Author Topic: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>  (Read 2947 times)

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Offline Pr0grammed

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Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« on: Sat, 05 December 2020, 17:08:28 »
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!
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Offline Tactile

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 05 December 2020, 17:42:59 »
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

Have a look at some photos of a 1993 model M.
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Offline Pr0grammed

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 05 December 2020, 18:11:05 »
yea, thanks. The M looks to be 1-piece.
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Offline ItIsWritten

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 05 December 2020, 18:47:34 »
 No, it wasn't a 1 piece, but the quality of the plastic was better.

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Offline Pr0grammed

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 05 December 2020, 19:45:24 »
There isnt as many seams either, or else they are well hidden
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Offline yui

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 06 December 2020, 02:06:58 »
Unicomp still uses the same old molds so same construction, just well a lot more worn down so it is why the quality isn't as good. although much cheaper than when IBM was making them
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Offline sharktastica

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 06 December 2020, 12:11:33 »
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

The construction and form remains unchanged since day 1 of Model M manufacturing.

The differences between IBM-era and Unicomp Model Ms are in the plastic blend and condition of the moulds themselves. They specifically use Lexmark-era moulds for the Unicomp Classic that are between 24 and 29 years old (thus are past their prime to say the least, hence Unicomp released the New Model M earliest this year and have a TKL Mini Model M coming soon, both with brand new moulds).

Offline cheater

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 16 December 2020, 17:56:05 »
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

The construction and form remains unchanged since day 1 of Model M manufacturing.

The differences between IBM-era and Unicomp Model Ms are in the plastic blend and condition of the moulds themselves. They specifically use Lexmark-era moulds for the Unicomp Classic that are between 24 and 29 years old (thus are past their prime to say the least, hence Unicomp released the New Model M earliest this year and have a TKL Mini Model M coming soon, both with brand new moulds).

It's not just that, a lot also depends on how quickly/slowly you cool the die you cast the material into, which can result in warping and therefore more visible seams.

Offline ch_123

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 20 December 2020, 17:20:53 »
Judging by the decreased number of models on their sites, and some comments I have seen online, Unicomp seems to be phasing out the older keyboard models in favour of the "New Model M".

As previous posters have pointed out, the cases are the same, but differ by age, and the plastic used (PC+ABS in Unicomp keyboards vs PVC used by IBM/Lexmark)

Offline aegrotatio

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 20 December 2020, 18:00:49 »
Wow, they renewed the molds? That's big news for Model M enthusiasts!
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Offline jamster

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #10 on: Sun, 20 December 2020, 19:11:36 »
I just bought a unicomp model M "Classic" and I observed that the shell is two-piece plastic. Is this how the original model M was constructed as well?

Thanks!

I am having trouble imagining how a keyboard case could be made without being two separate pieces. Do one piece cases exist somewhere?

Offline Sup

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Re: Question for all of you IBM Model M experts >>
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 22 December 2020, 05:26:10 »
I am having trouble imagining how a keyboard case could be made without being two separate pieces. Do one piece cases exist somewhere?


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« Last Edit: Tue, 22 December 2020, 05:28:05 by Sup »
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