a Signmaker machine keyboard. It would be interesting to take apart but those things are not cheap.

It is a Signmaker but this IBM itty bitty mini was added at a later date.

Quote from: ripster;192086
It's Unicomp's Space Saver prototype and they want it back. They've been looking for it just like Apple lost their iPhone4.

Haahaaa =D
Well they can't have it! Tis mine seeee Tis mine! uhhh... well I hope anyway =P

Quote from: Mental Hobbit;192091
On a quest like this, extreme measures are justified. Nothing shall stand in your way.

You have no idea! But more on that later.

Here is that capslock LED thingy I think it has-
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10959&stc=1&d=1276291909)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 11 June 2010, 17:17:49: I will be following this thread with interest! In my own life, I can report some very good fortune. As I noted elsewhere, I discovered the first Model M I had seen in a thrift shop for years a few days ago.

Well, visiting another thrift shop in a remote part of town that I seldom frequent, I found a model M2. I already had two buckling spring ones with the capacitor failure (which I have not yet tried to repair, but someday I will), and one rubber dome one that works.

This one was buckling spring.

And it actually works, no need to fix it! An incredible find for $2.99.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Fri, 11 June 2010, 17:19:08: Quote from: Rajagra;192139
Don't underestimate how dangerous store rooms can be.

No doubt! =S
This was too classic, I have to keep this picture!
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Fri, 11 June 2010, 17:30:32: Quote from: quadibloc;192229
I will be following this thread with interest! In my own life, I can report some very good fortune. As I noted elsewhere, I discovered the first Model M I had seen in a thrift shop for years a few days ago.

Well, visiting another thrift shop in a remote part of town that I seldom frequent, I found a full-sized but more compact Model M. I already had two buckling spring ones with the capacitor failure (which I have not yet tried to repair, but someday I will), and one rubber dome one that works.

This one was buckling spring.

And it actually works, no need to fix it! An incredible find for $2.99.

That sounds like a Model M2, not a Model M.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: MarkWilliamson on Fri, 11 June 2010, 17:52:55: If that's really an IBM BS keyboard then ... whoa! Why haven't we heard of these things before!?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: chimera15 on Fri, 11 June 2010, 18:04:55: Really interesting. It's like you spotted Laputa in the clouds. roflol

No function keys, so definetely not a fully functioning pc keyboard...

Could probably be rewired with a hhkb.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 11 June 2010, 18:22:49: Quote from: kishy;192234
That sounds like a Model M2, not a Model M.
Yes, it is a Model M2, the one with the tantalum capacitor fix described here; the label on the keyboard doesn't say "M2", though, so I had to look up the thread to find out what it is called here.

Part Number 1395300.

Also, I've been Googling to try and find information about that keyboard. What I found was that the device was perhaps a VnM SignMaker, made by Cobra Systems. Currently, they offer it with keyboards that don't look at all like a Model M, and I could find no information about older styles of keyboard for it.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Fri, 11 June 2010, 18:31:47: Quote from: quadibloc;192255
Yes, it is a Model M2, the one with the tantalum capacitor fix described here; the label on the keyboard doesn't say "M2", though, so I had to look up the thread to find out what it is called here.

Part Number 1395300.

Oh great...further ambiguity with IBM labeling.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: audioave10 on Sat, 12 June 2010, 02:36:14: I hope your chest injury is not severe...

(http://bridgetownbaby.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/lego-alien-chest-burster.jpg)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Sat, 12 June 2010, 08:09:49: Given that you've found the keyboard is clicky, no doubt it will have mechanical switches. This makes sense, because it was likely made in a relatively short production run, and a rubber dome keyboard requires a great deal of custom tooling for parts that are designed based on the layout of the whole keyboard.

But I think, too, that it is extremely unlikely that the keyboard will have been made by IBM or Lexmark, and also unlikely that it uses any other form of buckling spring technology. The styling of the Model M was widely imitated - and IBM was in the computer business, not in the OEM keyboard business. So I am predicting, like some others, ALPS or Cherries as by far the most likely possibility.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 12 June 2010, 08:22:59: Quote from: itlnstln;192168
I was going to post a vid of Jack Bauer saying "I give you my word," but apparently, people must not have noticed how often he said it, thus finding it funny enough to make a vid of.

Bottom line - opportunity to post a funny, video response: fail.

Even some of the characters in the show have picked up that fact. One of the villians in season 5 in particular.

Quote from: TexasFlood;192081
Don't recognize it, but did a quick and dirty enhancement that might help someone identify it.
Yes, I know, but I did say it was quick and dirty, didn't I? :biggrin:

Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10951&stc=1&d=1276274171)

(http://img.moronail.net/img/1/0/2010.jpg)

Quote from: quadibloc;192229
I will be following this thread with interest! In my own life, I can report some very good fortune. As I noted elsewhere, I discovered the first Model M I had seen in a thrift shop for years a few days ago.

Well, visiting another thrift shop in a remote part of town that I seldom frequent, I found a model M2. I already had two buckling spring ones with the capacitor failure (which I have not yet tried to repair, but someday I will), and one rubber dome one that works.

This one was buckling spring.

And it actually works, no need to fix it! An incredible find for $2.99.

Swap the controller board from the rubber dome one into one of your defunct buckling spring ones.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Sat, 12 June 2010, 11:40:02: Quote from: ch_123;192418
Swap the controller board from the rubber dome one into one of your defunct buckling spring ones.
I was thinking of that, but saving the cost of a couple of tantalum capacitors is hardly a big deal - if the boards are compatible.

The problem, of course, is the major nature of the fix; removing not just all the keys, but all the springs, to get at the controller board. Using the board from the rubber dome one won't avoid that.

On the other hand, if the boards are compatible, the board from the rubber dome one might be more reliable than my own soldering job...
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Brodie337 on Sat, 12 June 2010, 18:35:53: The only solution:
(http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/files/2009/08/mission-impossible.jpg)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Rajagra on Sat, 12 June 2010, 21:52:52: Hahaha. Screwed. I just got it.

(I've never seen the show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sarYH0z948), that's my excuse.)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Brodie337 on Sun, 13 June 2010, 00:50:07: Maybe a more local thing?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Mon, 14 June 2010, 15:40:54: Quote from: MarkWilliamson;192242
If that's really an IBM BS keyboard then ... whoa! Why haven't we heard of these things before!?

Probably a good reason, i guess.

Quote from: chimera15;192244
Really interesting. It's like you spotted Laputa in the clouds. roflol
No function keys, so definetely not a fully functioning pc keyboard...
Could probably be rewired with a hhkb.

LoL!
I like that idea though =)

Quote from: audioave10;192377
I hope your chest injury is not severe...
Show Image
(http://bridgetownbaby.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/lego-alien-chest-burster.jpg)

Well it didn't look that bad! =S haahaa
I had a broken sternum from a car accident a while ago, and I am having chronic problems unfortunately as a result =(
Though recently (crosses fingers) its seems to be getting a tiny bit better.

Quote from: quadibloc;192417
Given that you've found the keyboard is clicky, no doubt it will have mechanical switches. This makes sense, because it was likely made in a relatively short production run...

no doubt!

So I heard that they cleared out that room the other day, and my coworker said she snapped a pic of it for me... so just waiting on that =)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Mon, 14 June 2010, 15:57:32: ...snapped a pic? Why didn't you have her take the keyboard?!?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 14 June 2010, 16:05:45: Quote from: ch_123;192418
Even some of the characters in the show have picked up that fact. One of the villians in season 5 in particular.

That CSI mockery is too funny, :biggrin:. It's hard to believe shows with such a supposed focus on science routinely "enhance" images till they show much more detail then the original contained. Guess it's sort of like Star Trek with the transporter etc, a fictional device to move the story along.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: spolia optima on Mon, 14 June 2010, 18:29:34: You should just charge the pile. dive right in there, damn the consequences.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: audioave10 on Mon, 14 June 2010, 20:36:45: In Ghostbusters terms, Clickclack has become the "Keymaker" and is important to us. I don't want him injured anymore.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: audioave10 on Mon, 14 June 2010, 22:47:29: (http://stowidiocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/laughing-cat-300x199.jpg)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Tue, 15 June 2010, 04:40:01: Quote from: ch_123;192418

Show Image
(http://img.moronail.net/img/1/0/2010.jpg)

ROFL!!!
That's a riot! Too classic for words =D

Quote from: Brodie337;192538
The only solution:
Show Image
(http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/files/2009/08/mission-impossible.jpg)

YES!!!
Excellent suggestion! haahaaahaa!
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: aegrotatio on Tue, 15 June 2010, 17:57:04: I suggest the pile of crap movie "The Fresh Prince as the Enemy of the State" where they take a surveillance video and proceed to enhance it to take an item out of a bag in the video. I am Sh!tting you not.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: TexasFlood on Tue, 15 June 2010, 18:19:20: Quote from: aegrotatio;193453
I suggest the pile of crap movie "The Fresh Prince as the Enemy of the State" where they take a surveillance video and proceed to enhance it to take an item out of a bag in the video. I am Sh!tting you not.

I saw that movie. Besides what you mentioned, this is one of those movies that takes a lot of liberties with what satellites can do. I was watching CSI earlier and they enhanced, uh, something, I didn't even catch what the source was, till they could see a landmark structure out a hotel room window. Then they "triangulated" the location of the room from that and went room to room comparing the grainy photo to the actual room until they determined which room it was, with apparent absolute certainty. First of all, I'm pretty sure triangulation requires 3 points. And second, seems likely that grainy photo would be a close match to a number of rooms. Can drive you crazy if you think about it.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 16 June 2010, 04:20:59: Quote from: spolia optima;193087
You should just charge the pile. dive right in there, damn the consequences.

LoLz!!!

Quote from: audioave10;193118
In Ghostbusters terms, Clickclack has become the "Keymaker" and is important to us. I don't want him injured anymore.

Haahaaa, me neither!

Quote from: ripster;193126
Zul is the GateKeeper, ClickClack is the KeyMaster. I hope his SO doesn't know about Zul.

Zul is my girl! She can't levitate in bed though (we are still working on that one).

Quote from: kishy;193042
...snapped a pic? Why didn't you have her take the keyboard?!?

That would be silly, I am the one who wants it, not her.
(see what I did there)

I don't have the picture yet but the cord has "IBM" on it.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Mon, 21 June 2010, 05:27:50: I have a tiny bit more info on it now.

-It was not attached to the signmaker machine
-has "IBM" somewhere on the cord
-It was initially made by IBM
-It has what looks like a caps lock key LED
That's all I can for sure right now.

I should be getting the picture of it within the next couple of days.
I'm not working there right now so it's a bit slow going. I would be thrilled if it has a working PS/2 cord and Buckling Springs! LoLz
I hope it works XD
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Brodie337 on Mon, 21 June 2010, 08:32:01: JUSTSTEALTHEFUGGINKEYBOARDALREADYFORTHELOVEOFGODTAKEITTAKEITTAKEITNAO!!!!

I'm sorry... I forgot my Prozac.

EDIT: Hmm... The forum put a space in that sentence that I didn't.
Title: I see little springs...
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 23 June 2010, 00:13:40: To Brodie337-
Straight up LoLz!

So I just checked my email and notice I got the photo. It was taken from a camera phone. I can tell it has buckling springs for sure and that definately looks like a caps lock light to me.

So here is the full size pic I got from my email-
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=11328&stc=1&d=1277269910)

I am excited about it and I hope I can use it when I get the chance =)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Wed, 23 June 2010, 00:19:53: Paging sethstorm...unfortunately, there already is a buckling spring HHKB, and clickclack has found it.

Holy crap this is awesome. Please get more info, or the whole keyboard. I realize you're practically buried in keyboards but this thing needs to be documented in detail with full disassembly photographs.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: phoenix on Wed, 23 June 2010, 00:55:16: Someone (everybody) please call Unicomp and tell them to just make this keyboard again with more modifier keys.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: chimera15 on Wed, 23 June 2010, 02:34:22: Holy crap, it looks like it has a ps/2 plug on it? Wth????

Awesome board.

If it's compatible, I bet it would reach m15 prices if you ebay'd it. Quite a rarity.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Brodie337 on Wed, 23 June 2010, 02:56:22: Surely you wouldn't ebay such a rare beast?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: lowpoly on Wed, 23 June 2010, 03:38:12: Holy ...!

You have to find out why and where the company got it. If it was sold with or for some machine there might be a warehouse of NIB replacement parts somewhere.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 23 June 2010, 03:45:33: Quote from: kishy;195630

...Holy crap this is awesome. Please get more info, or the whole keyboard. I realize you're practically buried in keyboards ...

IHh fheenk fpho koo! PEEEEEHHHHHHTOOEY! BLEH! Sorry I had some keycaps in my mouth (that sometimes happens when the keyboards topple me!
What I meant to say was- I think so too! I would love to have it as a "whole" keyboard.

Quote from: phoenix;195635
Someone (everybody) please call Unicomp and tell them to just make this keyboard again with more modifier keys.

I seriously doubt that will ever happen, sure would be nice if they could make it though =P

Quote from: chimera15;195661
Holy crap, it looks like it has a ps/2 plug on it? Wth????
Awesome board.
If it's compatible, I bet it would reach m15 prices if you ebay'd it. Quite a rarity.

Good eyes! Sure does huh?
I wonder what else we can tell from the photo. Should probably examine it blown up and look around.
If everything works I would love to use it as my portable laptop keyboard.

Quote from: Brodie337;195663
Surely you wouldn't ebay such a rare beast?

If I had another one I might, LoL! =D
Seriously though I would notify you guys before I would toss it on the bay.
I have a feeling it's alot more rare than what some are thinking.
I really want to know now if that caps lock light works. I am itching to test it out! ;)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: noctua on Wed, 23 June 2010, 04:10:33: Phenomenal, you have found the Genesis of Geekhack-ology..
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 23 June 2010, 04:30:18: Quote from: phoenix;195635
Someone (everybody) please call Unicomp and tell them to just make this keyboard again with more modifier keys.

Not going to happen, but they could have some lying around... who knows...
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: phoenix on Wed, 23 June 2010, 13:12:04: Quote from: ch_123;195673
Not going to happen, but they could have some lying around... who knows...

Chuck didn't recognize it and guessed it's a very early terminal keyboard, which it clearly isn't. Knowing the part number would help.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: aegrotatio on Wed, 23 June 2010, 13:17:09: Very interesting and no Function keys, either.
So when you push the spring down with a pencil eraser, the spring buckles and the foot clicks?
The lack of forthcoming, in-focus pictures and part number info would make anyone else call bullsh!t by this time.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: sixty on Wed, 23 June 2010, 14:41:10: Almost guessing this has been modded and cut out of a model M by someone or a third party company or something. Eitherway, its an incredible find. More pictures please!

PS: Looks like there are also green LEDs under both of the CTRL keys? Check the close up picture.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 23 June 2010, 21:03:15: Quote from: noctua;195670
Phenomenal, you have found the Genesis of Geekhack-ology..

Well howbout that =)

Quote from: phoenix;195761
Chuck didn't recognize it and guessed it's a very early terminal keyboard, which it clearly isn't. Knowing the part number would help.

Bummer, I was hoping it would bring something similar out of the cobwebs. The part number should be interesting though.

Quote from: aegrotatio;195765
Very interesting and no Function keys, either.
So when you push the spring down with a pencil eraser, the spring buckles and the foot clicks?
The lack of forthcoming, in-focus pictures and part number info would make anyone else call bullsh!t by this time.

Function Schmunction, I would still love to use it with a laptop =D
The pencil with earaser gave the same feed back as it would with a regular buckling spring. Perhaps a bit more precise and with less springalingaling wobble sound.
The lack of high res pics would make me call BS if I were you. But they are mostly in focus with the exception of the when I fell or slipped.

Quote from: sixty;195797
Almost guessing this has been modded and cut out of a model M by someone or a third party company or something...... More pictures please!.

Sounds about right, and I will definately show some more pics when I get to it.

Quote from: sixty;195797

PS: Looks like there are also green LEDs under both of the CTRL keys? Check the close up picture.

They look more like screw heads from the picture. Hmmm... I don't see the "green" that you mentioned but I think I see other colors elsewhere that may be of some interest, perhaps?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: TexasFlood on Wed, 23 June 2010, 21:22:41: Very unique find. Wonder who made that little jewel?
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=11354)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Wed, 23 June 2010, 22:12:55: I will be interested to see if there is, say, a label on the back of the keyboard.

Also, remember that a PS/2 connector is a standard Mini-DIN plug, so there's a possibility that a keyboard could have the same plug, but not be compatible. If it's using the electronics from a Model M keyboard, that would be one thing; otherwise, there's a risk of destroying the keyboard and/or the computer it's connected to - since it was designed to work with a custom label printer.

Of course, you might also open up the label printer, and find a PC motherboard inside, another way to validate that this is a PC keyboard, that can safely be used as one, albeit with apparently some keys unavailable.

Quote from: phoenix;195635
Someone (everybody) please call Unicomp and tell them to just make this keyboard again with more modifier keys.
They could certainly add modifier keys simply by using their new keyboard with the Windows keys added as a basis. The result would, of course, be exactly like a Miniguru, or the keyboard coming out of China.

However, if for some reason, more modifier keys were not possible, it is not the end of the world. I give you:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ESC|F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10|F11|F12| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | | | |PG | | |CAP|WIN| < | | | | | | | |INS|HOM|UP | | |LK |MNU| > | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl |NUM| | |PG | | | | | ^ | | | | | | |LK |DEL|END|DN | | |<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | |PRT|SCL|PAU| | | | | | | | | | |SC |LK | | | | | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Win | | | | | |Fn | | | | | | | | | ----- --------------------------------------- -----

Use the Caps Lock key for Ctrl, one of the two original Ctrl keys for the Windows Shift key, and the other for the Fn key, and, although it isn't ideal only having one of each of those, it is manageable.

On top of that, having both Alt keys lets you use the one of them that becomes AltGr in some foreign layouts.

Or, one could even do this:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ESC|F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10|F11|F12| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Fn |BTB| | |PG | | |CAP|WIN| < | | | | |Fn | | |TAB|INS|HOM|UP | | |LK |MNU| > | \ | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl |NUM| | |PG | | | | | ^ | | | | | | |LK |DEL|END|DN | | |<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | |PRT|SCL|PAU| | | | | | | | | | |SC |LK | | | | | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Win | | | | | |Win | | | | | | | | | ----- --------------------------------------- -----

Two Fn keys and two Windows shift keys. Making the Tab key an Fn-shift, though, is bad enough; making the |\ key an Fn-shift, for people who type in file names by hand instead of clicking on them, will be inconvenient.

A compromise would be to use the two old Ctrl key positions for two Fn keys, use the Tab key for only one Windows Shift, and thereby leave |\ alone. Since many keyboards nowadays only have one Windows Shift, this should be acceptable. (Two Fn keys seem to be required, as there are important Fn-shifts on both sides of the keyboard.)

That looks like this:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ESC|F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10|F11|F12| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Win |BTB| | |PG | | |CAP|WIN| < | | | | | | |TAB|INS|HOM|UP | | |LK |MNU| > | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl |NUM| | |PG | | | | | ^ | | | | | | |LK |DEL|END|DN | | |<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | |PRT|SCL|PAU| | | | | | | | | | |SC |LK | | | | | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Fn | | | | | |Fn | | | | | | | | | ----- --------------------------------------- -----

I think this compromise is the best choice. But there is still another viable alternative.

Make the ~` key an Fn-shifted key, moving |\ up to its position. That way, two Fn keys, two Windows Shift keys, and an actual |\ key instead of one reached with an Fn-shift are all possible.

That would look like this:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | \ |F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10|F11|F12| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Fn |BTB| | |PG | | |CAP|WIN| < | ~ | | |Fn | | |TAB|INS|HOM|UP | | |LK |MNU| > | ` | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl |NUM| | |PG | | | | | ^ | | | | | | |LK |DEL|END|DN | | |<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | |PRT|SCL|PAU| | | | | | | | | | |SC |LK | | | | | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Win | | | | | |Win | | | | | | | | | ----- --------------------------------------- -----

with the key changed to |\ also being the one Fn-shifted to ESC, it no longer being possible to show both things on the diagram.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kriminal on Wed, 23 June 2010, 22:14:00: *drools* muss ... google... this...

*google dont fail me now*!!
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 23 June 2010, 23:57:48: Quote from: TexasFlood;195871
Very unique find. Wonder who made that little jewel?

I bet the label will end up giving a clue.

Quote from: quadibloc;195875
.... there's a risk of destroying the keyboard and/or the computer it's connected to - since it was designed to work with a custom label printer.

WAS it? post #42
You showed some really, really neato layouts there! Were they for keyswaping or a new circuit design? I don't know anything about key swaping programs like autohotkey (name?) but if it works could something like that have some use on this board? After all I would only want to use it as a supplemental board to my laptop.

Quote from: kriminal;195876
*drools* muss ... google... this...
*google dont fail me now*!!

And fail it will... LoL.
I figure if Chuck (Unicomp) put his two cents in and it's a no go then I would have to go with that.

I can't wait to use it, or try and use it =P
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Thu, 24 June 2010, 08:19:47: Quote from: clickclack;195883
You showed some really, really neato layouts there! Were they for keyswaping or a new circuit design?
Thank you. I would say they are mainly for a new circuit design. After all, the idea is to get around not having extra keys by using the existing Caps Lock and Tab keys, and possibly even the |\ key, as shift keys. Without N-key rollover, the keyboard matrix would very likely need to be arranged so that using those keys as shift keys wouldn't cause ghosting, as those keys weren't originally planned to be used as shift keys.

Without a new circuit design, I suppose that the best that can be done is to turn one of the Ctrl keys into an Fn key, and live without the Windows Shift.

With a new circuit design, considering the layouts examined there, perhaps the best possibility might be this:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | \ |F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10|F11|F12| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Fn |BTB| | |PG | | |CAP|WIN| < | ~ | | |Fn | | |TAB|INS|HOM|UP | | |LK |MNU| > | ` | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Win |NUM| | |PG | | | | | ^ | | | | | | |LK |DEL|END|DN | | |<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | |PRT|SCL|PAU| | | | | | | | | | |SC |LK | | | | | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl | | | | | |Ctrl | | | | | | | | | ----- --------------------------------------- -----
Only one Windows Shift key is more acceptable than only one Control key; as well, leaving the Control keys in their original positions facilitates using them for "Reset" and "Enter" (when the normal Enter key becomes Carriage Return) if one is heading into 122-key terminal emulation territory.

Then you might have something like this:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | \ |F13|F14|F15|F16|F17|F18|F19|F20|F21|F22|F23|F24| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Fn | | | | | | | | | | | | |Fn | | |F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10|F11|F12| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Win |BTB| | |PG |PRT|PAU| | | ^ | | |???|RETURN | | |TAB|INS|HOM|UP |SC |BRK|<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | |NUM| | |PG |SCL|RUL|CAP|WIN| < | ~ | | | |LK |DEL|END|DN |LK | |LK |MNU| > | ` | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl | | | | | |Ctrl | |RESET| | | | | |ENTER| ----- --------------------------------------- -----
where ??? stands for the extra key on the numeric keypad, and RUL the key in the middle of the cursor cluster. Of course, that still leaves out the ten keys to the left of the main typing area; since a 122-key keyboard doesn't have a Windows Shift key, perhaps that could be used as a second function shift to produce those keys instead when in that mode.

Come to think of it, this would probably be better:

Code: [Select]
----------------------------------------------------------- | | |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF |PF | | | \ |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10 |11 |12 | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Fn |BTB| | |PG |SCL|RUL|CAP|WIN| < | ~ | | |Fn | | |TAB|INS|HOM|UP |LK | |LK |MNU| > | ` | | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |PF13- |NUM| | |PG |PRT|PAU| | | ^ | | |???|RETURN | |PF24 |LK |DEL|END|DN |SC | |<- | ->| | | v | | | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |F1 |F2 |F3 |F4 |F5 |F6 |F7 |F8 |F9 |F10| | |-----------------------------------------------------------| |Ctrl | | | | | |Ctrl | |RESET| | | | | |ENTER| ----- --------------------------------------- -----
as it keeps most of the original design, and treats the F13 to F24 keys as less used than the ten keys to the left of the keyboard. The function keys are now shown as PF1 through PF24, and F1 through F10 refer to the keys to the left of the keyboard, since different terminal keyboards use varying designations for them.

If you really need to do everything at once, of course, the PF13-PF24 shift can be moved to the right hand Fn key, where |\ was originally, so that the original Caps Lock key can still be used as the Windows Shift.

And now I've got an even better idea. Use Caps Lock as the Win key, keep two Fn keys, but make the Fn shift of the }] into "+12 lock".

When the keyboard is used as a 122-key keyboard, it changes PF1 through PF12 into PF13 through PF24.

When it's used as a 105-key keyboard, it changes 12 multimedia keys into F1 through F12. The positions labelled as F1 through F10 can be another 10 multimedia keys.

Yes; taking this keyboard design, without keys in the Windows key positions, and placing Mt. Ossa upon the summit of Mt. Olympus to get it to function as a normal 105-key keyboard was not enough for me. Instead, I insist on piling Pelion on Ossa to have it function as a keyboard with a ridiculous number of keys like 122, and still be (relatively) easy and convenient to use.

Even with such a capable layout as the starting point, though, programmability is still needed. Somebody is going to have an urgent need for the right Windows Shift key. I can try to design a keyboard which is very good for a lot of people, even under outrageously limited circumstances, but ultimately different people have different preferences, are in different situations, and use different software.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: sam113101 on Thu, 24 June 2010, 13:42:25: Quote from: Brodie337;195177
JUSTSTEALTHEFUGGINKEYBOARDALREADYFORTHELOVEOFGODTAKEITTAKEITTAKEITNAO!!!!

I'm sorry... I forgot my Prozac.

EDIT: Hmm... The forum put a space in that sentence that I didn't.
this is mainly because long words could make that page's width 549874653165 px long, so long words are split into 50 characters words (if you type something 187 characters long, it will have 3 spaces)

see

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: noctua on Thu, 24 June 2010, 15:27:05: more than 50 characters, no problem.. ;-)

Code: [Select]
juststealthefugginkeyboardalreadyfortheloveofgodtakeittakeittakeitnao!!!!

(http://www.umdiewelt.de/photos/816/691/68/42028.jpg)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: spolia optima on Thu, 24 June 2010, 21:00:13: you are a golden god
i want to touch... that keyboard... so... bad...
no, that's too much... i'm not worthy
if you touch it, can i take a picture of myself with your hand?
now i have a tummy ache :(
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: spolia optima on Thu, 24 June 2010, 21:19:25: a few things:

- the lighted caps key... has this shown up in any other M's?
- it looks like an SDL cable, but it's much shorter than anything I've seen. Can't be any more than 4 or 5 feet stretched. Maybe the length of the cord is some clue? Lots of terminal keyboards have shorty cables like that.
- to unicomp: this keyboard. in my mailbox. NAO. you can have my first born son if you need a stout child for R&D or whatever.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Thu, 24 June 2010, 22:54:23: This discussion has been so inspiring that I decided to take one of the proposed layouts I presented, with a few minor tweaks, and draw a pretty picture of it:
(http://www.quadibloc.com/comp/images/rkwk112.gif)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Thu, 24 June 2010, 23:02:55: What happened to `~ ? And tab?

What did happen to Tab?

(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:W-OyzWWVBPeJTM:http://therobotcoop.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/lg_tab.jpg)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: spolia optima on Thu, 24 June 2010, 23:18:18: ~ would be a great product name btw
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: TexasFlood on Thu, 24 June 2010, 23:18:46: Quote from: Phaedrus2129;196099
What happened to `~ ? And tab?

What did happen to Tab?

Show Image
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:W-OyzWWVBPeJTM:http://therobotcoop.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/lg_tab.jpg)

~? I believe my home directory is there. :wink:
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Thu, 24 June 2010, 23:19:18: Quote from: spolia optima;196115
~ would be a great product name btw

There would be endless arguments about if it's pronounced "till-dee" or "tilled".
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: spolia optima on Fri, 25 June 2010, 00:46:00: how about this:

µ~

I would want to buy one of those.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Shawn Stanford on Fri, 25 June 2010, 08:23:43: (http://dilbert.com/dyn/str_strip/000000000/00000000/0000000/000000/20000/3000/800/23817/23817.strip.gif)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 25 June 2010, 08:35:51: Quote from: kishy;196117
There would be endless arguments about if it's pronounced "till-dee" or "tilled".

Or "that squiggly yoke"

Personally I say "til-dah"
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 25 June 2010, 08:50:19: Quote from: Phaedrus2129;196099
What happened to `~ ? And tab?
Given that there were a small number of available keys, and shift keys can't be moved to the Fn-shift level without introducing excessive complications, ~` is now Fn-U, and Tab is now Fn-Q for the keyboard shown in the illustration, because it was necessary to repurpose some keys for additional shifts.

Given that many Fn-key combinations are required, having both a left and right Fn key to permit making these combinations withoug lifting the hands from the home row was highly desirable.

Quote from: spolia optima;196160
how about this:

µ~

I would want to buy one of those.
But they might just take your money for the keyboard, and then run away with it to Venezuela, instead of sending you your keyboard.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 25 June 2010, 09:28:16: Quote from: ch_123;196241
Or "that squiggly yoke"

Personally I say "til-dah"

I pronounce it as in Spanish, (roughly) teel-day. It might just be a product of my environment.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kishy on Fri, 25 June 2010, 17:20:30: Quote from: ch_123;196241
Or "that squiggly yoke"

Personally I say "til-dah"

Yeah, I believe (and as the ripstictionary is reflecting) that's the correct way to say it (or something along the lines of till-deh, till-dah, till-duh). In retrospect, my joke (or whatever it is) was pretty poorly laid out because I didn't specify "when neither one is correct".

Side effect of not enough sleep...and I'll bet this post is too.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 25 June 2010, 23:23:03: Quote from: Phaedrus2129;196099
What did happen to Tab?
As Tab is a diet soft drink, presumably the manufacturer used a new name for its successor when the artificial sweeteners in use for soft drinks underwent considerable changes.

Remember, originally, saccharin was the most common artificial sweetener. Then, sodium cyclamate largely replaced it - and was suddenly banned as the result of being found to cause cancer.

At first, diet soft drinks were then sweetened to a limited extent with natural sweeteners, with unfortunate results for their flavor. Then, aspartame, an artificial protein composed of two amino acids, became the new artificial sweetener of choice, despite some claims that it caused severe allergic reactions for some people.

Saccharin has now become available again, since new studies have eliminated it as a carcinogen, but it's generally available only directly as a sweetener, and is not used in processed foods.

And then there's levose used as a replacement for dextrose to provide sweetness without metabolizable calories.

Since changing the artificial sweetener used changes the flavor, changing the brand name is reasonable.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: jmpespxoreax on Sat, 26 June 2010, 07:08:39: I second the call for more information as soon as you have it. This is amazing.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 26 June 2010, 08:13:54: Has anyone here noticed that Webwit hasn't said a single thing on this thread? I think he might be jealous.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Sat, 26 June 2010, 10:26:27: Incidentally, on my website (http://www.quadibloc.com/comp/kyb0602.htm), I've clarified the kind of layout that I think could make this kind of keyboard highly usable (but, as noted above, requiring a matrix that allows more of the keys to be shifts without ghosting).
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Xuan on Fri, 02 July 2010, 18:10:40: and? where's the keyboard?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Sat, 03 July 2010, 01:15:43: Quote from: Xuan;198848
and? where's the keyboard?
The keyboard is attached to a label-making device that is in a dusty storeroom at the place where the original poster works. We do not know where it came from, or if it would work with a computer.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 03 July 2010, 06:05:46: Quote from: quadibloc;196559
As Tab is a diet soft drink, presumably the manufacturer used a new name for its successor when the artificial sweeteners in use for soft drinks underwent considerable changes.

Remember, originally, saccharin was the most common artificial sweetener. Then, sodium cyclamate largely replaced it - and was suddenly banned as the result of being found to cause cancer.

At first, diet soft drinks were then sweetened to a limited extent with natural sweeteners, with unfortunate results for their flavor. Then, aspartame, an artificial protein composed of two amino acids, became the new artificial sweetener of choice, despite some claims that it caused severe allergic reactions for some people.

Saccharin has now become available again, since new studies have eliminated it as a carcinogen, but it's generally available only directly as a sweetener, and is not used in processed foods.

And then there's levose used as a replacement for dextrose to provide sweetness without metabolizable calories.

Since changing the artificial sweetener used changes the flavor, changing the brand name is reasonable.

What I don't get is, why don't people just drink stuff with real sugar?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: pfink on Sat, 03 July 2010, 10:57:32: Quote from: ch_123;198932
What I don't get is, why don't people just drink stuff with real sugar?

150 calories per can (sugar) vs. zero (artificial sweetener). Large blood glucose spike (sugar) vs. minimal blood glucose change (artificial sweetener.)

Of course you're better off drinking water than either.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sat, 03 July 2010, 11:07:46: So you're telling me I should drink sugar-free Red Bull? Yuck!
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Sat, 03 July 2010, 12:26:15: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;198992
So you're telling me I should drink sugar-free Red Bull? Yuck!
No, he is noting that some people choose to drink sugar-free soft drinks because they want something sweet and refreshing to drink, but they don't want to add to their calorie consumption.

This answers the question of why some people don't just drink the real soft drinks sweetened with real sugar. It does not suggest that everyone need follow their example.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Xuan on Sun, 04 July 2010, 14:53:20: Quote from: quadibloc;198906
The keyboard is attached to a label-making device that is in a dusty storeroom at the place where the original poster works. We do not know where it came from, or if it would work with a computer.

Yes, but it is his Mission to get it and photograph it, get the model number, test it, etc.
There's no turning back now, we must know more.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: InSanCen on Mon, 05 July 2010, 01:14:48: Quote from: Xuan;199405
Yes, but it is his Mission to get it and photograph it, get the model number, test it, etc.
There's no turning back now, we must know more.

Yup. Has to be done. Even though I am not interested in a tenkeyless model, that is, so far, totally unique.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 05 July 2010, 04:54:18: Quote from: pfink;198990
Of course you're better off drinking water than either.

Bingo.

Quote
No, he is noting that some people choose to drink sugar-free soft drinks because they want something sweet and refreshing to drink, but they don't want to add to their calorie consumption.

You sound like a Coke commercial... There are plenty of natural things that are sweet and refreshing. Diet soft drinks taste pretty **** and aren't good for you... if you don't care about your health, drink the real stuff, if you want to be healthy, drink something that came from a plant or animal...

It's like 'light' cigarettes. If you're going to give yourself lung cancer, you might as well do it like a man and smoke the heaviest stuff you can find.

Quote
So you're telling me I should drink sugar-free Red Bull? Yuck!

Unless there's Vodka in it, you are doing it horribly wrong.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: chimera15 on Mon, 05 July 2010, 05:26:12: Did he ever figure out the name of the machine completely signmac?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: quadibloc on Mon, 05 July 2010, 09:47:05: Quote from: chimera15;199621
Did he ever figure out the name of the machine completely signmac?
In some Googling, I found that a company called VnM makes a device called the Signmaker which is used for making routine safety labels.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 05 July 2010, 11:24:24: (http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=11607)
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ironman31 on Mon, 05 July 2010, 13:54:48: Quote from: ripster;199668
C'MON CLICKCLACK!!!!

For an artist you need to be more creative.

Throw a dwarf in there and not let him out of the room until he brings the keyboard out.
Show Image
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/drew-titan/2footfred.jpg)

Taylor and Paris are thinking to themselves...."I wonder if EVERYTHING is small".

The one on the right is Kelly Pickler
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: microsoft windows on Mon, 05 July 2010, 20:32:16: Who cares? They're all just a bunch of ditsy blonds.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: kriminal on Mon, 05 July 2010, 21:04:09: Quote from: microsoft windows;199826
Who cares? They're all just a bunch of ditsy blonds.

for once i agree with mswindows
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: microsoft windows on Mon, 05 July 2010, 21:06:33: Funny how every member on this forum has one moment where they agree with me.
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: Brodie337 on Tue, 06 July 2010, 00:59:52: But thats limited to one...
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: erricrice on Sun, 22 August 2010, 12:20:52: So what's the status with this one?

You can't have given up clickclack, it's too great a loss for all of us to handle!
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: spolia optima on Sun, 22 August 2010, 15:14:43: Waiting patiently for update...
Also, I wonder what webwit would say about all this?
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: erricrice on Sun, 22 August 2010, 16:17:55: Quote from: spolia optima;215698
Waiting patiently for update...
Also, I wonder what webwit would say about all this?

He'd probably be like: "Oh, those. I remember those things, I think I have a couple of them in my basement collecting dust."

Lol
Title: Model M mini-micro??? Whuuuuaaah?
Post by: ironman31 on Wed, 25 August 2010, 22:51:27: I bet he didn't subscribe to this post, and he just keeps missing it under new posts.
Title: Unicomp has no plans to make a mini
Post by: shem on Thu, 26 August 2010, 12:10:38: Sorry to bring this thread back on-topic, but I just got a reply from Unicomp. I asked if they plan to re-introduce a buckling spring tenkeyless model. The reply was

"At the current time there are no plans to develope[sic] and manufacture a mini model M."

No surprise there, I suppose.