model m

[alvinliang]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Model-M-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tested-and-Working-/300786633568?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item460847cb60#shId

it looks very good in the pics

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Looks like it'll sell for a good price.

[alvinliang]

yea, about $20 now, still have 20hr until it ends

[danielucf]

Was 1996 a buckling spring board? At $60+ shipped it seemed too much compared to other model m boards buy it now prices

[samwisekoi]

Was 1996 a buckling spring board? At $60+ shipped it seemed too much compared to other model m boards buy it now prices

Looks just like my '93 B/S version. Google the model number to verify.

 -Ron. | samwisekoi

[fohat.digs]

I was very surprised.

I would have assumed that I could have gotten a used 1996 model 52G for well under $50 shipped domestic (maybe under $40), unless it really was NIB, and then I would have been surprised to see it go for more than $65 + shipping.

At that point you are at the Unicomp price point, where you can get smaller footprints, black color, and native USB - all significant advantages for most people.

I would not pay over $40 shipped for anything but a very clean 1391401 unless maybe $50 shipped for a very clean 1390131.

[samwisekoi]

I was very surprised.

I would have assumed that I could have gotten a used 1996 model 52G for well under $50 shipped domestic (maybe under $40), unless it really was NIB, and then I would have been surprised to see it go for more than $65 + shipping.

At that point you are at the Unicomp price point, where you can get smaller footprints, black color, and native USB - all significant advantages for most people.

I would not pay over $40 shipped for anything but a very clean 1391401 unless maybe $50 shipped for a very clean 1390131.

Really?  Dollars equal, would you prefer a new 101-key Unicomp Classic PS/2 to a clean, working -- but not NIB -- blue-logo Model M?

TEHO, but for me, they are very similar items, but not the same.  I see Unicomp as an awesome accessory provider for Model M keyboards as well as a place to buy B/S keyboards with smaller footprints, black color, native USB and 104-key layouts.

[fohat.digs]

After Soarer made the converter available, my Model Ms have been gathering dust as I use Model Fs as my daily drivers.

That said, I have a couple of early (heavy plate, pre-1988) heavily-modded Ms in storage, along with a couple of super-clean early 1990s black labels, so I am pretty well stocked up for life.

But, if I was going to pay over $50 + shipping for a Model M, it would have to be a very clean, very early 1391401 or 1390131, otherwise I would spend a few more bucks opt for a new Unicomp. The only real disadvantage I see is the hideous nameplate on the front.

I like the lighter-feeling springs, and the "modern conveniences" would be another plus.

[samwisekoi]

Wow, Model F.  I haven't used one of those since the DisplayWriter and later the 5250.  I think also with the PC 3270 we used with a 4381 running MVS. Maybe also the S/38 twinax terminals?

IIRC, those all had full metal cases and weighed 10+ pounds.

OK, you definately win the historical blunt instrument argument. (Please don't hit me with your keyboard or I'll be killed!)

I guess I have to go do a head-to-head test of old and new B/S keyboards.  And maybe try and unearth a model F.

Cheers!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[fohat.digs]

There are 3 (regular) Model F types, plus many odd terminal variants, you can find many discussions here. The XT is considered the best feel but has a horrid layout. The AT has a much better layout but still not good enough for me. The 122-key terminal board can be modded by moving barrels and springs to have a near-ANSI layout that suits me just fine. The AT can be modded to a lesser extent.

The XT and 122 have black metal case backs, the AT is all-plastic with clips holding the front. The plastic is harder and more brittle than the M cases, so the AT is hard to take apart. I think the small ones weigh about 6 pounds and the large ones about 7.

I also bolt-modded my 122s so that they are easier to take apart, the original sliding force fit is particularly difficult on the big boards.