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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ch_123 on Wed, 18 August 2010, 19:23:49

Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 18 August 2010, 19:23:49
I have contacted Sandy, the Master, about this, but whilst waiting for his reply, I thought I'd bounce it around here.

IBM Japan's equivalent of the PCjr was the IBM JX, which was also sold in Australia and New Zealand. The JX was actually a relatively successful design, and one of the advantages it had over the PCjr has a decent keyboard -

(http://www.thepcmuseum.com/ibm/IBMJX/IBMJX-kbsm.jpg)
(http://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/ibm_pc-jx_2.jpg)
(http://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/IBM_JX_EnglishKeyboard_1.jpg)
(http://www.thepcmuseum.com/ibm/IBMJX/IBMJX-keyboardir.jpg)
(http://img347.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/0/8/0/4/oyumu00-img600x450-1275987594plelme35891.jpg)
(http://www.thepcmuseum.com/ibm/IBMJX/IBMJX.jpg)

As you can see, there were two versions of the keyboard - a compact one that was IR only, and a fullsize one that was either IR or detachable cable. From the pic with the removed keycap, it looks vaguely like a white Alps (bare in mind that this was a good few years before the white Alps that we know went into production) and I'd bet that the half height keys are the same half-height green slider switches that were in the PC Convertible keyboard that someone took apart a few weeks ago.

So, anyone know anything? =P
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 19 August 2010, 12:21:03
Sandy provides. (http://park8.wakwak.com/~kaineko2/keyboard/album20020825_2.html)

The compact keyboard may be using an old-style linear Alps switch, although it is hard to tell given the poor resolution of the above picture.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: microsoft windows on Thu, 19 August 2010, 12:23:55
I see it's got green ALPS switches.

That layout is horrible at best though.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 19 August 2010, 13:22:05
I contacted the website from which I got the picture with the exposed key, might be able to get a higher res one to make a positive ID.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 19 August 2010, 13:27:44
From Sandy -

(http://msibata.org/ibmpc/image/jx15.jpg)

Another difference between these machines and the PCjr was that whereas the PCjr was marketed as a home computer/console, the JX was marketed as a cheap PC for educational and small business use.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: microsoft windows on Thu, 19 August 2010, 13:30:33
Got a speedy 8088 in there!
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: EverythingIBM on Thu, 19 August 2010, 13:39:28
(http://www.thepcmuseum.com/ibm/IBMJX/IBMJX.jpg)

That's a really nice keyboard (the computer is too -- but, I'm getting sick of having computers I can't use due to lack of software).

It's like a mix between an model F XT and a dolch!

Although some appear to be Japanese, and others just english based... very interestesting.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 19 August 2010, 13:43:50
As pointed out, they were also sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: microsoft windows on Thu, 19 August 2010, 19:30:04
Are those 3½" drives in that computer there in the illustration?
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: EverythingIBM on Thu, 19 August 2010, 20:44:00
Quote from: microsoft windows;214740
Are those 3½" drives in that computer there in the illustration?


I think they actually are...

But 8" is awesomeness.
Title: Does anyone know anything about the IBM JX keyboard?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 20 August 2010, 07:04:31
Quote from: EverythingIBM;214761
I think they actually are...

But 8" is awesomeness.


My GF thinks I'm awesome, too.