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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: h4ppyh4x0r on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:15:53

Title: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: h4ppyh4x0r on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:15:53
Just bought a model m 1391406 for £50 plus £10 tax and £10 shipping - £70 total.


Is this a reasonable price to pay, or have I been screwed over?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: Dgsbllx on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:18:05
Sounds half reasonable assuming the condition is good.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IBM-Model-M-3151-1395764-Clicky-Keyboard-Changable-Key-Caps-RJ45-/141022659776?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item20d59b04c0

However, you could have picked up one of those for £30 (seller is accepting offers of that) but that would still require a Soarer's converter or equivalent meaning £20 or so and some diy on top.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: oscillik on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:19:39
Just bought a model m 1391406 for £50 plus £10 tax and £10 shipping - £70 total.


Is this a reasonable price to pay, or have I been ****ed over?

Thanks.

I just paid $260 + $55 shipping + £54 import fees for my HHKB. God knows how much it has cost me all converted into British Pounds. Do I regret it? Nope.

I think if you're feeling like you've spent too much, then you have. I treat this kind of thing like collecting rare vinyl. If you're ok with spending that much on something you want, then the cost is justified. I dunno. I have no idea of the going value of a Model M. But I hope this makes some kind of sense.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: Krogenar on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:27:19
It depends on the condition -- paying a bit extra for an immaculately restored, clean Model M isn't a bad deal. Some people will say that you'll end up enjoying and appreciating the 'board more if you buy one that needs some work, and then clean it up yourself.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: terrpn on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:36:33
rj45  :(

30 day warranty :D
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: Game Theory on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:53:34
Or build Soarer's converter and use the board with pride:)
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=17458.0
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: h4ppyh4x0r on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:15:55
Quote from: Dgsbllx
Sounds half reasonable assuming the condition is good.

I'd say it's in really good shape. All keys and LEDs work, no bent springs, "birth certificate" in poor shape but legible (has some writing on it, and is old and worn), exterior immaculate, keycaps *almost* immaculate (some have grime down the sides, but the tops are all clean).

If anyone cares, here are some pictures in imgur album form: http://imgur.com/a/mCL0E

Quote from: Dgsbllx
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IBM-Model-M-3151-1395764-Clicky-Keyboard-Changable-Key-Caps-RJ45-/141022659776?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item20d59b04c0

However, you could have picked up one of those for £30 (seller is accepting offers of that) but that would still require a Soarer's converter or equivalent meaning £20 or so and some diy on top.

I thought about buying that one, and I did check out Soarer's Converter, but I didn't want to risk breaking the thing and in any case I couldn't find a link to buy.

Thanks everyone for confirming my sanity.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: 1391406 on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:22:42
Quote from: Dgsbllx
Sounds half reasonable assuming the condition is good.

I'd say it's in really good shape. All keys and LEDs work, no bent springs, "birth certificate" in poor shape but legible (has some writing on it, and is old and worn), exterior immaculate, keycaps *almost* immaculate (some have grime down the sides, but the tops are all clean).

If anyone cares, here are some pictures in imgur album form: http://imgur.com/a/mCL0E

Quote from: Dgsbllx
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IBM-Model-M-3151-1395764-Clicky-Keyboard-Changable-Key-Caps-RJ45-/141022659776?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item20d59b04c0

However, you could have picked up one of those for £30 (seller is accepting offers of that) but that would still require a Soarer's converter or equivalent meaning £20 or so and some diy on top.

I thought about buying that one, and I did check out Soarer's Converter, but I didn't want to risk breaking the thing and in any case I couldn't find a link to buy.

Thanks everyone for confirming my sanity.

All you really need to do is clean up the key caps. The board looks to be in good shape. So, in my opinion, it was money well spent.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: h4ppyh4x0r on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:28:35
All you really need to do is clean up the key caps.

I probably should... do I just pop them off and put them in a bowl of warm water?
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:42:48
Yes, and a bit of Fairy Liquid (or your favorite washing up detergent of choice)
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:54:07
£50 is about the standard price for a Model M over here in Sweden. Postage would be about £20 here.
But I do think that the prices for Model Ms have been inflated a bit here.
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 17 September 2013, 16:03:38
It's also worth noting that Euro-layout Model Ms tend to be more expensive than the US layout ones due to relative rarity. Thus why I no longer use the UK layout any more :D
Title: Re: Have I paid over the odds for a Model M?
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 17 September 2013, 17:42:51
Or dental tabs - they work a treat.

I paid $31 for my two Model M, but both were missing keycaps and cables.  One cable cost me more than the keyboards.