All I can say is WOW!!! I had my Model M keyboard lose its controller board, so I shipped it to Unicomp have it refurbished, and repaired. While my trusty Model M was away, I had only one other keyboard that I could use with my desktop computer, another IBM, but this time it was the KB-8923. I stand behind the 8923 as a backup, and for those who want a silent board for one reason or other. At least I did! I can no longer get behind any rubber dome board after using the 8923 for only about 10 days. After days of typing on the board, and forcing each key to bottom out to register a keystroke, my fingers hurt, and my hands felt like sponges they were so tired. Since my model M with serial number ending in 801 was going to be another week at Unicomp, I went to E-Bay and found another Model M for a decent price, and had it shipped overnight. I am SO glad I did. For some reason, the folks at Unicomp had to take longer than expected because the upgrade parts they needed were on back order. The replacement Model M arrived the next day, as promised, and I had it connected to my computer within 5 minutes of the boards arrival.
Why am I writing this to all of you out there my friends? So in case you've read my earlier posts regarding the kb-8923 and disregard them. My experience of using that keyboard after using a Model M for so long was a real eye opener. Now, I have a spare Model M, so if, there is another problem later on down the road, well, I'm covered.
How do I like my original Model M after the repair? I love it!!! Although they did do away with the bolt job, they kept all of the original internal and external parts they could, like the heavier steel back plate. They even repaired the broken connector, where the keyboard's cable interfaces with the keyboard. And, they also replaced the old cable with a new one at no additional charge! I have to admit, that at first, I was a bit hesitant about sending my trusty friend away to them for repair, but in the end, I'm glad I did. In my opinion, my Model M is in better condition than when it was new!
