the not-so-rare Model M

[EverythingIBM]

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Vintage-IBM-Clicky-Keyboard-20L2542-MODEL-M-5v-/390260581310?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5add57e3be

The seller boasts this as a "very rare" keyboard, and apparently thinks it can sell for $100.

What is weird about it is it lacks a logo but instead has an empty rectangle like some unicomps in the corner...

Then the older style LED panel (which would indicate it being older), but it's in fact NOT made by IBM, and has a different sticker:


Judging from the integrated cord, I'd assume it's lexmark or something?

[MissileMike]

With a 2002 date, it could be Maxiswitch or Unicomp making it.  Probably Unicomp.....

Either way, it's not in great shape and not worth nearly what he's asking.

[False_Dmitry_II]

I think that makes it worthless, since you could buy a brand new unicomp for less.

[Sam]

It's a Unicomp AFAIK.

That listing has been up for many months.  The seller just keeps relisting it when the listing expires.  Although initially when I saw it, it was for $10 cheaper.  Don't quite understand the logic of increasing the price if it doesn't sell.  That might work with some Mac users, but I doubt many IBMers will go for it.

In all fairness to the seller, a google search of the part number does seem to indicate that it is indeed quite rare.  Although that doesn't really mean much, being IBM, et. al created so many different part numbers for the same keyboard but sold to different customers, which is likely what happened here.  Albeit they added two unique keycaps.  I've also seen standard part numbered keyboards with special keycaps, so no consistency there.  If the keyboard was half the price, I might consider it for the novelty factor.  For $100 and up, forget about it.

[EverythingIBM]

It's a Unicomp AFAIK.

That listing has been up for many months.  The seller just keeps relisting it when the listing expires.  Although initially when I saw it, it was for $10 cheaper.  Don't quite understand the logic of increasing the price if it doesn't sell.  That might work with some Mac users, but I doubt many IBMers will go for it.

In all fairness to the seller, a google search of the part number does seem to indicate that it is indeed quite rare.  Although that doesn't really mean much, being IBM, et. al created so many different part numbers for the same keyboard but sold to different customers, which is likely what happened here.  Albeit they added two unique keycaps.  I've also seen standard part numbered keyboards with special keycaps, so no consistency there.  If the keyboard was half the price, I might consider it for the novelty factor.  For $100 and up, forget about it.

If it really is 2002, it's the first keyboard made that late with that old LED panel.

But I wouldn't buy it even for $20... I don't like that integrated cord.