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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: bettablue on Sun, 06 March 2011, 22:09:25
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I just ran into a couple of great 1987 gray label model M keyboards. Both were in a bunch of old computer equipment that was being thrown out at a local business. They are definitely used, a little dirty, but all in all, they are in great shape! One has a few rivets broken, but nothing serious and the other is a little better. They both sound and feel extremely solid too. They both have PS2 connections on very good condition cables.
I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with them, but one thing is for sure. My collection is growing.
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Alright, how the crap do people run across stuff like this?
I did a bunch of local legwork with thrift shops, etc and all I found were a couple of old rubber dome boards.
I've seen in multiple places people mention thrift shops and somehow running across businesses that are shutting down/ "upgrading" as great places to get free boards.
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Same thing over here. Old used boards are extremely hard to find.
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Same thing over here. Old used boards are extremely hard to find.
I have also heard too that you could go to a computer recycler. There are 3 here in Las Vegas, but my luck hasn't been all that great. Although a friend was lucky enough to get one from the recycler just before I started looking for my first model M. I guess you just have to be in the right place at the right time. The two I picked up yesterday were from a company that opened their doors in the late 80's and because of the economy, they were closing. Not enough business. It was a small place that appeared to do some sort of database management, but I have no idea what they did. All I saw was a couple of boxes witha keyboard sticking out of the top of one in the back of the building. Lucky too since today is garbage day and all of the equipment would have been in the landfill by this evening. I got 2 IBM PS/2 computers that are still working. Manufacture date on the computers is 1987 too, so presumably, they were still using them for something. My best friend is getting the computers, but I'm keeping the boards. For some reason, I think it's because he know s I love these boards, he didn't want them. He'll probably either get newer keyboards that work with the computers or he'll find his own model M. He is partial to the space savers. In either case, I have some cleaning to do and I'll be putting these to use too.
Don't hate me, but I proposed to trade some hard drives I have for another one a while ago. He came back with this.
"It's a 1992 gray label, 101 key Model M in good, used condition. It had the PC/XT coiled cable (probably a replacement 'cause it looks new) so I threw in a PS/2 adaptor.
No need to send the drives. I should be able to ship this tomorrow. I've got another drop-off at the PO anyway.
You're welcome and enjoy. :)"
All of the sudden, I have model M's coming out of the woodwork.
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I'll happily help you with that. You can store them at my place, if you need to.
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Hmmm. How much is too much? I think I have over 20 full size model Ms. I don't think I can use them all in my lifetime. I have not had one break on me yet. However, I think I will start selling some of them off to paid for my sudden addition to the IBM spacesaver Model Ms plus I am running out of room to store them.
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Call up big local callcenters/universities/etc. Ask them about buying outdated/surplus IT gear. You're bound to come up with at least 1 or 2 Model Ms
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I just ran into a couple of great 1987 gray label model M keyboards. Both were in a bunch of old computer equipment that was being thrown out at a local business. They are definitely used, a little dirty, but all in all, they are in great shape! One has a few rivets broken, but nothing serious and the other is a little better. They both sound and feel extremely solid too. They both have PS2 connections on very good condition cables.
I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with them, but one thing is for sure. My collection is growing.
One of the keyboards is dated 17Jul87 and the other, 26Aug87. Both seem to be pretty solid, but the one made in August is a bit pingy. They both work flawlessly though. I think the cables may have been replaced not too long ago too.
The two computers are being donated to a local non profit who will be creating a small tech museum of sorts. Children, mainly disadvantaged, will have supervised access to these systems so they can see where we all started with PC's
Between me and my wife, we have 4 computers we can use these with. We each have a desktop/tower and a laptop. I hate using laptop keyboards, they drive me crazy with the compact layouts. So for now, I have 5 model M's. One for each keyboard and one spare. I think I have enough now to last a lifetime.
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I'll happily help you with that. You can store them at my place, if you need to.
I like your style, but uh... no. I will help out here though. If any more come my way, I'll sell it for whatever it costs to ship it priority mail or UPS 3 day select. (Now watch, since I made this promise, I'll probably never see another free one for the rest of my life.)
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Thanks, man. I really appreciate that.
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Thanks, man. I really appreciate that.
How do you mean that? (I hope that didn't sound rude...)
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That was intended honestly, rather than sarcastically.
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I would fix em up and sell em for $300 bucks and then buy a NIB for $400
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i am typing on a an aug 7 1987 and it is the pingiest model m ive ever owned.
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thats an 87 keyboard built on 8/7/87
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I would fix em up and sell em for $300 bucks and then buy a NIB for $400
Ok, forgive my limited English. I've been seeing this here and there... What does NIB stands for?
EDIT: NVM... New In Box...
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I took no offense. By the way. The date on your board is COOL! (You know you're a geek when you find the date on the back of a keyboard cool!)
I love it.