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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Engine on Sun, 20 March 2011, 21:13:51
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Hi, I own one Unicomp Space Saver and absolutely love it! However, the casing came w/some broken tabs and therefore, the front seam is "spongy" but not agape but it will "sqeeze" a bit if you grip it. The sides will do it too to some extent. I'm not going to bother returning it for repair/replacement, although "Jim" says I can. If it were broken to bits, then of course. He blames UPS though for rough handling but then again, have you seen the packaging job Unicomp does? It's "ok" but certainly not packaged like a Topre. I enjoy my Unicomp but am very hesitant to order another for my Mom, as this would be a "gift". If shipping damaged it the first time, then what would happen to the replacement? Like I said, I'll keep this one for me as it's not noticable if you don't sqeeze it but enouph with me, what do you think? Are there others out there who have received a perfectly good specimen? I'd like to know what the odds of getting one are???
Should I try for another for my Mom or not? Thanks.
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All the 'boards I have received from Unicomp have been in great shape. If I were you, Id return it for a replacement. Once you receive the replacement and find it in good shape, you'll have the confidence to order another as a gift.
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My caps lock key is chattering, other than that it's okay.
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I love my Space Saver. I grew up with Model F and Model M, worked on 122-key terminals in System/36 and AS/400 shops for years. Anything that doesn't click when I hit it still feels a little bit foreign to me.
That said, yeah, Unicomp could do a whole lot better with their marketing and packaging, they really don't put a lot of effort into, well, much of anything.
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Never had any problems with mines. Couples of them had it pretty hard and they never failed.
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Are you SURE the tabs are broken? Even IBMs you can squeeze the front and the gap varies.
That appears to be the exact picture here. So, no I don't think any tabs are actually broken then after thinking on what you said.
The seam appears to be closed but just "floats" up and down about 1/16" if you squeeze, then pops back up to former "floating" position.
It seems to even be in it's normal state but floats as opposed to being "sealed". I take it you have a unit(s) like that? Any solutions for that ...Or is this really just "normal"?
If it is, oh well. I would just live w/it then. ?
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It would appear to be normal to me. I just checked 8 different keyboards, 1 Unicomp, 6 IBM, 1 Lexmark, and they all have this "issue". Honestly, it's not something I had ever even noticed before.
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My preferred keyboard for Windows software with USB support is a Unicomp.
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I bought a Spacesaver from Unicomp, and the keyboard is perfect. I live in Spain.
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As has been pointed out, there is always a bit of looseness, even on the most hardcore oldschool Model Ms. If you want to confirm, open the case with a 5.5mm nut driver, and look for broken tabs.
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Thanks for the input everyone. It sounds like what I'm dealing with is a "normal" deal. Kind of weird but I guess. Oh well.
I do have to say though, I love my Buckling Springs! With that, I will probably order another one if my Mom likes the one I'm going to let her trial.
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I can beat that. I have a 1985 Model M where the leftmost tab has broken clean off.
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I do believe that Unicomp is basically working on a budget and showing it. They can't scrimp on the technology, so the body has to give. Too bad really. In a way, I think that BS is a universal favorite but will die out if the keys outlive the chasis. Then again, that's probably why they only charge $80. Can I really complain? I don't know. I guess my complaint is that why not spend a little more and make the thing solid in everyway. They don't have to start from the ground up. Just spend a little more money on plastic. How 'bout a gapless chasis.