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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 09:13:13

Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 09:13:13: Black IBM Model M (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=140542664829&si=6%252FzEZsNA1S7pO8HnKQzXjI0shHo%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT)

Can anyone tell me anything about this case? I've never seen one in black that wasn't the Unicomp version (at least I think that's what I saw).
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 09:26:15: This keyboard is not an M13.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 09:36:20: Right, no trackpad or buttons on the keyboard case. It seems to be black from the factory but not an M13 case. I've never seen one before.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 09:50:24: What would a case swap have to do with this keyboard? I feel like I'm missing something.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 10:13:39: I didn't think it was painted from looking at the closeup picture of the bottom label. I'm pretty interested as well.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 10:32:14: So according to that there is no such thing as a black Model M. Not to be rude in anyway but does anyone know Ch123's credentials regarding IBM keyboards? Was he a part of the manufacturing process in some way or involved with IBM?

It could be a nice paint job. Maybe I'll know more when I receive it later in the week.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 10:42:11: I just wanted to verify an absolute claim is all. It's a very good paint job if it's a mod.

So I'm right where I was when I created this thread I guess. Geekhack fails me (loljokes). I had already read the wiki FYI. Thanks for the effort, regardless.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 10:56:30: True, I guess I was just a little frustrated by you not reading the thread or looking at the listing. Besides, it's not like I'm going to morph into a moderator and close the thread.

Thanks for confirming that it's not painted.

edit: The seller received it this way and he thinks the top has been painted and the bottom is actual black plastic. I don't know anything about Model M production and S/Ns but it is possible that it's an M13 bottom case with a black painted M top?
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: Half-Saint on Mon, 02 May 2011, 15:25:38: Definitely not an M13 bottom.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: snerual on Mon, 02 May 2011, 15:49:42: I noticed this one on ebay yesterday and was intrigued. I actually hit the 'buy' button, only to change my mind. It just didn't look quite right, although you never know with Model M keyboards. The top looks somewhat shiny in those photo's, which made me think it was painted. The bottom piece may be from an M13. However, there is a 1391401 tag there, so who knows... Maybe I should have bought it, just to clear up the mystery.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 15:55:33: He says the bottom is definitely not painted and is black plastic. He says the paint on the top half "appears to be durable as hell," so I'm not really worried. I've got a blank black set of keycaps on the way from Unicomp as well and Brian is including a black AT cable as well. Not a big deal really since I would like to replace it with an industrial case if I get an opportunity too.

I'm now most curious about the bottom half of the case.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: snerual on Mon, 02 May 2011, 16:00:05: Let us know once you get it. It's certainly an interesting board.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: Half-Saint on Mon, 02 May 2011, 16:13:17: As I already stated, NOT an M13 bottom. For it to be an M13 bottom, there would have to be a hole for the 2nd PS/2 connector and I don't see it!
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: snerual on Mon, 02 May 2011, 16:24:46: @ Half-Saint: I know. The M13 has the mouse connector. This could be a black Unicomp customizer case.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Mon, 02 May 2011, 16:50:32: What about that IBM logo? I feel like I've seen it on someone's M Mini but I also seem to remember the logos being replacement logos. I'm really not sure.

I sleuthed and here is what I was remembering black logo (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?10249-IBM-Model-M-Space-Saving-Club&p=189789&viewfull=1#post189789)

Does this logo look like the Unicomp replacement ones talked about in the Space Saving Club thread?
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: wanabe on Mon, 02 May 2011, 17:04:20: the mini logo is smaller than the full size ones. it's probably a legit M13 logo on the case
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: slueth on Mon, 02 May 2011, 19:44:09: ^ I saw that exact keyboard on ebay, I was going to buy it but I think its rubber.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: snerual on Mon, 02 May 2011, 19:52:52: Yes, the SmarTrex is a rubber dome board.
Title: Black IBM Model M
Post by: kpeezy on Tue, 03 May 2011, 08:19:02: The SmarTrex case looks similar but it looks like the finish is grittier and it has the blank rectangle in the top left.