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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Hypersphere on Sat, 13 July 2013, 15:47:25

Title: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: Hypersphere on Sat, 13 July 2013, 15:47:25
Looking for IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (IBM SSK) in excellent condition. Heard there are some available on TaoBao. Seeking advice regarding purchasing security, shipping to USA, customs issues. Thanks.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 13 July 2013, 18:25:10
if you're looking for a quality old stock board to actually type on, it's a total crapshoot. i purchased a very large number of SSKs off of taobao as part of the SSKR project and about 80% of them were in horrid condition, with significant water damage, broken rivet positions literally hot glued in an attempt to keep the board usable, and so on. for me, this was fine, as i was purchasing for parts, but i would not suggest purchasing boards for use off of taobao.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 13 July 2013, 20:00:34
There have been a few of these turning up on eBay recently.  There are a couple of threads in Great Finds listing recent prices and stuff.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: smknjoe on Sat, 13 July 2013, 20:03:40
Yeah, there have been some really good ones on ebay recently. Above average condition for $150 - $250 (not including the NIB.) I think there is one for sale in the classifieds here for $220. If you really want a good one get it from a GHer.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: smknjoe on Sun, 14 July 2013, 21:10:27
Here are the 2 currently on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221250813183?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648 New In Box 1 hour left.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161063407595?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Great condition
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 14 July 2013, 21:14:12
I'd love an SSK, to satisfy my Model M and TKL cravings, but these are all in the US, and shipping to Australia is silly.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: Hypersphere on Sun, 14 July 2013, 22:59:37
Here are the 2 currently on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221250813183?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648 New In Box 1 hour left.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161063407595?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Great condition

Thanks again. Will definitely take a look. It appears that SSKs do indeed surface from time to time, just not nearly as plentiful as the full-size models.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: Hypersphere on Sun, 14 July 2013, 23:03:44
I'd love an SSK, to satisfy my Model M and TKL cravings, but these are all in the US, and shipping to Australia is silly.

So, how did they get all that stuff down under if they didn't ship it there? Might take a while, but ultimately worth it. ;)
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: smknjoe on Sun, 14 July 2013, 23:10:26
Shipping to Aus is EXPENSIVE! I have a friend that has booze sent there sometimes and it's at least $150 to get it shipped.

Here is another SSK http://www.ebay.com/itm/261246829981?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: HolidaySHRIMP on Sun, 14 July 2013, 23:18:26
Yeah, there have been some really good ones on ebay recently. Above average condition for $150 - $250 (not including the NIB.) I think there is one for sale in the classifieds here for $220. If you really want a good one get it from a GHer.

It sold last week =) it was a pristine one I bought from Kin and sold it. No winkey is a deal breaker.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 14 July 2013, 23:21:52
Shipping to Aus is EXPENSIVE! I have a friend that has booze sent there sometimes and it's at least $150 to get it shipped.

Here is another SSK http://www.ebay.com/itm/261246829981?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

Alcohol shipped TO Australia?  ROFLMAO just go to Dan Murphys!!!

http://danmurphys.com.au/dm/home.jsp

Like a warehouse full of alcohol - all retail and cheap ;D
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: smknjoe on Sun, 14 July 2013, 23:25:10
From what I understand you don't have much of a bourbon selection there and what you do have is 2-3 x the price here.

Edit: ...and it's under-proofed for the foreign markets. Maker's Mark is $24 for 750ml at 90 proof here.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 15 July 2013, 00:01:40
From what I understand you don't have much of a bourbon selection there and what you do have is 2-3 x the price here.

Edit: ...and it's under-proofed for the foreign markets. Maker's Mark is $24 for 750ml at 90 proof here.

Ok then.  $42.99 for 80 proof Maker's Mark 700ml.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 15 July 2013, 10:36:58
Yeah, there have been some really good ones on ebay recently. Above average condition for $150 - $250 (not including the NIB.) I think there is one for sale in the classifieds here for $220. If you really want a good one get it from a GHer.

It sold last week =) it was a pristine one I bought from Kin and sold it. No winkey is a deal breaker.

Got my IBM Model M SSK last night from eBay. Looking forward to using it. What's a Win key? Just kidding -- I mostly use a Mac, and there is no problem using a Model M. It can be remapped in various ways, but I remap the CapsLock as the "Command" key. When I shift focus to my Windows machine using Synergy, CapsLock then serves as the Win key, and when I shift focus to my Linux machine, CapsLock becomes the "Super" key.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: HolidaySHRIMP on Mon, 15 July 2013, 21:04:22
Yeah, there have been some really good ones on ebay recently. Above average condition for $150 - $250 (not including the NIB.) I think there is one for sale in the classifieds here for $220. If you really want a good one get it from a GHer.

It sold last week =) it was a pristine one I bought from Kin and sold it. No winkey is a deal breaker.

Got my IBM Model M SSK last night from eBay. Looking forward to using it. What's a Win key? Just kidding -- I mostly use a Mac, and there is no problem using a Model M. It can be remapped in various ways, but I remap the CapsLock as the "Command" key. When I shift focus to my Windows machine using Synergy, CapsLock then serves as the Win key, and when I shift focus to my Linux machine, CapsLock becomes the "Super" key.

Binding winkey to something via registry works but when I swap boards it messes everything up. If it doesn't change from dip switch (rf 87u) or board firmware (KMAC) I can't deal with it.

Those are the 2 boards I kept. Ditched the SSK and the HHKB.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: smknjoe on Mon, 15 July 2013, 21:13:11
I rarely use Windows any more (*nix) and when I do the Winkey is never used. The keycaps on the SSK and HHKB are great and have the best texture I've ever seen. It's like grip tape for your fingers!. Control in the location of Caps Lock is where it's at!

Rich, I think grave00 is looking to unload his SSK which looks like it's in very good shape. Sounds like it may have some broken rivets though. I assume you are still in the market for 2 more boards.
Title: Re: Advice on Buying IBM SSK from TaoBao
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 15 July 2013, 22:24:40
I rarely use Windows any more (*nix) and when I do the Winkey is never used. The keycaps on the SSK and HHKB are great and have the best texture I've ever seen. It's like grip tape for your fingers!. Control in the location of Caps Lock is where it's at!

Rich, I think grave00 is looking to unload his SSK which looks like it's in very good shape. Sounds like it may have some broken rivets though. I assume you are still in the market for 2 more boards.

Thanks for the tip. You and others on GH have been really helpful. However, I suddenly seem to have found sources for SSKs. It looks like I will be all set.