geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: findingthelimit on Wed, 14 August 2013, 11:31:17

Title: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: findingthelimit on Wed, 14 August 2013, 11:31:17
I'm considering getting one to play around with buckling springs, but i really dont know how much to pay for them, as the price range is quite big on ebay. i'm looking for one in good condition, without stains. what model / year should i look for, and how much should i pay for it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-CLICKY-VINTAGE-KEYBOARD-Model-M-1391401-August-1993-Mexico-Plant-/261259294942?

is this a good deal?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46637.msg996171#msg996171

or this?
Title: Re: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: Justblair on Wed, 14 August 2013, 12:18:06
It's worth what you are prepared to pay for it. I bought a 122 key terminal for £40, spent just over the same to convert, bolt mod, modernise the key caps and replace the most worn springs. I think that I got a great deal when I compare it to say my Filco.
Title: Re: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: Techno Trousers on Wed, 14 August 2013, 12:26:37
Personally I would never pay more than about $75 for a classic one, and it would have to be in really exceptional shape for that price. You can get a brand new one from Unicomp for $79 plus shipping.

Of course, SSK models command more since there is no Unicomp equivalent... Yet.
Title: Re: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: Justblair on Wed, 14 August 2013, 14:37:22
That is a very good point... I am in the UK.  Getting a Unicomp shipped is mega expensive, so a vintage device is more attractive.  It is nice to be saving a lot of plastic and metal from the landfill for a good while longer as well.  However the Keycaps and springs that I bought from Unicomp were excellent quality, as good as the originals. 

I also happened to enjoy doing the renovation... That is worth a couple of quid in itself  :D
Title: Re: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: Thimplum on Wed, 14 August 2013, 15:01:07
Quote from: Justblair on Wed, 14 August 2013, 14:37:22
That is a very good point... I am in the UK.  Getting a Unicomp shipped is mega expensive, so a vintage device is more attractive.  It is nice to be saving a lot of plastic and metal from the landfill for a good while longer as well.  However the Keycaps and springs that I bought from Unicomp were excellent quality, as good as the originals. 

I also happened to enjoy doing the renovation... That is worth a couple of quid in itself  :D

DIY has a certain... satisfaction to it.
Title: Re: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 14 August 2013, 16:48:40
Or you could bide your time and get lucky.

I picked up two for $31 - missing cables and some keycaps, but otherwise in pretty good condition.
Title: Re: how much is an IBM Model M worth?
Post by: TimIsABat on Wed, 14 August 2013, 21:07:09
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251314548844?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This was up for a while, but no certainty on whether it comes with a cable or not. He has a couple of other models, and he might possibly restock.

As I said somewhere else, you could probably run a deal with someone. I got mine cleaned up and working with a cable from TheFlyingRaccoon for 55 shipped, which isn't too bad with some of the deals on eBay.

Just bide time, but if you are desperate and want one that you know is reliable and clean just get the one that is posted in the classifieds.