geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: JPG on Wed, 08 January 2014, 15:30:29

Title: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: JPG on Wed, 08 January 2014, 15:30:29
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-IBM-Model-F-83Key-Clicky-Keyboard-/380809319801 (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-IBM-Model-F-83Key-Clicky-Keyboard-/380809319801)


Shipping to me is like 90$ But maybe it's way better in the US (I hope).


XT layout, but still could be nice to try it.
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 08 January 2014, 17:06:52
$20.8 shipping for me

What;s the rule for items listed for parts? Are they no goes?
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 08 January 2014, 18:43:59
What's the rule for items listed for parts?

If you sell an item on ebay it is assumed to be in proper working condition. If you bought a keyboard with a problem that was not disclosed, you have a legitimate complaint.

However, if you sell something as "not working - for parts or repair" then the buyer must understand that he gets whatever he gets.

Being that the XT will not plug and play on a modern computer, any honest seller would sell it as not working or for parts if he did not have the means to test it.

I would say that the odds are good that it will work, I have bought at least 5 XTs and none were advertised as "tested" or "working".
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 08 January 2014, 18:46:05
What's the rule for items listed for parts?

If you sell an item on ebay it is assumed to be in proper working condition. If you bought a keyboard with a problem that was not disclosed, you have a legitimate complaint.

However, if you sell something as "not working - for parts or repair" then the buyer must understand that he gets whatever he gets.

Being that the XT will not plug and play on a modern computer, any honest seller would sell it as not working or for parts if he did not have the means to test it.

I would say that the odds are good that it will work, I have bought at least 5 XTs and none were advertised as "tested" or "working".

AGH, my 122 is coming tomorrow. But F switches are better quality than M.
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: JPG on Wed, 08 January 2014, 18:48:09
And it seems to be in decent shape. For 40$, I consider it's worth a try!

I got an XT for 50$ recently and I just can't wait to receive all my parts for a soarer. The keys feel amazing (except for the super heavy spacebar that I will need to mod, but once the mod is done it should be great too!). And since you can remap the keys with a soarer, I really think that the only real troublesome key on the XT layout is the enter. The others are not so bad.
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:33:19
But F switches are better quality than M.

It is unfortunate that there is no other term than "switches" for use in describing keyboards.

The "switch" component of a buckling spring mechanism is almost incidental in any model - it is just some contacts lying flat on a surface. The actuation is accomplished in such a completely different manner from Cherries, Alps, Hi-Teks, etc, that there should be distinct nomenclature. The "switching" that happens, in a Model M particularly, is really very similar to what happens in a rubber dome keyboard.

To compare the F and the M is to compare the whole of the internal assemblies of the keyboards, anyone who has taken both of these models completely apart will know exactly what I am saying, and anyone who has not will simply not "get it" until they do.

At least that is how I see it.
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:52:48
Well, placed a bid on it. Wish me luck!
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: dorkvader on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:58:47
Well, placed a bid on it. Wish me luck!
Maaaaan.

I was watching this before it got posted on GH. Soarer says this'll work with his converter (which is awesome if so) and I've always wanted to get a good look at the controller / guts.

If you take it apart, please take good pictures!
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: JPG on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:59:56
Well, placed a bid on it. Wish me luck!

Go for the snipe, the SNIPE!!!!

Fohat made a tutorial, just read it and save money!
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 08 January 2014, 20:04:10
Well, placed a bid on it. Wish me luck!

Go for the snipe, the SNIPE!!!!

Fohat made a tutorial, just read it and save money!

+1

Auctionsniper is awesome

Although the two times I've used it, first no one else bid, and on the second I got beat by a previous bid (u know those people who plop down a ton at the start and no one is able to beat it)
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 08 January 2014, 20:32:55
first no one else bid,

and on the second I got beat by a previous bid (u know those people who plop down a ton at the start and no one is able to beat it)

If there is only 1 bid the item sells at the starting price - snipe or conventional - great for the buyer! Also the reason I never start low when I sell.

Conventional ebay bids go in after all snipes, so any legitimate high bid will take the auction but you can't "re-snipe" in the last nanosecond.

If you are not sniping, blowing the competition away with an early very high ebay bid is an often-used technique for buyers with deep pockets who really want something.
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 08 January 2014, 20:38:15
And it doesn't matter if you snipe your own bid, if no one else bids. If I am first, I usually start the bidding to discourage others from trying to get it for starting bid price. :)
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: Halverson on Wed, 08 January 2014, 20:40:50
Well, placed a bid on it. Wish me luck!

Regret selling your old one to me? :p
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 08 January 2014, 20:42:14
Well, placed a bid on it. Wish me luck!

Regret selling your old one to me? :p

No, only because it's you, Halverson. But otherwise, yes. :)
Title: Re: 20$ Model F (XT layout)
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 08 January 2014, 21:26:19
I usually start the bidding to discourage others from trying to get it for starting bid price.

I don't think that helps much. I have won several things at a dollar or 2 over start bid as the 2nd bidder. Put in a snipe at $2-$5 over start as a "lowball" way to be in the game.