Unicomp breaking news!!!!

[iMav]

In a recent conversation with Jim Owens from Unicomp, it was revealed that Unicomp is working on a replacement for the Mighty Mouse space saver keyboard.

From the horse's mouth:

"The replacement for the Might Mouse with a mouse will be available in 2008 (I hope early in the 2ND QTR). It will have the same form factor, will be buckling spring and will offer a number of new features which will  make it an instant choice of many users."

Space saver footprint, buckling springs, AND a trackpoint.  


 SWEET ! ! !

[Mikecase00]

Great news.  Still waiting for them to make a black keyed version of the Customizer 101 though...

[iMav]

Great news.  Still waiting for them to make a black keyed version of the Customizer 101 though...

They can make the new Mighty Mouse-replacement pink if they want to...I'm still buying it!

[xsphat]

That is good news, especially since mechanical keyboard news has been at a stand-still forever now. iMav, I am placing an call to Jim about pink space savers, I'll see if he'll have a custom one made for you ... with an RJ connector.

I'll most likely buy one as well (not in pink), though I am not that big a fan of buckling springs.

[iMav]

I'll most likely buy one as well (not in pink), though I am not that big a fan of buckling springs.

Man.  Second quarter 2008.  I think it is wrong to make anyone wait that long for something as "insanely great" as this.

[xsphat]

Can you say, "review units?"

[xsphat]

I called Unicomp and talked to Jim Owens today. He said he thinks the Mighty Mouse replacement will be out in about six months, it will have buckling springs and, though he wouldn't say anything particular, it sounds like it is totally redesigned.

[Mikecase00]

I called Unicomp and talked to Jim Owens today. He said he thinks the Mighty Mouse replacement will be out in about six months, it will have buckling springs and, though he wouldn't say anything particular, it sounds like it is totally redesigned.

What's to redesign?  The ModelM Mini layout was already the best small keyboard design ever.  It had beefy construction, fit in server racks, buckling springs, what's to improve?

[xsphat]

Time will tell, he didn't offer any info and I didn't press him.

[iMav]

What's to redesign?  The ModelM Mini layout was already the best small keyboard design ever.  It had beefy construction, fit in server racks, buckling springs, what's to improve?

The Model M mini is a great "spacesaver" keyboard.  Full-sized keyboard minus that horrid numpad.  However, it is not exactly a keyboard you'd easily be able to carry back and forth in your laptop bag.

The MightyMouse (see Unicomp's online store) is a perfect size for carting back and forth...but uses membrane keyswitches.  What I'd like to see is a HHKB layout with buckling springs and an optional trackpoint.  That would totally rock.  (don't think we'll get that...but I can dream)

[rnak92a]

I'm excited about Unicomp's offering--whenever it arrives.  I'll certainly purchase one to add to my collection.

RE: space savers:

I've purchased two from Brandon Ermita (clickykeyboards.com) and they're stellar.  Of course, I've also had two others from him that didn't feel/perform as they should, but he's been exceptional about returns and ensuring I'm satisfied.  With keyboard from the late 80s and early 90s of unknown provenance, there's bound to be a small issue or another, but Brandon's handled all these things quite well and provided superior service.  

The space savers I've kept, though, are blue labels with Ins, End, etc functions when the numpad is activated.  I can post pics if anyone would like to see them.

Cheers,
~rn

[iMav]

I can post pics if anyone would like to see them.

We always like to see some good keyboard porn.  

I assume you've seen the pics of my Model M mini?  (check it)

[iMav]

I asked Jim Owens (Unicomp dude) if they offered now, or planned to offer in the future, any key layouts similar to the Sun Type 5 / HHKB layout... (BS/Delete above the "enter" key, ESC to the left of the "1", etc)

This was his response:

We do not currently, nor do we have any near term plans.

That sucks.  

[iMav]

Was able to get a little more info out of Jim Owens from Unicomp.  He said that new board will have the same footprint as the old Mighty Mouse and (as we already knew) will have buckling springs.

He's not giving up any more information.

Frankly, I doubt they even have the dimensions worked out yet.

[elmomax]

the mighty mouse is shown on their website. Is it avaialble? Does it use buckling springs.  

e

[iMav]

the mighty mouse is shown on their website. Is it avaialble? Does it use buckling springs.

The Mighty Mouse is rubber dome / membrane keyboard and is no longer available.

[dw_junon]

iMav, thank you very much for sharing this.  It's great to know Unicomp is alive and working on new stuff, and a buckling spring space saver should be really great.

May I ask, how are you in contact with Unicomp?  I attempted to e-mail them late last year and messages repeatedly bounced.  Looking at their site, they continue to recommend calling them and don't overly advertise an e-mail address.

[iMav]

May I ask, how are you in contact with Unicomp?

I just email Jim Owens from Unicomp.  If you call, he's the person you'll likely talk to.

[xsphat]

I usually call Jim. He's a good guy, but not exactly forthcoming with new information.

[dw_junon]

Hi all,

I just email Jim Owens from Unicomp. If you call, he's the person you'll likely talk to.

Thanks for the address, that's great.  If I do end up calling, I'll bear that in mind.

I usually call Jim. He's a good guy, but not exactly forthcoming with new information.

Well, hopefully he's good with "old" information, given what I might end up asking...

[ashort]

I want a Mighty Mouse with buckling springs.  Any updates on availability?

[iMav]

I want a Mighty Mouse with buckling springs.  Any updates on availability?

Give them a call and let us know what they say.

[xsphat]

They probably think of us as vultures, circling Unicomp looking for a buckling spring meal.

[bhtooefr]

Except vultures don't give them money.

[xsphat]

Or call them or type. Geez, thanks for ruining my life.

[vils]

Give them a call and let us know what they say.

I spoke to them.
"available this summer"
I was told.

/Vils

[vils]

I spoke to them.
"available this summer"
I was told.

/Vils

Almost a haiku...

[iMav]

"available this summer"

If I have one in my hands before snow flies this fall, I will be pleasantly surprised.

[vils]

I love poetry...

/Vils

[iMav]

Bad news.

Turns out, Unicomp has NOT been actively working on the new Mighty Mouse replacement.  There are now no plans to release a small form factor buckling spring board anytime this year.  

Basically, the project has been relegated to "possibly in the future" status.

I, for one, am disappointed.

[bhtooefr]

Fail.

So, should I buy a Model M2 and go at it with a hacksaw?

Of course, I wonder if another manufacturer could make such a keyboard. The patent on buckling spring would have expired long ago - in 1997, I believe.

[iMav]

I don't think it is ever a matter of whether a manufacturer CAN make one.  It is convincing them to do so.

There are precious few US manufacturers making decent keyboards.  Unicomp is one...and they are unwilling to pursue a small form factor keyboard at this time.  The Das folks are another...I was hoping they'd drop the numpad with the Das III, but didn't.  Datadesk make specialized keyboards with mechanical keyswitches (great choice if you want a ergo board)...but they don't see the market in more standardized keyboards.

[bhtooefr]

Unfortunately, with the controller positioning on their current keyboards (at least the SpaceSaver/EnduraPro chassis,) it's not possible for them to make a numpadless version.

I wonder, though... from their old site, they say they can make part number 1395300, which is the M2. They also do custom work.

Wonder if they could do a 1395300 without the numpad as a custom run...

[iMav]

Wonder if they could do a 1395300 without the numpad as a custom run...

Good luck.  They have been totally disinterested in doing any sort of custom work for me.  (regardless of quantity/price/etc)

[xsphat]

Good luck.  They have been totally interested in doing any sort of custom work for me.  (regardless of quantity/price/etc)

uninterested, maybe?

[iMav]

uninterested, maybe?

DISinterested.  (corrected above)

[xsphat]

disinterested is more like the store clerk who doesn't earn commission - he could care less what you buy, but uninterested is when someone doesn't care to do what someone wants or doesn't care about their needs. Dig?

[iMav]

disinterested is more like the store clerk who doesn't earn commission - he could care less what you buy, but uninterested is when someone doesn't care to do what someone wants or doesn't care about their needs. Dig?

Disinterested and uninterested share a confused and confusing history. Disinterested was originally used to mean “not interested, indifferent”; uninterested in its earliest use meant “impartial.” By various developmental twists, disinterested is now used in both senses. Uninterested is used mainly in the sense “not interested, indifferent.” It is occasionally used to mean “not having a personal or property interest.”
Many object to the use of disinterested to mean “not interested, indifferent.” They insist that disinterested can mean only “impartial”: A disinterested observer is the best judge of behavior. However, both senses are well established in all varieties of English, and the sense intended is almost always clear from the context.

[xsphat]

I go by Webster and the AP style book. Remember, I'm a professional writer ...

[iMav]

I go by Webster and the AP style book. Remember, I'm a professional writer ...

According to Merriam-Webster, disinterest's use to mean not interested will only incur the disapproval of those who "may not fully appreciate the history of this word or the subtleties of its present use."

I doubt anyone was confused by my use of the word, regardless of their interpretation.  And, the last time I checked, I am not under the scrutiny of an editor.  

[xsphat]

Well you should be!

I know, I just like messing with you.

[bigpook]

Well, that is sad news about Unicomp. So there are no other manufacturers that offer numpadless keyboards in the US? With quality switches?

[Eclairz]

I wonder if they are not actively designing new up and coming keyboards, what are they doing with the money? And what is the likely future of their company if they do not differentiate and create different products?

[bigpook]

I wonder if they are not actively designing new up and coming keyboards, what are they doing with the money? And what is the likely future of their company if they do not differentiate and create different products?

Are you talking about Unicomp?
Have you seen their website? Check it out:
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html
Theres not a whole lot of action going on there.

  I love their keyboards but they look they are on the downstroke.
I am almost tempted to purchase a couple of spacesavers from them while they are still available. Sadly, I don't think they are moving a whole lot of keyboards. The people that frequent geekhack are the minority, 99.9% of computer users use what came with or "upgrade" to some Logitech or MS keyboard. I pulled that number out of my hat, but it feels right.

[bhtooefr]

Keyboard snobs definitely are the minority. And, within that group of keyboard snobs, I've seen lots of forums and such where people were like, "remember those old clicky IBM keyboards? I wish they still made them." Clearly, they don't even know about Unicomp - stuff like the Das Keyboard is better known, because Metadot (sticking with the Das example) gives review samples and such out. Hence, you see Das Keyboard this, Matias Tactile Pro that, but never Unicomp on the front page of a major tech site. (Of course, the Optimus Maximus got press just because it was innovative. "Durable" and "nice to type" on describe the Unicomp boards, "innovative"... not so much.)

And, note that they've been redesigning their website for, what, the past year?

[itlnstln]

I asked them a while back if they had any plans on reviving the m15 (since I, for one, am not going to pay the ridiculous prices on ebay the once in a Blue Moon they show up).  All I got was a "not at this time" response.  I guess if they started making them again it would drop the price on the Lexmark orginals to below $400 :O.

[iMav]

I asked them a while back if they had any plans on reviving the m15 (since I, for one, am not going to pay the ridiculous prices on ebay the once in a Blue Moon they show up).  All I got was a "not at this time" response.  I guess if they started making them again it would drop the price on the Lexmark orginals to below $400 :O.

I'm not counting on Unicomp to do any innovating any time soon.  In fact, I sometimes wonder if I should be stock piling new Model M's from them in case they go out of business.  

I hope they stick around for a long time.  If they could simply bring back the 84-key spacesaver (Model M mini) I'd be pleased...I won't be holding my breath though.

[rnak92a]

Disappointed by this news.  Unicomp also offers outstanding repair services for Model M keyboards.

I'm thinking of selling two of my model m spacesavers, my gray M13, and a couple of white label 1391401 keyboards.  All are pristine and in perfect working order. If there's interest, I'll post pictures and prices, etc.

~rn

[bhtooefr]

Unicomp's not publically traded, are they?

If so, you could always get their financial reports, to see how they're doing in that regard...

[iMav]

Unicomp's not publically traded, are they?

They are privately held.