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Author Topic: Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?  (Read 4806 times)

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Offline Supertoaster

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 20:17:51 »
Hi everyone.

For my birthday in May I was going to find a used IBM Model M for my computer because I want to try out the buckling springs type switch and would like to start a collection of vintage keyboards. Is there anything I need to worry about when I get one so it will run on Windows 7? I was planning to find a used/refurbished one on Ebay. I already know that I will need a PS/2 to USB adapter but is there anything else?

Thanks in advance.
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Offline 1uckyNumb3r7

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 20:29:24 »
I just got one myself and there wasn't any problems for me. Plugged the PS/2 into my mobo and she was up and going (After restart of course)

I'm running on Win 7 64 bit
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Offline Supertoaster

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 20:51:43 »
Quote from: 1uckyNumb3r7;498108
I just got one myself and there wasn't any problems for me. Plugged the PS/2 into my mobo and she was up and going (After restart of course)

I'm running on Win 7 64 bit

Isn't there a 'terminal' version that doesn't run on PC's?
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Offline fohat.digs

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 21:58:32 »
There are lots of "terminal" versions.

The "classic" is a 1391401, but there are a bunch of others.

Go to the IBM Model M entry on wikipedia and don't buy any model number that is not on the list at the bottom of the page.

PS - if you are really super heater you need to PM me
« Last Edit: Tue, 24 January 2012, 22:01:33 by fohat.digs »
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Offline Krunchy

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 24 January 2012, 23:36:04 »
Like everyone has been saying, the 139401 version is the most common and should work fine (I run an '87 model M on my Windows 7 pc just fine).  If you're still concerned, then it's not a bad idea to just go for a Unicomp Customizer unless you have your heart set on one of the originals.  You'd still get the buckling springs with a Unicomp, after all, and I'm pretty sure theirs are absolutely certain to work on all modern PCs.
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Currently hacking away on
IBM Model M || MTek K104 || Dell AT101W || Anne Pro II

Offline Surly73

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 25 January 2012, 07:33:08 »
Quote from: Supertoaster;498094
Hi everyone.

For my birthday in May I was going to find a used IBM Model M for my computer because I want to try out the buckling springs type switch and would like to start a collection of vintage keyboards. Is there anything I need to worry about when I get one so it will run on Windows 7? I was planning to find a used/refurbished one on Ebay. I already know that I will need a PS/2 to USB adapter but is there anything else?

Thanks in advance.

If you've got that much time to look, buy it here in the classifieds instead of on ebay.  Generally better product, and the people here will tell you more about it (like it definitely works on 7).   I think there's one in the classifieds right now that's been internally modified for USB.  Of course if you're "collecting" instead of "using" you might not want that.

Another reason to buy here is the persnickity level of detail concerning model M history and heritage.  I have a 1993 1397599 model M with blue label I use at work every day.  It's "supposed" to be made by Lexmark but from everything I can tell it is made by IBM themselves even though the 1391401 from 1993 definitely is made by Lexmark.  I've looked into pictures online and it looks like the 1397599 didn't change to Lexmark until 1994.  People say the Lexmark boards feel different like the Unicomps, some don't, some people have made assertions about IBM vs. Lexmark vs. Unicomp build quality etc...etc...etc...  It all depends on how much these things matter to you.  EBay is very unlikely to help you figure these things out.  It's not surprising that there are some VERY experienced and knowledgeable model M historians here.
« Last Edit: Wed, 25 January 2012, 07:39:10 by Surly73 »
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Offline Thinkpad Fan

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 25 January 2012, 12:17:16 »
Don't buy in to the "IBM Snobbery" so many do at first.  So long as it is in good repair, and not a Terminal keyboard, a Model M of any stripe will get you started.  Most you find will be functional.  I originally gathered from reading a lot that the Lexmark and Unicomp boards were somehow "inferior" to the older IBM made units.  After buying and using ten of them, I have found that the Unicomps and Lexmarks are just as satisfying - if a little different - to type on.  Feel does vary a bit - key pressure required, etc.  But until you have "one of each" you won't really know what is best for you.  Clickykeyboards (and others) have spare keys, and the "blue cube" and ZioTek adapters, to adapt them to USB.  

The good news is you can try as many as you like, then resell the ones that are not in the top two for you, and seldom lose much - you may make money!  Unless you pay too much, you will always be able to get your money back on a Model M.   Enjoy the quest - for the one true keyboard.  "The Model M".
« Last Edit: Wed, 25 January 2012, 12:21:26 by Thinkpad Fan »
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Offline Supertoaster

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Planning to buy a IBM Model M, Help?
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 25 January 2012, 16:56:55 »
I mainly one want the IBM Model M because I can easily find a refurbished one for cheaper then a Unicomp. I would also get one because I want to try the Buckling Springs switch and if I don't like it I can always resell it.
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