IBM Beamspring Shopping

[filcomanfilthy]

Hi, im wondering where i can find a list of places that i can buy beamspring keyboards on.

[tron]

Hi, im wondering where i can find a list of places that i can buy beamspring keyboards on.

The most common place is Ebay. Just type in "IBM Beamspring" or the specific model you're looking for (i.e. "IBM 5251"). Alternatively you could post a want to buy in the classifieds and see what kind of offers you get. The price will be highly dependent on the specific model and overall condition. I would recommend posting a WTB first because you will be able to get full disclosure about the condition. If you buy a dirty one off Ebay you may end up paying a lot of money for a board with condition issues.

Now is a good time to buy as it seems the lack of Xwhatsit controllers has reduced demand and there are two substitute products on the horizon (MX Silo and the low profile design on Deskthority). IMO these substitutes will likely be quite different and less refined compared the the original beamspring but I will reserve judgement until after I've tried them.

[Kevadu]

Hope you're willing to spend way too much money...

[romevi]

Hi, im wondering where i can find a list of places that i can buy beamspring keyboards on.

Amazon. Choose 2-day shipping.

[filcomanfilthy]

Where would i post a wtb? Classifieds?

[tron]

Where would i post a wtb? Classifieds?

I would post on the Geekhack classifieds, Deskthority classifieds and you could even try Mechmarket. Bump the post once a week and keep an eye on Ebay listings. There is a 5251 in good condition and converted on Ebay now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-5251-Beam-Spring-Keyboard-Xwhatsit-USB-Beamspring/254245847324?epid=1944139422&hash=item3b323bc11c:g:hz8AAOSwkYFc4s9M

[noisyturtle]

The prices have gone downright bonkers in the past 2-4 years for old IBM's. Used to be able to get them for like around $60

*sips coffee and rocks on porch
Yup, them were tha days.

[JP]

The prices have gone downright bonkers in the past 2-4 years for old IBM's. Used to be able to get them for like around $60

*sips coffee and rocks on porch
Yup, them were tha days.

Yells at kids: "Get off my lawn!"

[tron]

The prices have gone downright bonkers in the past 2-4 years for old IBM's. Used to be able to get them for like around $60

*sips coffee and rocks on porch
Yup, them were tha days.

What year did the Xwhatsit come out? I don't think you could convert/use them on a modern computer back then. Prices really jumped when Chyrosran22 demonstrated how easily they could be converted and how nice they are to type on.