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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: infiniti on Fri, 30 January 2015, 10:18:09

Title: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: infiniti on Fri, 30 January 2015, 10:18:09
IBM Model M
Date: 03-09-96

http://www.dba.dk/tastatur-ibm-model-m-nyt/id-1013270787/
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: Touch_It on Fri, 30 January 2015, 12:36:59
Probably not the best place to discuss this but when did IBM/Lexmark start using that style of sticker for the num lock lights?  I had always assumed it was for late model rubberdomes but clearly this isn't the case.
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 30 January 2015, 12:54:30
Probably not the best place to discuss this but when did IBM/Lexmark start using that style of sticker for the num lock lights?  I had always assumed it was for late model rubberdomes but clearly this isn't the case.

There are a lot of differences in the Greenock-made Ms.
The later ones had ABS spacebars with grounding straps, for one thing.
Ask someone who knows more about that factory than I do.
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: POTV on Fri, 30 January 2015, 14:20:12
Hi, I'm the seller.
Don't know that much about the inner parts, but the keyboard feels like the rest of my about 10-12 Model M's. The interesting thing, in my opinion, is the european / ISO key layout. They are not very common in NIB condition. I have a few for sale right now.
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sat, 31 January 2015, 13:15:48
Really strange to me.  1391407 model number with a 42H1292 design.  The cord is permanently attached to it?  The date is right for the 42H1292.  Does it have a detachable cable?  This is very odd.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard
Danish/Icelandic 102 layout? ???
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sat, 31 January 2015, 13:26:17
Probably not the best place to discuss this but when did IBM/Lexmark start using that style of sticker for the num lock lights?  I had always assumed it was for late model rubberdomes but clearly this isn't the case.

There are a lot of differences in the Greenock-made Ms. The later ones had ABS spacebars with grounding straps, for one thing. That rear label is printed directly on the plastic, it is not a sticker.

Fohat, that rear label is a sticker. The spacebar should be yellowed, I agree.  Unless they changed the type of plastic they used on the newer model?  I don't know.
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: Snowdog993 on Sat, 31 January 2015, 14:08:29
Probably not the best place to discuss this but when did IBM/Lexmark start using that style of sticker for the num lock lights?  I had always assumed it was for late model rubberdomes but clearly this isn't the case.

The current Unicomps and the older 42H1292 keyboards have the same controller on the upper right side.  The membrane actually is different, but the keyboard is still buckling spring.  I would think the QT versions (Rubberdome) have the same controller too.  You have to be aware of that.  The model number is usually the giveaway.  In this case, it's an enigma.
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: POTV on Sun, 01 February 2015, 07:59:52
Regarding the cord: Yes, it is attached to the keyboard.

One other thing, I have noticed in my collection of danish ISO IBM Model M's: The cord on my 3 1995 editions are all coiled - with a smaller diameter than the usual coiled cord. I have only seen that on my own keyboards.

And as we are speaking of IBM Model M. I have noticed, that my 5 keyboards between 1986 and 1991 have a little less pingy feeling than the newer ones from 1991 and upwards. Perhaps it is due to the fact, that my newer ones all are NIB, while the other are used. 

[attach=1]
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sun, 01 February 2015, 08:02:43
Regarding the cord: Yes, it is attached to the keyboard.

One other thing, I have noticed in my collection of danish ISO IBM Model M's: The cord on my 3 1995 editions are all coiled - with a smaller diameter than the usual coiled cord. I have only seen that on my own keyboards.

Note that the cable is flatter and thinner as well.  That's the standard construction on the M13 cables, as well as all the later fixed-cable M's.
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: POTV on Sun, 01 February 2015, 08:32:22
You're absolutely right about the M13 cable. I have just googled some pictures, thanks!
Title: Re: NIB IBM Model M Europe Edition ISO
Post by: Techno Trousers on Sun, 01 February 2015, 11:48:38
And as we are speaking of IBM Model M. I have noticed, that my 5 keyboards between 1986 and 1991 have a little less pingy feeling than the newer ones from 1991 and upwards. Perhaps it is due to the fact, that my newer ones all are NIB, while the other are used. 

The early Model Ms were made with a heavier steel plate, which tends to give them a more solid feel and could also help explain less pinginess than later versions.