The history of the IBM Model M family...

[bhtooefr]

So, you're probably thinking that the Model M first came out in 1985.

You'd be wrong.

IBM's Model M family debuted in 1942, with the Model M1. Just like the Model Ms we know and love today, it was both clicky and tactile. It only had one key, though, but one was enough. Unfortunately, that key didn't have what IBM would later call "Typamatic" - that is, repeating ability. However, IBM had an optional infrared kit for the M1, a huge advance for the 1940s.

By 1944, that feature was added to the new Model M2 (with a switch to turn it off if the user so desired), and a retrofit kit made available to add it to the M1. Also, IBM sold the Model M3, which combined the M2 and the infrared kit used on the M1.

Now, you're wondering... how did IBM have a keyboard with only one key, yet having infrared, in 1942?

Wait a second, this is in off topic, not keyboards.

And, this was no input device. No, this was an output device.

And it didn't output data.



It output lead. (No, I don't own one.)

[quadibloc]

Well, there was a war on at the time, and so lending its factory capacity to helping to defeat Hitler was a good thing to do. Not an evil violent thing to do, as some people, emotionally swayed by the gun crime in crowded cities, might mistakenly think.

[bhtooefr]

And, I wasn't commenting on the morals of manufacturing firearms, I was merely commenting on the oddity of an IBM firearm.

[quadibloc]

And, I wasn't commenting on the morals of manufacturing firearms, I was merely commenting on the oddity of an IBM firearm.

I wasn't trying to claim you intended to make IBM look bad, but I did want to note that many people find guns highly disturbing, and thus, your post might have unintentionally had that effect.

[audioave10]

IBM made this in 1930.