geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: patrickgeekhack on Sun, 14 November 2010, 19:51:28

Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sun, 14 November 2010, 19:51:28
According to you, what is a fair price to pay for an IBM Model M 1391401? I know it's a weird question, but I thought I would give it a shot anyway. Now that I know that I cannot get my Customizer 104 to feel exactly the same way as when I got it, I feel the need the replace it. This is kind of strange. I was not using this keyboard much. In fact, I had not used it in a long time. However, I feel as if my collection is not complete without a working buckling spring keyboard. I am having a hard time explaining this, for if I do buy one, it may not get much use either.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: laden3 on Sun, 14 November 2010, 20:00:08
someone is selling a used customizer in the marketplace
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Sun, 14 November 2010, 20:01:41
Quote from: laden3;246836
someone is selling a used customizer in the marketplace


I'v seen this about just about 2 seconds ago. But, I think I will go for a 1391401 this time. Just because I have never tried one, or can't remember if I did.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: Daniel Beaver on Sun, 14 November 2010, 20:03:31
$40-$50 for a board in good shape.

Your mileage may vary. What is it worth to you is the better question.

Incidentally, I have a bunch going on sale soon for $5. Some cleaning may be required.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: steeef on Sun, 14 November 2010, 21:13:14
You can find decent ones for around $40 including shipping on eBay. Even on ones above that price, I've had decent luck offering less.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Mon, 15 November 2010, 04:03:54
Quote from: Daniel Beaver;246838
$40-$50 for a board in good shape.

Your mileage may vary. What is it worth to you is the better question.

Incidentally, I have a bunch going on sale soon for $5. Some cleaning may be required.


Thanks for the input guys. I'm currently undecided between a '88 and a '91. I'll sleep on it for now.

Daniel: Do you have an idea when you'll be selling them? Will you ship to Canada? How much cleaning is required? I know you got a bunch of them, but (no offence) some of them are pretty dirty. Having seen how much pain is involved in putting the spring back, I don't want to go through the same process again.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: KillerBee on Mon, 15 November 2010, 08:12:00
Quote from: patrickgeekhack;246927
Thanks for the input guys. I'm currently undecided between a '88 and a '91. I'll sleep on it for now.

Daniel: Do you have an idea when you'll be selling them? Will you ship to Canada? How much cleaning is required? I know you got a bunch of them, but (no offence) some of them are pretty dirty. Having seen how much pain is involved in putting the spring back, I don't want to go through the same process again.

There is hardly a need to remove the springs

Remember that on a Model M keys are 2 Part in the majority of cases and the way the stem sits on the barrel plate it is very difficult for stuff to reach the spring.

You can do a key cap cleaning first then clean the barrel plate with the stems attached then remove the stems to clean further.

Work your way backwards re-assemble and ENJOY!!
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Mon, 15 November 2010, 08:15:15
Quote from: KillerBee;246949
There is hardly a need to remove the springs

Remember that on a Model M keys are 2 Part in the majority of cases and the way the stem sits on the barrel plate it is very difficult for stuff to reach the spring.

You can do a key cap cleaning first then clean the barrel plate with the stems attached then remove the stems to clean further.

Work your way backwards re-assemble and ENJOY!!


I have a good idea of how they work. However, some of the keyboads in the pictures did not have some of the keys on.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Mon, 15 November 2010, 21:14:54
I pulled the trigger on this (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290500375559&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_5521wt_988). I hope I did not make a bad choice.

I know that in the past I have said that I preferred lighter switches. That said, I just feel that my collection is not complete without a good working buckling spring keyboard. Moreover, I would like to try a Model M 1391401 at least once in my life. I am hoping I can use it at work without my coworkers going crazy. They seem to be able to put up with my keyboard noise.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: KillerBee on Mon, 15 November 2010, 22:14:06
Quote from: patrickgeekhack;247329
I pulled the trigger on this (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290500375559&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_5521wt_988). I hope I did not make a bad choice.

I know that in the past I have said that I preferred lighter switches. That said, I just feel that my collection is not complete without a good working buckling spring keyboard. Moreover, I would like to try a Model M 1391401 at least once in my life. I am hoping I can use it at work without my coworkers going crazy. They seem to be able to put up with my keyboard noise.


As per the price I think you did good, as per the model.... is based on eachs opinion
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 16 November 2010, 05:06:55
Quote from: KillerBee;247348
As per the price I think you did good, as per the model.... is based on eachs opinion


I was debating between the three units he had for sale, and then finally decided that I prefer the blue logo.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Tue, 16 November 2010, 05:23:44
Some people believe the grey logo is superior because all the grey logo Model M's were in the trenches during the Cold War and vastly contributed to the victory because they were indefatigable melee weapons.
Title: IBM Model M - Price
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 16 November 2010, 05:28:28
Quote from: NewbieOneKenobi;247410
Some people believe the grey logo is superior because all the grey logo Model M's were in the trenches during the Cold War and vastly contributed to the victory because they were indefatigable melee weapons.


Was there not a seller on eBay who said that?