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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: fohat.digs on Tue, 16 July 2013, 10:21:27

Title: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 16 July 2013, 10:21:27
I have bought from this seller before.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200943627430&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200943627430&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123)


PS - I have a non-working M2 missing one key (numpad 0) that I would sell somebody cheap. PM me.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: berserkfan on Tue, 16 July 2013, 11:22:25
aren't model M2s considered really lousy compared with model ms? It seems that this will go for over $30 shipped and might as well go for a model m for $40 shipped.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 16 July 2013, 11:25:25
They are different.

The small footprint is great, and they are lightweight, too, but the keys do not interchange with other IBM models.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: dorkvader on Tue, 16 July 2013, 11:50:01
They are different.

The small footprint is great, and they are lightweight, too, but the keys do not interchange with other IBM models.

except for the m15, right?

The M2 should be at least a decent keyboard. This one looks to be in good shape, too.

Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 16 July 2013, 12:01:22
except for the m15, right?

No experience with the M15, but that is what I heard.

Somebody buy the M2 from me for $20 shipped or the caps for $12 shipped US. The wife is still on my case.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 16 July 2013, 15:13:22
except for the m15, right?

No experience with the M15, but that is what I heard.

Somebody buy the M2 from me for $20 shipped or the caps for $12 shipped US. The wife is still on my case.

If yours worked, I would be all over that.  I need something to quench my buckling spring thirst until I get my hands on a more ideal BS model.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: Techno Trousers on Tue, 16 July 2013, 16:24:57
fohat.digs, any idea why your M2 isn't working? I'd like to get it if I can be reasonably assured that it's fixable.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 16 July 2013, 16:33:35
fohat.digs, any idea why your M2 isn't working? I'd like to get it if I can be reasonably assured that it's fixable.

I plugged it in once and got no response. After that, I set it on the shelf and haven't touched it since.

They are notorious for having a capacitor die, or something like that. I think that is a cheap and quick fix if you have a soldering iron.

The missing key is another problem. A standard M/F key stem will fit the barrel and operate, but it is taller than M2 keys.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: Techno Trousers on Tue, 16 July 2013, 16:41:34
Thanks. You're right that I could probably fix the blown cap, but that missing key is going to keep me away,  I'm afraid. You should try classifieds though, since maybe someone with an M2 needs yours for parts.
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: JWK on Fri, 19 July 2013, 08:32:34
If you are attracted to the M2 by its smaller footprint, the Unicomp smaller (e.g. Ultra Classic and EnduraPro) keyboards are nearly identical, -- but with the rugged M2 conventional Model M construction. 

The Deskthority wiki has a good article discussing the origins of the M2 and its shortcomings.
http://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_M2

Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 19 July 2013, 09:15:41
nearly identical, -- but with the rugged M2 construction. 

You mean "conventional Model M construction" don't you?
Title: Re: IBM Model M2 on ebay
Post by: Techno Trousers on Tue, 23 July 2013, 11:12:07
Wow, the last few Model M2s on eBayhave been selling for $40-$50 plus shipping. I'd like to try one, but given their reputation I don't think I'd go over $25 plus shipping.