Author Topic: Bought a Model M from 1985 (Read 19663 times)

KillerBee · « **on:** Sun, 22 August 2010, 22:47:17 »

I bought this today looks to be the earliest model M I have seen in my computing lifetime.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250685205162

didjamatic · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 22 August 2010, 22:55:52 »

Definitely an early one for sure. It's a terminal model m so it's not immediately able to work on an at computer without sone mods.

WhiteRice · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 22 August 2010, 23:11:15 »

KillerBee · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 22 August 2010, 23:25:54 »

Quote from: didjamatic;215839

Definitely an early one for sure. It's a terminal model m so it's not immediately able to work on an at computer without sone mods.

I plan to try somethings to make it work, believe you will see a another crazy thread pop up soon!!

But yes based on the database on the clickykeyboards website I have them all beat! My closest rival is an industrial from 12/1985. Still mines is 06/1985

Yeah... the pic white posted is just right

Phaedrus2129 · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 22 August 2010, 23:35:27 »

NOICE. Enter that in their database, see what they say.

KillerBee · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 23 August 2010, 00:54:31 »

Quote from: Phaedrus2129;215848

NOICE. Enter that in their database, see what they say.

probably regect it because its a terminal keyboard and ohhh boy do they hate those!

ch_123 · « **Reply #6 on:** Mon, 23 August 2010, 05:03:25 »

The earliest one I had heard of was September 1985, but I knew that there were much earlier ones than that. Nice find! How much did it cost?

Might just steal that picture for the IBM Wiki.

KillerBee · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 23 August 2010, 10:23:13 »

Quote from: ch_123;215887

The earliest one I had heard of was September 1985, but I knew that there were much earlier ones than that. Nice find! How much did it cost?

Might just steal that picture for the IBM Wiki.

The Ebay link is posted but I think it totaled 36.00 with shipping.

If you want wait untill I get it in and I can get you better pics including an insde look too

ch_123 · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 23 August 2010, 14:50:04 »

As I pointed out before all my posts were destroyed, what you have there is one of the first Model Ms ever made. The first one was probably only made a week or two before yours.

EverythingIBM · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 23 August 2010, 20:38:31 »

Quote from: ch_123;215933

As I pointed out before all my posts were destroyed, what you have there is one of the first Model Ms ever made. The first one was probably only made a week or two before yours.

Even though it's not a PS/2 version, it's nice to know there are 1985 Model Ms which aren't industrial.

Very nice find indeed, $36 is fairly cheap, especially since I'm sure there's a few collectors who would like that due to the age *cough cough web cough wit*.

ch_123 · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 24 August 2010, 07:32:27 »

It was established a few months ago that this was the first Model M. The September 1985 one mentioned above was of the same type. This one is interesting because it's ridiculously old...

KillerBee · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 24 August 2010, 09:35:12 »

Quote from: EverythingIBM;215969

Even though it's not a PS/2 version, it's nice to know there are 1985 Model Ms which aren't industrial.

Very nice find indeed, $36 is fairly cheap, especially since I'm sure there's a few collectors who would like that due to the age *cough cough web cough wit*.

I'll try to reach him before I mod it that way he can have it in its original incarnation.

I am more interested in keeping it but for the sake of model m history I am going t comply.

spolia optima · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 24 August 2010, 11:36:30 »

congrats, I'd hang on to that one if I were you.

mr_a500 · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 24 August 2010, 11:47:22 »

Quote from: KillerBee;215838

I bought this today looks to be the earliest model M I have seen in my computing lifetime.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250685205162

Show Image

Show Image

Nice. Mine is exactly 1 year newer - 10JUNE86. It's a 1390120 though.

KillerBee · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 26 August 2010, 00:16:25 »

contacted web wit and did some preliminary talks, I will wait untill I get it to finally decide anything.

KillerBee · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 12:45:12 »

I recieved the keyboard today, its considerably heavyier than the 42H1292 upon picking it up, the keys are a bit stiffer but the click leaves something to be desired. I know it possibly clicks more than my 42H1292 but I have to wait till I get home to do a true side by side comparison.

I am really happy to have found this keyboard and plus it came with the added bonus that it is one of the earliest Model M's to be around.

Im still stuck on the debate wether to sell it or modify it to work with a PC.

HEEEEEEEEEEELP!!

ThirdLap · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 15:25:58 »

Quote from: KillerBee;217325

Im still stuck on the debate wether to sell it or modify it to work with a PC.

Hang on to it as part of your new collection of early Model Ms, or sell it. Modify something else.

KillerBee · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 19:41:59 »

Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiics

KillerBee · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 19:43:22 »

This thing was that clean when I opnened it up it looked like it was hardly used

KillerBee · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 20:01:25 »

Take a look how they scrtched off The F in Model F and wrote M next to it

EverythingIBM · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 21:39:20 »

Quote from: KillerBee;217481

Show Image

Take a look how they scrtched off The F in Model F and wrote M next to it

I was going to mention that, that is HILARIOUS.

If you're going to "mod" it, I would try an adapter rather than meddling with the circuitry. It would be a crime to ruin a piece of history.

KillerBee · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 21:57:41 »

Quote from: EverythingIBM;217497

I was going to mention that, that is HILARIOUS.

If you're going to "mod" it, I would try an adapter rather than meddling with the circuitry. It would be a crime to ruin a piece of history.

I've done more talks with web wit, I believe he is going to keep it in the end

Phaedrus2129 · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 21:58:47 »

Wow, maybe this *was* an engineering sample. I can't see "anal retentive" IBM doing something like that for a retail model.

KillerBee · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 22:03:54 »

more testing shows that the keys are indeed more stiff and the click is very soft compared to my other two model M's

KillerBee · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 23:04:45 »

Quote from: ripster;217508

As soon as you do the controller swap it's worthless. Sell it to Webwit.

You said it yourself.... Im going to sell it to web wit

I would be de-facing the same keyboard that I know and love

KillerBee · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 23:38:42 »

Quote from: ripster;217525

Technical trivia. I'm just interested in why they have that seemingly extra header. In the first pic the guy found it stuffed with a piece of tin foil. Weird.

Can you re-peat that In a way that I could understand? I found a styrofoam block inside the case

KillerBee · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 27 August 2010, 23:49:00 »

its a floater, it goes nowhere!

KillerBee · « **Reply #27 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 00:55:34 »

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

What to doooooooooooooooooo!?!?!

Confusion is setting in!!

KillerBee · « **Reply #28 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 01:11:48 »

Quote from: ripster;217535

Thx. I was just kinda curious - strange piece of IBM engineering there. Anyway it confirms that the main module is a standard IBM Model M. Just the PCB, cable, and the little SDL hole insert are different.

I really like those numpad keys. Some strange symbols there.
Show Image

I might be able to get you a set, I will confirm you next week. This is from a terminal keyboard that dad cannabalized 2 weeks ago.

ch_123 · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 05:15:21 »

Quote from: Phaedrus2129;217501

Wow, maybe this *was* an engineering sample. I can't see "anal retentive" IBM doing something like that for a retail model.

Nah, you can see plenty of examples of IBM using 'leftovers' when they went from one design to another. Look at the weird mix of cases with/without drainage holes with internals that had/didn't have drainage channels.

Awesome pics btw.

KillerBee · « **Reply #30 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 09:02:54 »

Quote from: kishy;217536

If you had patience like I would strongly recommend, you would be well advised to tuck it in the closet until the inline converter is ready to go public. It's usable currently and in finished state will kick ass.

I am going to keep the keyboard

KillerBee · « **Reply #31 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 09:31:35 »

Quote from: ripster;217596

How much did WW offer?

PM sent

EverythingIBM · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 14:01:35 »

Quote from: KillerBee;217600

PM sent

Well that's a good decision.

Can't let webwit have them all, you know.

KillerBee · « **Reply #33 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 14:04:14 »

Read Below

KillerBee · « **Reply #34 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 14:33:37 »

Web wit I want no problems with you or the other members it is true I did pack the keyboard last night and I did place some considerable thought to your offer, the only thing I didn’t like was the "refurbished or as-is condition" of the board I am receiving.

I am giving you something that it’s in great shape and In return receiving a board that is "as-is" that’s why I had my doubts and got cold feet about the situation.

I am not asking for an uber rare keyboard all I want is another NO-LED Model M with the aluminum logo and that the birth cert. be around 1986.

The model m is boxed and ready to go I just want something worthwhile not just a random board. I have no experience with Brian O'Neal but I have heard good things about him.

I know nothing about what you did or why you left all I am here for is to share my love for the model m not to cause problems with you.

I like the feel of the model m that I found:
IF IN YOUR VAST KNOWLEGE OF MODEL M'S YOU CAN CONFIRM THAT THE LATER MODEL M (1986) FEEL THE SAME I AM WILLING TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND COMPLETE THIS TRANSACTION.

I am sorry if I made you feel bad that’s the way I am I am a very undeceive person I am sorry and believe I get persuaded very easily.

I know that even if I keep it I won’t be able to use the keyboard because I have very little knowledge on how to do a controller swap or adapt a cable to make it work so either I send it to you or its going to stay boxed up.

Please accept my apology and forward me your shipping address to prepare to ship it by Monday morning.

I am not a keyboard collector like you and I believe it’s going to be worthless for me to own such a treasure without it being appreciated by someone who will really take full advance of it.

Please I am really sorry for all the trouble but I would like to complete the transaction.

KillerBee · « **Reply #35 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 14:35:28 »

I believe this is the best for all of us since I know taht I am going to ruin a piece of history if I try to change the controller or the cable and that would not be fair for you guys that really take pride in collecting keyboards.

ch_123 · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 14:58:52 »

Quote from: ripster;217535

I really like those numpad keys. Some strange symbols there.
Show Image

I think they are line drawing symbols. The 3270s appeared to make a big deal out of this functionality, thus the "Rule Home" key and others.

KillerBee · « **Reply #37 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 17:39:43 »

Boxed up and ready to go anyone at this point I sent several messages to web wit but no avail

KillerBee · « **Reply #38 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 17:40:44 »

its double boxed bubble wrapped and with peanuts

WhiteRice · « **Reply #39 on:** Sat, 28 August 2010, 19:58:06 »

Quote from: KillerBee;217704

Boxed up and ready to go anyone at this point I sent several messages to web wit but no avail

Show Image

GATTAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KillerBee · « **Reply #40 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 17:58:42 »

usps finest!

EDIT:

Sent messages to clickykeyboards and rarekeyboards stores to see what they say about this old timer

Oqsy · « **Reply #41 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 18:15:27 »

That's a very nice find. If I were you I'd keep it boxed up safe and sound

ch_123 · « **Reply #42 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 18:17:18 »

Quote from: KillerBee;217994

usps finest!

EDIT:

Sent messages to clickykeyboards and rarekeyboards stores to see what they say about this old timer

Both are going to say "Hurr, terminal keybard" (well, BON might try and convert it, which would be even worse). I'd keep on to it yourself for now.

Oqsy · « **Reply #43 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 18:21:20 »

Yes, the time will come, but now is not that time.

The magic-markered F -> M designation is possibly one of a kind, and along with the DOB makes this board VERY collectible. I would never offer this board up in a trade, either. If you want another board, buy one. If you want to pass this on to a collector, just sell it straight up. No one will have anything to trade with as much COLLECTIBLE value.

The earliest known Model M is a pretty cool thing to own.

Oqsy · « **Reply #44 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 18:31:02 »

This thread reminds me of something...

oh yeah, now I remember

webwit

killerbee

KillerBee · « **Reply #45 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 19:25:13 »

he was famous and cool because of the ms pac-man record. and this other guy well... he just a regular shmuck

KillerBee · « **Reply #46 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 19:26:26 »

webwit = cool guy (world-renown Model M Guru)

killerbee = undecisive prick (only known for his old ass model m)

KillerBee · « **Reply #47 on:** Sun, 29 August 2010, 23:10:08 »

Picked up a 12 May 86 1390120 for a cool 40.00 today

I own 4 model M's now!

When I joined GH all I had was 1 model M now I have 4 and the oldest one too

KillerBee · « **Reply #48 on:** Mon, 30 August 2010, 00:00:56 »

Quote from: ripster;218116

Technically you own an old terminal keyboard. But if it makes you happy I'm happy.

Webwit does not appear happy.

And Kishy sure deserves his asshat for getting in the middle of a business transaction.

I'll tell you what I still feel weird about the whole ordeal and still have mixed feelings about this keyboard.

BIG Part of me says SELL SELL SELL while a little midget says keep

Oqsy · « **Reply #49 on:** Mon, 30 August 2010, 01:22:45 »

I honestly don't think kishy meant any harm... I think he was just making sure that killerbee realized what he had before he sold it and regretted it. Maybe I've misinterpreted the situation. I'm not sure about my feelings on the active/inactive contributing/noncontributing member of the forum part... in the end only kishy knows his intentions, and crucifying him doesn't help anyone.

News:

Author Topic: Bought a Model M from 1985 (Read 19663 times)