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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: sool9175 on Thu, 03 December 2009, 22:00:34

Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: sool9175 on Thu, 03 December 2009, 22:00:34
Does anyone have any comments on the validity of the listing at 1390120 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250542140693&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Fri, 04 December 2009, 01:49:14
Quote from: dcozart;138575
Does anyone have any comments on the validity of the listing at 1390120 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250542140693&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)


Something doesn't smell right.

I have a silver label 1390120 Model M made in January 1986.  It is one of the earliest production Model Ms and was originally bundled with the IBM PC/XT (no LEDs).  It looks nothling like the keyboard in the listing.

I have a hard time believeing IBM reused the exact same part number for a different keyboard.  It looks like a rubber dome board..

Maybe somebody else can validate exactly what it is.

Edit:  Actually upon closer examiation, it looks like a 1390120.  I didn't realize they were in production in 1997!
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 04 December 2009, 07:37:58
Apparently some "early-number" Ms were indeed made again around that time (we had some discussion about that here)... it would have to look like a Model M though.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 04 December 2009, 09:39:11
This is probably legit. Brandon has more than a few 1390131s from 1996 on his site. Old models were remade every now and then, probably for customers on request.

Only odd thing is the manufacturer - I don't think it's a Greenock, Unicomp or Maxiswitch board. The label is obscured, might want to ask the seller to read it out.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: didjamatic on Fri, 04 December 2009, 22:47:14
Quote from: maxlugar;138613
I have a silver label 1390120 Model M made in January 1986.  It is one of the earliest production Model Ms and was originally bundled with the IBM PC/XT (no LEDs).


What is the date on your January 86 Model M?  I have one too. :)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Sat, 05 December 2009, 01:53:04
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472 (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472)
Quote from: didjamatic;138968
What is the date on your January 86 Model M?  I have one too. :)


It's this one here I fought from Brandon back in March:  

Out of the 20 Model Ms I own, this one is in a class of its own. Did quality decline?  Yes.  Forget all the pseudo-scientific hype.  The typing experience on the various flavors of the Model Ms is all that matters to me and thats the basis for my rankings.

Model Ms are solid, but I just purchased a NIB sealed 1984 84-key PC AT keyboard from Brandon which makes even my premo 1390120 seem boring.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Sat, 05 December 2009, 01:56:15
Sorry, I f..ked up the link to my 1390120, here it is:  http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472 (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 05 December 2009, 06:04:22
Quote from: maxlugar;138988
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472 (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472)

It's this one here I fought from Brandon back in March:  

Out of the 20 Model Ms I own, this one is in a class of its own. Did quality decline?  Yes.  Forget all the pseudo-scientific hype.  The typing experience on the various flavors of the Model Ms is all that matters to me and thats the basis for my rankings.

Model Ms are solid, but I just purchased a NIB sealed 1984 84-key PC AT keyboard from Brandon which makes even my premo 1390120 seem boring.


Of course, the real question is - is a 1390120 from 1986 better than a 1390120 from 1997?
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 05 December 2009, 08:53:40
I'd have to say that most Model M's feel just about the same. They're all perfectly fine pieces of computer equipment.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 05 December 2009, 11:49:09
Quote from: microsoft windows;139036
I'd have to say that most Model M's feel just about the same. They're all perfectly fine pieces of computer equipment.


And how many have you used?
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 05 December 2009, 14:23:44
Quote from: ch_123;139109
And how many have you used?


All of them. He's magic.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 05 December 2009, 14:25:57
Of course, how foolish of me to forget.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Sat, 05 December 2009, 20:58:14
Quote from: ch_123;139157
Of course, how foolish of me to forget.


Now, now, let's try and have some holiday cheer and not bag on Microsoft Windows.   After all, we're entitled to our opinions, even if they're stupid and unsubstantiated.  If only he had a screen name and avatar that wasn't so annoying...
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Sat, 05 December 2009, 21:05:02
Quote from: ripster;139040
I'd miss the leds.  They are so cheerful.


Yeah, I miss em on the 1390120 too.

A couple of my 84-key PC AT Model F's have nice bright green LEDs that lighten my mood, the rest of the 84-keys have rather dull LED indicators.

The Model M with the brightest LEDs is the 1999 UK made 42H1292.  They're not like the laser like Filco eye blinders, but they're pretty damn bright!
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: didjamatic on Sat, 05 December 2009, 22:12:45
Quote from: maxlugar;138988
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472 (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/381472)

It's this one here I fought from Brandon back in March:  

Out of the 20 Model Ms I own, this one is in a class of its own. Did quality decline?  Yes.  Forget all the pseudo-scientific hype.  The typing experience on the various flavors of the Model Ms is all that matters to me and thats the basis for my rankings.

Model Ms are solid, but I just purchased a NIB sealed 1984 84-key PC AT keyboard from Brandon which makes even my premo 1390120 seem boring.  link to my 1390120, here it is: http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index...id/0/id/381472

Haha, you have the 3rd oldest they've sold.  Congrats.  Yours is 7 days older than mine: Jan 1986 Model M (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/375441)
I love it that he keeps the records of past keyboards on the site.  I hope he never takes it down.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Sun, 06 December 2009, 01:43:13
Quote from: didjamatic;139289
Haha, you have the 3rd oldest they've sold.  Congrats.  Yours is 7 days older than mine: Jan 1986 Model M (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9230/subcatid/0/id/375441)
I love it that he keeps the records of past keyboards on the site.  I hope he never takes it down.


Congrats to you also.  The silver label Model Ms had better build quality than later Model Ms and they typing experience on these almost 24 year old keyboards is superior to many later variations (including some new NIB models).
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 06 December 2009, 05:05:46
*grabs popcorn*

This should be fun...
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sun, 06 December 2009, 08:18:04
When in doubt, go with what you know, buy a Model M with a P/N that you recognize to be legit.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 06 December 2009, 08:56:46
The 1390120 isn't legit? When did this happen?
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sun, 06 December 2009, 09:00:39
I mean that it does look a little fishy to me, so stick with a Model M you know to be genuine like a 1391401.  It also could be a rubber dome keyboard, it doesn.t say it is clicky anyewhere.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 06 December 2009, 09:08:20
OMG GUIZ! I NEVER HEARD OF THIS PART NUMBER! IT MUST BE FAKE!!!111


They didn't make rubber dome Model Ms with the same part numbers as buckling spring ones. If your opinion of Model Ms extends only to whether or not the seller is advertising it as 'clicky', you need to lurk moar, or at very least the rest of the thread.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 06 December 2009, 11:34:20
There was some theory that it was 'pallet' or something of the like, referring to which batch of keyboards it was in. At the end of the day, there were only 3 places where Model Ms were made, four if you count where the Japanese made their A01 keyboards. (Note that the C01 keyboard was made for the Japanese by Lexmark, obviously their factory couldn't manufacture "normal" buckling spring keyboards) So the idea that there were that many different plants seems highly unlikely.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Sun, 06 December 2009, 19:24:00
This thread is quite hostile.

That's why I'm gonna snipe this board and leave the talking to the internet tough guys.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sun, 06 December 2009, 19:27:19
I like my IBM Model M 1391401 too much to try and buy another one right now.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Sun, 06 December 2009, 19:33:12
I think that keyboard could contain anthrax.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Mon, 07 December 2009, 00:39:11
:lol:
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 07 December 2009, 03:13:52
Quote from: PRISONER 24601;139542
This thread is quite hostile.

That's why I'm gonna snipe this board and leave the talking to the internet tough guys.


No one actually wants the keyboard, the fun is in debating it's validity.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Mon, 07 December 2009, 17:10:20
Quote from: webwit;139324
Nope, you are making that up.


Well of course I'm making it up since it's my subjective  and not so humble opinion ;)    But in general, I personally prefer typing on the older Model Ms, even with their worn springs, over newer variations.  There are exceptions.

And even though rip equates the Model F typing experience to a keypunch machine (I'm not old enough to have experience with a keypunch machine), a Model F in good condition still kicks butt over any Model M.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 07 December 2009, 17:18:17
I don't want this keyboard anyways, I have my IBM Model M 1391401.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 00:36:27
Quote from: ripster;139928
Hey Max, did your Model F AT arrive yet???  I'm curious if the new one feels any different from the others in your collection.  Even if it does I'm glad I got mine - taking it out of the box is quite an experience.

You do realize I make fun of ALL keyboards!  I even used to make fun of keyboard collectors but I guess once I have 5 times as many keyboards I IZ ONE!


Yes, I received it a few days ago.

It was strange to unpack a 25 year old keyboard from a box in perfect condition and remove the sealed plastic wrapping.  Even more weird was the shiny black coiled cord which I've never seen before on any AT keyboard.

The feel of the keys are crisp and very nice, but not exceptionally different compared to my other 84-key AT keyboards.  The LEDs are very bright, and of course, there's not a scratch or scuff anywhere on the case.

Only serious collectors would be interested in a 25 year old keyboard in perfect condition.  I've purchased used 84-key AT keyboards in very good condition for $150 to $175, much less than half the cost of this NIB sealed unit.

BTW, you IZ a keyboard collector  :)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 00:44:16
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;139929
I don't want this keyboard anyways, I have my IBM Model M 1391401.


Wow, that's great! you have a 1391401 Model M, a very good classic keyboard that's pretty hard to beat for the price.

Why did you feel it was necessary to make the comment that you "don't want this keyboard anyways"?  I presume you were referring to the IBM 84-key PC AT Model F.  Have you ever typed on one?  If you get the opportunity to use one, compare it to the Model M.  Many of us (but not all) prefer the crisp clicky keystrokes of the Model F over the Model M.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 01:39:09
Quote from: ripster;140030
Max, he's a disciple of Microsoft Windows.  Nuff said.


Oh, I didn't realize Microsoft Windows had disciples...plus he has such a tres cool avatar   :)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ocdonkb on Tue, 08 December 2009, 14:16:47
did someone from here finally snipe this?
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 08 December 2009, 14:41:30
Quote from: maxlugar;140027
Wow, that's great! you have a 1391401 Model M, a very good classic keyboard that's pretty hard to beat for the price.

Why did you feel it was necessary to make the comment that you "don't want this keyboard anyways"?  I presume you were referring to the IBM 84-key PC AT Model F.  Have you ever typed on one?  If you get the opportunity to use one, compare it to the Model M.  Many of us (but not all) prefer the crisp clicky keystrokes of the Model F over the Model M.


I was referring to the IBM 1390120 from 1997.  I have one buckling spring keyboard right now, I don't need another one for the time being.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 08 December 2009, 15:00:03
His point was that your comment was unnecessary. You don't see other people going into threads releating to every item they don't want to buy, and proclaiming that they don't want to buy it. It's pointless spam.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Tue, 08 December 2009, 15:50:16
Quote from: maxlugar;139277
Now, now, let's try and have some holiday cheer and not bag on Microsoft Windows.   After all, we're entitled to our opinions, even if they're stupid and unsubstantiated.  If only he had a screen name and avatar that wasn't so annoying...


Having said that, microsoft windows is a fantastic poster, and a valuable member of the geekhack community.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 08 December 2009, 15:54:16
That is possibly the most blatantly obvious troll I've seen in my life!
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Wed, 09 December 2009, 02:28:18
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;140200
I was referring to the IBM 1390120 from 1997.  I have one buckling spring keyboard right now, I don't need another one for the time being.


OK, makes sense.  Sorry I misunderstood your post.

As your keyboard collection grows, you will find that all buckling spring keyboards are not created equal.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 09 December 2009, 10:22:02
That listing is atrocious.  I am not sure I would want to buy from him.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 December 2009, 10:51:26
I agree, especially when you buy one keyboard and get a completely different keyboard...
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 09 December 2009, 12:36:44
That's when you complain to Paypal.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 13:08:57
Quote from: ripster;140492
Hey, half the fun of Ebay are the  atrocious listings!


I saw the KING of atrocious listings a while ago. It was called "Nasty Snotty old Dell Keyboard with an attitude". This guy had a filthy old Quietkey that he used for years till the S key stopped working. All I remember about the description was the fact that it was hilarious. I don't think he sold the keyboard though.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 December 2009, 13:31:52
I think the most atrocious listing would be if you were to sell off your computer lab.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: maxlugar on Wed, 09 December 2009, 13:35:17
Quote from: webwit;140485
This guy doesn't know what he is selling.. might go very cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300374782154&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


The 1390120 might be good to have for extra parts if it could be obtained for a steal.

The 83-key PC/XT keyboard is a fine brick of a keyboard and has no practical value to most people - even with the XT to AT converter.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: msiegel on Wed, 09 December 2009, 14:21:38
rats, i'm out-bid. tried five dollars :)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 14:28:00
Don't you hate it when that happens? A while ago, I bid $30 on an FK-3000 with a working calculator and some guy bid $31.00!
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 09 December 2009, 14:32:52
What an *******.  I can't believe he did that.  eBay douche-bags.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 14:35:02
That's the thing with bargain hunting. It takes patience and there's a little risk involved. Oh well. I bet the guy likes his keyboard.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 December 2009, 14:35:45
I try to never bid on ebay whenever possible.  BIN is the way to go.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: msiegel on Wed, 09 December 2009, 14:57:39
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;140627
I try to never bid on ebay whenever possible.  BIN is the way to go.


yes... that way, at least a price is declared :)
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 December 2009, 16:30:02
You have your own opinion.  I have mine.  Where is Indonesia, and how much is it for a full priced item?
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 09 December 2009, 16:38:37
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;140687
Where is Indonesia,


Approximately 9,000 miles southeast of AMERICA
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 17:35:31
Indonesia is a bunch of Islands round Southeastern Asia.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 09 December 2009, 17:36:32
Sorry, couldn't resist the Team America reference.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 December 2009, 17:42:17
Where is AMERICA? I am not familiar with any countries that are perfect enough to have all caps in their name.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 09 December 2009, 19:02:33
Quote from: computer-lab in basement;140745
where is america? I am not familiar with any countries that are perfect enough to have all caps in their name.

USSR? UK? UAE?

Edit: Damn editor keeps changing case on me.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 09 December 2009, 19:39:10
I am making the point that no country has a perfect government.  They think they were perfect, but Russia isn't the USSR anymore now is it? And the UK is probably the closest thing to perfect, I never hear about anything bad happening there.
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 10 December 2009, 05:40:20
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;140770
And the UK is probably the closest thing to perfect, I never hear about anything bad happening there.


I hope you are joking about that...
Title: IBM 1390120 from 1997???
Post by: bigpook on Thu, 10 December 2009, 06:45:34
Amy is one scary broad.