geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: Sam on Sun, 10 July 2011, 06:01:23

Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: Sam on Sun, 10 July 2011, 06:01:23
Here's a new one that I've never heard of:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300574571008 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300574571008)

The listing says it has a rare Microline printed label.  What's the meaning of a "Microline printed label"?  I've never heard of that before.  Looks like a pretty normal label to me for that era, but the $80 price isn't so normal (a bit high).  But if it is some rare label, then maybe some collector would want it.  Anyone know what the deal is regarding the labels?
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: jpc on Sun, 10 July 2011, 06:21:08
The pictures look like any other bog-standard 1391401 from 1987.

If there's something unique about this board, the seller would do well to include a close-up of it.
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: prd on Sun, 10 July 2011, 10:28:27
It's a covered security feature. Can't read it with the naked eye.

http://www.highsecuritypaper.com/features--microline.html
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: TexasFlood on Sun, 10 July 2011, 11:05:15
Quote from: prd;377461
It's a covered security feature. Can't read it with the naked eye.

http://www.highsecuritypaper.com/features--microline.html
I sure can't see it and wonder if anyone would pay a premium for something invisible?  Well I actually I guess it's done every day paying a premium for a brand etc.  This seller pictures are dark and not focused well for someone stating "Just look at the pictures....this is the actual keyboard you will get."  And the picture of the label doesn't even show up on the main page for me anyway.  Could he be referring to the IBM logo?  If so don't think that's really worth a premium to me.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqEOKpQE3stOkj,rBOE3nESkUg~~_12.JPG)
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: REVENGE on Sun, 10 July 2011, 19:40:39
I have a feeling he's referring to the "interlaced" IBM logo that was bog standard on everything.
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: TexasFlood on Sun, 10 July 2011, 20:21:48
Quote from: REVENGE;377761
I have a feeling he's referring to the "interlaced" IBM logo that was bog standard on everything.
That's what I'm thinking.  Wasn't that logo on every Model M 1391401 made from, what 1987 to 1992?

The text of the ad, well, he calls it a "1984 label" IBM Model M Clicky Keyboard, when looking at his own picture of the label, 1984 is the copyright date and the keyboard date is 5/5/87.

Also states:

"I have not seen any with this type of label printing lately."  Huh?  So the rarity is based on what the seller has personally come across?

"Original Model M is regarded as the best keyboard ever made and this it! This keyboard is fully functional...it was not refurbed just cleaned." OK, one of the best keyboards ever, don't think many of us would argue that.  The best? Probably debatable as it's not a lot of folks' cup of tea. I don't recall seeing before a seller stating a keyboard was cleaned and NOT refurbished as a selling point.  I guess I get it, he's saying it was in such good shape it didn't need it, just seems strange.

"The keyboard is from 1984 comes with the heavy duty ps/2 cord. A keyboard made over 25 years ago will connect to most existing pcs out there today!" Again, per his own pictures it's from 1987 and it's a bit of a stretch these days to say it will connect to most existing PCs when most new computers come with no PS/2 connector and while a geekhacker can find a suitable adapter I bet many folks won't.

"Has rubber disks on the back" Uhhh, going to have to go look at mine, this isn't ringing a bell.

"It may have come with a portable computer and never saw much use!" Doubt it.

Having said all that, it might be worth it, at least to some but kinda seems like he's halfway making this stuff up.
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: theferenc on Sun, 10 July 2011, 20:33:58
The feet on the front are just small rubber disks. That's likely what he is referring to. When he says back, I think he means bottom.
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: audioave10 on Sun, 10 July 2011, 20:50:09
It seems he has discovered the popularity and is trying to take advantage of it. He either doesn't know better...or he is "full of it".
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Sun, 10 July 2011, 21:41:47
Maybe laptops don't come with ps/2 anymore, but I certainly wouldn't say anywhere near "most new computers have no PS/2".
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: TexasFlood on Sun, 10 July 2011, 21:46:38
Quote from: theferenc;377792
The feet on the front are just small rubber disks. That's likely what he is referring to. When he says back, I think he means bottom.
I thought of that.  Only thing that makes sense, sort of anyway.

Quote from: audioave10;377797
It seems he has discovered the popularity and is trying to take advantage of it. He either doesn't know better...or he is "full of it".
If I take a step back and assume he's not a keyboard enthusiast but someone spending a few minutes to attempt using the lingo and buzzwords to add value to the item he's selling then I guess it makes perfect sense, more like slight exaggerations and misunderstandings than outright lies.
Title: IBM Model M, Microline Label
Post by: TexasFlood on Sun, 10 July 2011, 22:13:40
Quote from: False_Dmitry_II;377825
Maybe laptops don't come with ps/2 anymore, but I certainly wouldn't say anywhere near "most new computers have no PS/2".
Everything new I see at work including desktops, laptops and servers have almost completely dropped PS/2 ports.  Now motherboards from Microcenter or whatever tend to still have them.