Model M2 comparisons

[iMav]

Here are two Model M2's that I have in my possession:




The top one is actually the older one, manufactured 1 Oct 1992.  Part # 1395300
The bottom one is newer, manufactured by Lexmark 18 Apr 1994.  Part # 60G0817

Inside, these are identical (except that the bottom one actually had "quiet touch" and no buckling springs).  It may not be obviously apparent, but the top cases on both are exactly the same (the newer board having the additional border on the bottom piece.

I refurbished the top one a few weeks ago with all brand new buckling spring assemblies.  I'm thinking now that I want to transplant it into the other once simply because it looks different and I haven't seen a Model M2 like it before.  Maybe even use the topcase from the other one and have a double IBM-logo'ed M2.  

[Chloe]

I'm not sure if I like that border, it seems a bit unfinished. I prefer the smaller M2. I would have thought it was the newer one of the two.

[bigpook]

Yeah, I am liking the smaller one. The larger size seems unnecessary. Aside from making it larger it doesn't add to the functionality.

[iMav]

From the top one I used the controller, cord, keys, neoprene sheet, and top case.  From the bottom one I used the bottom and the membrane sheets.  

So, I have a double-IBM-labeled Model M2 with buckling springs (new set from Unicomp).  The extra size gives it more of a Model M feel (but is much easier to work with since it doesn't have the enclosed frame assembly).  

Of course, either way it would not end up on my desk because I hate numpads.  I just wanted to see the complete transformation of a quiet touch keyboard to a buckling spring keyboard (which I just did).

Here's a pic of the final result:



I have the shell, membrane sheets, controller, and cord to make the smaller version (unlabeled) if someone has a broken M2 with a good set of keys and the neoprene sheet lying around (Unicomp doesn't have the keys for this keyboard (they are shorter))...I'll kick in the new buckling springs for free and assemble it for you (it would be worth it to see the parts go to use instead of in the landfill).

[iMav]

Or maybe I'll just re-assemble it as a quiet touch board and dump it off on someone.  

[iMav]

Triple post...  

Ok, it is now a quiet touch keyboard. Which, with the shorter throw of the M2 keyboards, doesn't feel all that bad (typing on it now).  The M5-2's with their full sized, full travel keys feel nasty with the quiet touch.

[Mercen_505]

Wow, I've never seen an M2 with an extended housing. That's pretty weird looking, especially from the back! The yellowing of the frame is a bit unpleasant; I guess a different type of plastic was used, as I've never seen a yellowed M2.

I've got two M2s: a 1993 from IBM that works great, and a 1994 from Lexmark that is in non-working condition (num and caps lock lights permanently on, keys don't respond). I'm keeping the Lexmark for spare parts.

[iMav]

Wow, I've never seen an M2 with an extended housing

Yeah, that's why I gave that shell the honor of the new buckling springs...it is something I had not seen before either.

I was pretty aggressive in trying to clean it.  (scrubbed the heck out of it with whitening toothpaste and a toothbrush)  In person, it doesn't look nearly as bad.  Definitely an interesting item to have in the collection.

The other one is assembled as well now as a quiet touch.  If I ever happen upon a set of keys (buckling spring compat ones), I'll convert it.

[itlnstln]

I tell you what, it sure seems like the M2 was IBM's/Lexmark's attempt to really make a low-cost keyboard (I will reserve the term "cheap-POS" for another time, though).  I mean, the larger one doesn't even have a full housing, just a plastic extension.  That said, I would really like to try an M2 (smaller version, of course) for the shorter throw keys (the tall keys on the standard Model M give me wrist pain).  Does Unicomp make a version of this model (I don't think so)?

[bhtooefr]

If they're out of the keys, the answer would be no.

The M2 was designed for the PS/1, which was IBM's home system at the time.

I know I've used an M2, but I don't recall how it felt - my main memory from that system was that my grandmother had thought that the mouse ball retaining ring was packing material, and threw it away, making it a ROYAL pain to use (and you lost the mouseball all the time.)

And, IIRC, it used an AT connector for the mouse, and my parents didn't know about PS/2->AT adapters.

[itlnstln]

I would be having a (respectful) strong talk with your grandmother.  Was it you who was saying that she threw out a bunch of your other computer hardware?

[iMav]

Unicomp never made the Model M2.  That 'board ended with Lexmark.  Unicomp doesn't have any parts for it...although their buckling spring assemblies work just fine in them.

[bhtooefr]

This was quite a while ago. The latest damage she caused was a few years ago... storing an Apple //c that had quite a lot of sentimental value (first computer) in a shed outdoors, where condensation got in.

Nothing gets stored there any more.

[Mercen_505]

That said, I would really like to try an M2 (smaller version, of course) for the shorter throw keys (the tall keys on the standard Model M give me wrist pain). Does Unicomp make a version of this model (I don't think so)?

Looking at the two (M and M2) the key travel is IIRC the same distance, only you have cheaper keys without separate key caps, and they are ~1/2 the height. The funny thing is the M2 case seems to have different acoustics from a standard M, so it seems louder to me when I'm typing on it. It's easy to break them down for cleaning but the damn springs go all over the place as soon as you open the case... grr!

Unicomp doesn't offer this model; although they should!

[itlnstln]

That's correct.  I don't really care about key travel, but the keys are 1/2-height, so my wrists aren't ****ed up so high at rest which is where the pain comes from.

[Mercen_505]

I'm not sure what the appropriate nomenclature is, but I do prefer the M's 'scooped' frame. The M2's keys all being on a plane messes me up slightly as my fingers don't find the keys where I think they should be

[lowpoly]

The advantage is that you can re-order keys on the M2 as well.

[Chloe]

I was pretty aggressive in trying to clean it.  (scrubbed the heck out of it with whitening toothpaste and a toothbrush)

On plastics with a textured finish you can also use bicarbonate of soda. It's a bit more abrasive, but quite gentle when mixed with some soapy water and the plastic is wet. I used it to clean the Datalux Microtype recently.

[itlnstln]

Bicarbonate of soda - great for heartburn, too.  It's much better than Tums, MoM, or other remedies.  There's nothing like having a science fair volcano erupt in your stomach, but the relief is well worth it.

[wellington1869]

imav, did you find the BS sound changed at all once it was in the new larger casing? (going on the theory that different shells and casings are producing different BS tonalities).

[cchan]

Ahaha... I recall that there were a few big-case M2s at my elementary school... even being age 7 I questioned the wisdom of having that stupid frame thing.