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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: itlnstln on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:01:28

Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:01:28
Damn, for $30 shipped, I almost want to jump on it.

If you think this is too expensive, you might want to reconsider your employment options*





*This is not a jab those who were laid off.  At least you had a job.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: elbowglue on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:24:02
Dude this is like... $35 dollars too expensive.

not.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: skcheng on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:42:08
And a full shot of brand new 2 piece keycaps are only $20 + s/h from Unicomp.  So for $50 you get essentially a brand new Model M.  

And a full refurb, also from Unicomp is only $30.   I don't know how they do that??  Replace all of the springs etc.. for so cheap?
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:44:38
They open up the old keyboard, remove the keyboard assembly, and put a new one in. So basically $30 for a 5 minute job... they probably use old IBM stock too given the differences between new and old Model Ms.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:49:22
The shipping's a little much, but it still looks like a good keyboard.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: skcheng on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:49:47
Quote from: ch_123;168944
They open up the old keyboard, remove the keyboard assembly, and put a new one in. So basically $30 for a 5 minute job... they probably use old IBM stock too given the differences between new and old Model Ms.


Okay, that would make sense.   Basically Chuck was wondering why in the world I would want to spend $20 for new keycaps and purchase a set of buckling springs to refurbish my own kb, when $30 and 2 way shipping gets the job done. So I asked him.....ever browse Geekhack.org??  LOL.  

Funny when he asked me how in the world I got the frame separated from the metal plate and I told him a chisel.....
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: Half-Saint on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:51:04
Damn you americans!!! :-)
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:52:25
Quote from: microsoft windows;168946
The shipping's a little much, but it still looks like a good keyboard.

Dude...



Dude...
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: skcheng on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:52:29
Quote from: microsoft windows;168946
The shipping's a little much, but it still looks like a good keyboard.


I think $15 is about right??  Via USPS or UPS??   At least that's what I'm paying Geekhackers to ship me boards?   Do you think my fellow Geekhackers are ripping me off??   :-)))
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:53:25
Quote from: skcheng;168950
I think $15 is about right??  Via USPS or UPS??   At least that's what I'm paying Geekhackers to ship me boards?   Do you think my fellow Geekhackers are ripping me off??   :-)))

Pay no attention to the man in the Trollmobile.  $15 is pretty standard shipping for a keyboard, especially at the M's weight.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: kishy on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:57:48
Model M to Canada from USA is 18 USD by UPS (with a $20 import tariff...) or 27 USD by USPS generally without the tariff.

Delivery times: 2-3 days UPS, between 1 and 4 weeks USPS

Note the UPS quote is much more volatile as they actually calculate a rate to your specific location while USPS seems to do the same rate to most areas regardless of actual distance.

Many Americans seem to have the strange view that UPS and USPS often share delivery channels to get stuff places. This is definitely not so, at least for cross-border shipments.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: skcheng on Fri, 02 April 2010, 13:58:43
Quote from: itlnstln;168951
Pay no attention to the man in the Trollmobile.  $15 is pretty standard shipping for a keyboard, especially at the M's weight.



I just shipped out 3 keyboards in a biggish box via USPS priority mail and it came out to $22 for shipping.    Oh well......beats throwing them in the trash, I guess??
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 02 April 2010, 14:01:35
Quote from: itlnstln;168951
Pay no attention to the man in the Trollmobile.  $15 is pretty standard shipping for a keyboard, especially at the M's weight.


For a package weighing around 7 pounds, you'd probably have to pay between 8 and 10 dollars for postage. That's a reason why I've liked the auctions with the shipping calculators, so you can spend less on shipping when you're closer to the item's location.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 02 April 2010, 14:01:47
Quote from: microsoft windows;168946
The shipping's a little much, but it still looks like a good keyboard.


When I get keyboard shipped over from Yankeeville, the shipping is often more expensive than the keyboard itself. You don't see me complaining though.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: Nonmouse on Fri, 02 April 2010, 14:10:45
Quote from: microsoft windows;168959
For a package weighing around 7 pounds, you'd probably have to pay between 8 and 10 dollars for postage. That's a reason why I've liked the auctions with the shipping calculators, so you can spend less on shipping when you're closer to the item's location.


Plus the cost of the box, the packing material, tape, time and labor...  $15 is perfectly reasonable for shipping a Model M.  On the low side, if anything.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: didjamatic on Fri, 02 April 2010, 14:11:02
Keyboards I ship to USA range from $10-17 for 1 keyboard + a $2 box.  A model M shipped for $15 is very fair.

Many ebayers want $30 per keyboard shipping, especially for a Model M.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: sethstorm on Fri, 02 April 2010, 14:27:26
Quote from: itlnstln;168924
Damn, for $30 shipped, I almost want to jump on it.

If you think this is too expensive, you might want to reconsider your employment options*


*This is not a jab those who were laid off.  At least you had a job.

Quote from: ripster;168928
That's good.  You were starting to sound like my Father In Law.  Always a pleasure driving with him yelling out the window at homeless people with cardboard signs.

At this point, I'd think that the hippies would be in the minority.  Given that it's an employer's market (unfortunately, as opposed to a job seeker's market), they can certainly contribute to the homeless population.  

If anything, look at Washington DC to find more than a few hippies w/ jobs.**

** - general statement, not meant as a jab towards any political party.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: sethstorm on Fri, 02 April 2010, 14:30:33
Quote from: Nonmouse;168972
Plus the cost of the box, the packing material, tape, time and labor...  $15 is perfectly reasonable for shipping a Model M.  On the low side, if anything.

I'd agree.

Just shipped a Terminal M board via UPS Ground. 7.85 lbs, final bill being $12.28.  $15 would at least cover that and incidentals (gas, paypal fees).
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: Voixdelion on Sat, 03 April 2010, 22:35:17
Quote from: skcheng;168955
I just shipped out 3 keyboards in a biggish box via USPS priority mail and it came out to $22 for shipping.    Oh well......beats throwing them in the trash, I guess??

you need to check out the priority FLAT RATE via USPS.  They will give you the packaging supplies FREE (even deliver to your door if you order soon enough before you have to ship) PLUS they will pick up the shipment (schedule online) and varying sizes.  Basically whatever fits in the box (up to 70 lbs) anywhere in US delivered in about 2-3 days same rates depending on dimensions (see USPS.com Flat Rate).  Add delivery confirmation for like 35 cents more for tracking status.    Read about a one guy who sold fishing supplies who habitually shipped 7o lbs of lead sinker hither thither and yon for 5 bucks.  

Its pretty hard to beat domestically.

but yes- a Flat rate box large enough to accommodate a model m would still be about $15 give or take a buck or two.
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: Nonmouse on Sat, 03 April 2010, 22:49:27
Quote from: Voixdelion;169388
you need to check out the priority FLAT RATE via USPS.  They will give you the packaging supplies FREE (even deliver to your door if you order soon enough before you have to ship) PLUS they will pick up the shipment (schedule online) and varying sizes.  Basically whatever fits in the box (up to 70 lbs) anywhere in US delivered in about 2-3 days same rates depending on dimensions (see USPS.com Flat Rate).  Add delivery confirmation for like 35 cents more for tracking status.    Read about a one guy who sold fishing supplies who habitually shipped 7o lbs of lead sinker hither thither and yon for 5 bucks.  

Its pretty hard to beat domestically.

but yes- a Flat rate box large enough to accommodate a model m would still be about $15 give or take a buck or two.

A model M would only fit in a flat rate box if you folded it in half- the largest flat rate box is only 12x12".  Most buyers would be... unhappy... with that, beside the difficulty involved in bending (or cutting) a model M in half to begin with...
Flat rate (http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm)
Title: Model M Buckling Spring for cheap - $15 BIN 52G9658
Post by: Nonmouse on Mon, 05 April 2010, 10:02:54
 I believe I addressed that with the "folded in half" comment.

I admit I did not specifically include folded, hacked and flambéed kbs, but I think the idea is certainly there...