I need a IBM Model M

[hedele]

I know, title seems lame and maybe this is the wrong place to ask, but whatever. I live in Turkey and need a working Model M 1391401. Nobody sells and nearly no one uses mechanical keyboards here. Shipping costs more than the keyboard in ebay ($50.00 for shipping). And I failed to find an European seller on ebay european sites. So, I found this forum by google, and looks like its full of keyboard experts. I see some of you guys live in Europe and have a lot of great keyboards in signature. Can I find somebody to sell me one in Europe here?

Also, I'm open to other keyboard suggestions as long as I can find them with low shipping cost. IBM Model M's older than me, and my last experience with them was so many years ago. I only remember how great they felt to type on. Mine got broken while moving, and ever since I'm using $10 rubber dome keyboards.

Btw, I'm not looking for a keyboard with European Layout, Turkish characters, German characters, whatsoever.

Thanks, Ozan.

[IBI]

Well there are the Dell AT101Ws on ebay UK (linky), they're not clicky like the model M but they're still very definite and nice to type on.

Then there's the Cherry G80-3000 and the Das Keyboard III, the Das is availible in US and blank EU layouts from the link I've posted.

The G80-3000 model list is here. Avoid the linear ones. The soft pressure point and click pressure point ones are both popular here are are both availible in US and EU layouts. The 'order number' is the product code that is given given to designate which one a shop is selling, the -0 on the end just means it's the white version, most are availible in black (-2) as well and I'd leave that bit off when searching. The G80-3000 is availible from shops across europe (well, western europe anyway, I've not heard whether or not it's availible in eastern europe).

[hedele]

Oh, getdigital.de is very expensive. Ordering a Das Keyboard from thinkgeek.com costs me less. Dell looks good but i want a clicky keyboard.

[IBI]

Oh, getdigital.de is very expensive. Ordering a Das Keyboard from thinkgeek.com costs me less. Dell looks good but i want a clicky keyboard.

Have you read up on your local import costs? Here in the UK I have to pay 18.5% import duty if I import from the US but none from the EU so display thinkgeek being slightly cheaper to start with it'd be a lot more expensive once it gets to me.

I've just seen this viglen keyboard on ebay UK which is supposed to be clicky, it's UK layout.

Is there anywhere that's cheap to buy from in Turkey except turkey itself?

[lowpoly]

1391401 Model Ms appear on ebay Germany reguarly.

Any friends or relatives in Germany? You'd only have to pay shipping in Germany then (and wait until someone travels to Turkey).

Cheap but potentially slow.

Welcome to geekhack.

[hedele]

1391401 Model Ms appear on ebay Germany reguarly.

Any friends or relatives in Germany? You'd only have to pay shipping in Germany then (and wait until someone travels to Turkey).

Cheap but potentially slow.

Welcome to geekhack.

Thanks! Sadly, no I don't have any relative or friend in Germany. I regularly check ebay.de but they sell only german layouts there.

[hedele]

Btw, is this a secret keyboard approval clan? Judging from their signatures, I can't understand people who own 15 Model M, 2 Das keyboard, 5 cherry  and use a dell. Especially while there are a lot of people who don't even have one clicky keyboard and desperately looking for one (like me).

[itlnstln]

Btw, is this a secret keyboard approval clan? Judging from their signatures, I can't understand people who own 15 Model M, 2 Das keyboard, 5 cherry and use a dell. Especially while there are a lot of people who don't even have one clicky keyboard and desperately looking for one (like me).

Or you can be like webwit - own all that and not even use a keyboard.
 
These people would be called "collectors."  There are so many Model Ms out there that their collection of Model Ms isn't even .00001% of the total Model Ms available.  Especially since they are still being made.  When you start buying different keyboards, you'll understand.  I'm not even a collector, and still have more keyboards than I will ever use.

[hedele]

Or you can be like webwit - own all that and not even use a keyboard.
 
These people would be called "collectors."  There are so many Model Ms out there that their collection of Model Ms isn't even .00001% of the total Model Ms available.  Especially since they are still being made.  When you start buying different keyboards, you'll understand.  I'm not even a collector, and still have more keyboards than I will ever use.

But collecting keyboards is different from collecting baseball cards, especially if we are talking about best keyboards on earth. If those keyboards were not working I would understand that, but buying every Model M on ebay seems just pointless to me while there are people who can actually use them to get work done.

[itlnstln]

So car collectors should give their cars away or stop buying cars so that people tha don't have cars can have one? I don't follow. Unicomp (pckeyboard.com) will sell you a brand new Model M and for a reasonable price. Other than not wanting to pay too much for shipping, which seems unavoidable, IMO, I don't see any reason you couldn't have a Model M in a couple of weeks.

[bigpook]

But collecting keyboards is different from collecting baseball cards, especially if we are talking about best keyboards on earth. If those keyboards were not working I would understand that, but buying every Model M on ebay seems just pointless to me while there are people who can actually use them to get work done.

Some people just like having them, I know I do. There are lots of Model M's to be had, if not right now than wait a week or a month. They will pop up. When they do. Bite the bullet and buy one.

[lowpoly]

I regularly check ebay.de but they sell only german layouts there.

I've seen them.

I also don't see what's wrong with collecting them. It's not like 1391401s are rare or something.

[hedele]

I've seen them.

I also don't see what's wrong with collecting them. It's not like 1391401s are rare or something.

Its not wrong, i understand that now. But, i don't have much knowledge about Model M's, I saw few on ebay, I was going to ask here if they seem good. But I didn't because I'm afraid of somebody will buy it after seeing here if its any good.

[ricercar]

Btw, is this a secret keyboard approval clan? Judging from their signatures, I can't understand people who own 15 Model M, 2 Das keyboard, 5 cherry  and use a dell

Yes, this is the secret keyboard approval clan. Took me years to find my way here, and I'm proud to finally arrive. Most people smile and look away when I talk serious keyboard.

Collectors have pleasure in owning as well as using, and the proportion changes with the individual. I own a lot of keyboards and cycle through them as the mood suits me. I own a dozen fountain pens and use them in their own time.

I'm curious who wrote something that implies they own a fine keyboard and use a Dell. Yet this could be similar to someone owning a slew of fine sportcars and driving a beater to work daily; a scenario with obvious advantages and disadvantages. People with a dozen cars obviously drive only one at a time. Unless one uses multiple computers without a KVM, no one needs multiple keyboards.

i don't have much knowledge about Model M's, I saw few on ebay, I was going to ask here if they seem good. But I didn't because I'm afraid of somebody will buy it after seeing here if its any good.

You came to the right place to learn. I humbly suggest you just buy one for under $50 [substitute your price point here] ASAP and decide what you like and don't like about it. THen you can contemplate a second purchase that much sooner. I can talk all day about the difference between Alps and Cherry, but until you press a key daily for your regular work, you won't appreciate the talk. Until you see a ruler, inches and centimetres are just words on a page.

Edit: Go ahead and post the links in the eBay part of the forum with your specific questions. If someone outbids you, at least your knowledge has grown.

YMMV.

[wellington1869]

If I had the money I would totally collect M's.

I'd house each one in its own hand-built display case.

And force my houseguests to take the keyboard tour.

I'm totally serious.

[bigpook]

I think home movies are better than the torture of the
"slide show".  I sat through one of those once with a family member. I didn't know that time could stand still until then.

[wellington1869]

I'd have an 'interactive' part of the tour where they have to press down on a giant size working model of the buckling spring switch until they understand and appreciate how it works.

[wellington1869]

Welly, if I ever visit I'm staying in a hotel.

:-D

[ricercar]

without the people buying Ms there would have been no market

Grins. So we should collect Ms because otherwise they'd stop making Ms to collect? Have I mentioned that a ricercar is a recursive, self-referencing piece of music, like a fugue?

[bigpook]

At least the OP isn't looking/asking for a Model M mini. That would involve animal sacrifice and the lighting of candles.

I totally agree with wellington. When I round out my mini collection I want to build a display cabinet for them. I think that would be awesome. Of course, NO  ONE in my immediate circle would understand that at all : )

[o2dazone]

NO  ONE in my immediate circle would understand that at all : )

At least you have an immediate circle. I just sperged about Cherry 4100 that was being used at the checkout counter at Bath & Body Works over the weekend. I think the lady was actually afraid when I asked her to pick it up and flip it over

[itlnstln]

If I had the money I would totally collect M's.
 
I'd house each one in its own hand-built display case.
 
And force my houseguests to take the keyboard tour.
 
I'm totally serious.

Well, that's one way to keep visitors from coming over... and stay a virgin.
 
Be sure you guide the tour wearing your Desk-O-Bra with a Model M Mini on it.

[bigpook]

lol, I think my wife would shoot me if 200 keyboards arrived at the house. There is no way I could justify that : )

[o2dazone]

I just received a LEGAL copy of Typing of The Dead from Ebay

The....irony....is......overwhelming

Got any scans of the manual? If the English in it is anything like it is in the game, it should provide some decent entertainment

[ch_123]

Dell looks good but i want a clicky keyboard.

Well, the Dells are a mechanical keyboard with quite a bit of "click" in them.

As for shipping prices, with the keyboards Ive got from America, I just shrug it off and treat it as part of the cost. Good things don't come cheap.

[wellington1869]

Well, that's one way to keep visitors from coming over... and stay a virgin.

lol, nah i just have to find an american chloe

Be sure you guide the tour wearing your Desk-O-Bra with a Model M Mini on it.

lol, maybe i can sell those in the parlor at the end of the tour

I'm still using it by the way (much to my own surprise)

[wellington1869]

Grins. So we should collect Ms because otherwise they'd stop making Ms to collect? Have I mentioned that a ricercar is a recursive, self-referencing piece of music, like a fugue?

ricercar,  I totally stole your signature font color. I'm still trying to match it actually.

[hedele]

Well, the Dells are a mechanical keyboard with quite a bit of "click" in them.

As for shipping prices, with the keyboards Ive got from America, I just shrug it off and treat it as part of the cost. Good things don't come cheap.

But if the guy sells you a dead keyboard or it gets broken you won't be able to return it, because it will cost you more and more. Same applies to new items too. RMA shipping will be more than the item.

Bah.. Forget what I said before, I'll try my luck

[Lenny_Nero]

If people did not show any interest in IBM 'M's or older mechanical keyboards there would be far less around. If there is quite a few of something and the interest grows around it more people keep hold of or sell  and not just dump in the trash when their use for it is finished.

Collectors do push up the price, but they also allow the thing to be there in the first place, I dont agree with collectors that never use stuff, that I dont see the point. I have always been involved with classic cars and I feel its a bit of a shame when I see them on the back of a trailer or under cover never being used ...I feel its the same with these keyboards, I use my Viglen because I like it. I have new manky new M$ 20 quid keyboards sitting doing nothing they will get given to people or sold with computers if needed.

[itlnstln]

But..what about the Children? Must everything be consumed now? I do feel though that people who own multiple M15s carry a big weight, and I for one volunteer to help them alleviate the pain.

Seconded.
 
That is a travesty.

[huha]

But..what about the Children? Must everything be consumed now? I do feel though that people who own multiple M15s carry a big weight, and I for one volunteer to help them alleviate the pain.

As far as I'm concerned, I'd even do it for free.

-huha

[itlnstln]

As far as I'm concerned, I'd even do it for free.
 
-huha

Your generosity is unparalleled.  You are quite the philanthopist.

[o2dazone]

could you post a smaller pic please, way too big....

[IBI]

Its not wrong, i understand that now. But, i don't have much knowledge about Model M's, I saw few on ebay, I was going to ask here if they seem good. But I didn't because I'm afraid of somebody will buy it after seeing here if its any good.

Apart from the bad language most people here are pretty polite and if they were on a European ebay then they probably won't sell that quickly anyway since most people prefer to have their own layout (as can be seen by the fact that we still have to put up with different physical key layouts when the sensible thing would have been to transition all the latin and similar alphabet keyboards to the ISO layout).

[ricercar]

ricercar,  I totally stole your signature font color. I'm still trying to match it actually.

*laughs* I just used the color pulldown from the posting window. The sig source looks like:

|COLOR="Gray"|
imaginative one liner
|/COLOR|

|COLOR="Green"|
worship me list
|/COLOR|

[wellington1869]

I just used the color pulldown from the posting window.

Thanks
I did it the long way around, with a color picker and the hex code

[wellington1869]

Not in public I hope.  Of course, you DO live in NYC!

In the west village i'd probably look weird without it

[itlnstln]

Apart from the bad language most people here are pretty polite

I'm just a f*cking a*shole.

[watduzhkstand4]

I was just wondering why the 1391401 Model M is so popular? What about the boards with other part numbers?

[lowpoly]

Collectors do push up the price, but they also allow the thing to be there in the first place, I dont agree with collectors that never use stuff, that I dont see the point. I have always been involved with classic cars and I feel its a bit of a shame when I see them on the back of a trailer or under cover never being used ...

Hang around and after a while you'll have more boards than you need. :tongue:

[bigpook]

Hang around and after a while you'll have more boards than you need. :tongue:

How true, how fricking true.

[ch_123]

I was just wondering why the 1391401 Model M is so popular? What about the boards with other part numbers?

It was the quintessential IBM-made one. Other product codes refer to other country's layouts (the 1391403 was the German one, the 1391406 was the UK one) and later Lexmark and Unicomp made boards whose quality is lower than the IBM made ones. There was also the 1390131 which was the original model M, which is supposed to be more stiff than the 1391401.

[skriefal]

There was also the 1391301 which was the original model M, which is supposed to be more stiff than the 1391401.

I believe you're referring to the 1390131.  There's also the 1390120, which IIRC is a 1390131 minus the LEDs.

[watduzhkstand4]

It was the quintessential IBM-made one. Other product codes refer to other country's layouts (the 1391403 was the German one, the 1391406 was the UK one) and later Lexmark and Unicomp made boards whose quality is lower than the IBM made ones. There was also the 1391301 which was the original model M, which is supposed to be more stiff than the 1391401.

Thanks! I didn't know there was so much to this board.

[ch_123]

I believe you're referring to the 1390131.  There's also the 1390120, which IIRC is a 1390131 minus the LEDs.

Yeah, my bad.

Personally I find the Model M too stiff for my tastes, I prefer the Model F.