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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: dw_junon on Fri, 13 February 2009, 09:47:04

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: dw_junon on Fri, 13 February 2009, 09:47:04

http://search.ebay.com/310120688833

AT&T got this patent (http://www.google.com/patents?id=Woc5AAAAEBAJ) in '89 for a quieted buckling spring keyswitch mechanism.  Looking at the design imitation on this board, down to the apparently detachable keycaps, could this be a physical example?

Note 'board is missing keycaps and is not verified by seller as working, however you do have "Satisfaction Guaranteed." at least.

$9.99 B-i-N, US shipping only (damn).  I have no connection with the seller.

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: xyzzy on Fri, 13 February 2009, 09:58:04

The shape of the keyboard and of the key stems look suspiciously similar to that of a Model M.

I vote for a rebranded M with a different font used for the characters (and the led panel). Something like this: http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=5712

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 13 February 2009, 10:23:48

I think this is a unique 'board (i.e. not a rebranded M).  Some of the curves in the molding, especially around the keys, don't look M-ish.  This AT&T 'board has smoother curves.

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: dw_junon on Fri, 13 February 2009, 11:15:29

The Ambra 'boards are fascinating, however they were a "wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=11107&postcount=10)" and so perhaps freer to play with the design (as opposed to more typical OEMs with little difference besides their logo), while AT&T really aren't...  They also appear to be Greenock [IBM's plant in Scotland] production, which generally seems to share minor differences with its US counterparts.

IMO, particularly the "wrist" edge and specifically the lip looks more square and much more subtle than than on a IBM 'board, and possibly less elevated though it is very hard to be sure from the camera angles.

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: bhtooefr on Fri, 13 February 2009, 12:12:28

Well, the thing's about $20 shipped in the US... someone could always, y'know, buy it.

(I can't, I don't have the money.)

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: Chloe on Fri, 13 February 2009, 19:52:58

AT&T have keyboards by NMB and Cherry so it might well be rebranded. It could be a Chicony or Key Tronic, they made some keyboards with Model M like cases, but the keycaps suggest IBM buckling spring.

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: elmwood on Sat, 14 February 2009, 00:51:43

I've seen that before.  It's a Model M.  I may buy it for the hoard if I've got replacement keycaps.  I may be able to replace all the non-letter keys.

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: dw_junon on Sun, 15 February 2009, 20:02:02

Quote from: elmwood;21693

I've seen that before.  It's a Model M.  I may buy it for the hoard if I've got replacement keycaps.  I may be able to replace all the non-letter keys.

Ah, do you happen to have pictures?

I'm really unsure what to make of this thing.

Title: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 15 February 2009, 20:05:33

I think it's too far gone to bother with.