Dell AT101w/AT102w in the UK

[o0002]

Hey guys and gals,

Probably one of the best alternatives to a IBM model M is a Dell AT101w or AT102w. The black ALPs switches are kind of similar to Cherry MX Brown switches. They are tactile but not 'clicky'. They have a really nice vintage look and have excellent build quality. That's what I've got from research anyway.  Best of all everyone seems to think they are really cheap.

The problem is that I've not been able to find one at a reasonable price. All of the models on ebay seem to be from abroad (mostly America) and therefore come with hefty p&p charges. So my question is, where in the UK can you get a vintage Dell mechanical keyboard for a reasonable price? Actually I don't even mind getting one from abroad as long as there aren't high p&p charges.

Regards

[chyros]

Hey dude,

Just look around and bide your time . You'll get lucky eventually. You can find these in many offices I'm sure. Recycling plants, dumps, charity shops etc. might all have these if not offices.

The Dell AT101W has great value for money and is a good board to start out with or mod, but really I wouldn't say it's an alternative to a Model M nor is it like Cherry MX Brown switches. Browns are barely tactile at all and feel unclean and sawtoothy in my opinion. Black Alps feel somewhat rough, but are noticeably more tactile. Neither are as tactile or as smooth as buckling springs. In my limited experience, I don't really know of a non-buckling-spring design that gives a buckling spring feel.

[TheSven]

No luck with BlueGoose then?

[o0002]

I've actually filled in their price request form a few times over the last couple of weeks but I haven't received a response yet. I've sent them an email now but I think they are closed on the weekend. I'll try to chase it up on Monday.

PartsIT have some but they are charging £84!!!!!
https://www.partsit.com/product/dell-09683
You can get a model M in America for cheaper than that. In fact a UK Model M went on ebay this morning for £81.

The search goes on. 

[Vibex]

Try and check out local thrift shops. Thats where I got mine. $5 with 3 other ancient rubber dome keyboards.
EDIT: Mine is the AT101w

[chyros]

I've actually filled in their price request form a few times over the last couple of weeks but I haven't received a response yet. I've sent them an email now but I think they are closed on the weekend. I'll try to chase it up on Monday.

PartsIT have some but they are charging £84!!!!!
https://www.partsit.com/product/dell-09683
You can get a model M in America for cheaper than that. In fact a UK Model M went on ebay this morning for £81.

The search goes on. 

Dude Oo.

There's two more on the floor I work on. Maybe I should trade the professors for ****ty dome boards and then sell them online!

[o0002]

And I'll gladly be your first customer 

[o0002]

I have a actually tried a few thrift shops (called charity shops here) but they don't really do much in the way of electronics and the ones that do don't usually have keyboards. Sounds like the US is a lot better in terms of stuff you can get in charity shops (not that I've visited loads of charity shops here).

[Vibex]

I have a actually tried a few thrift shops (called charity shops here) but they don't really do much in the way of electronics and the ones that do don't usually have keyboards. Sounds like the US is a lot better in terms of stuff you can get in charity shops (not that I've visited loads of charity shops here).

Always keep your eye out for them, you never know what you'll find.
But also if I find another I'll sell you one for whatever price I buy it for. More people need to experience the joy of the AT101w.

[o0002]

That's very kind of you vibex. Thank you. 

[Vibex]

  Always looking to help. Though shipping will probably cost a bunch. Stupid shipping costs.

[jacobolus]

I’ve seen about 10 Dell AT101W/AT102W keyboards on ebay from the UK in the past 3–4 months, including US, UK, Spanish, and IIRC German layouts, for very attractive prices (except shipping to the US is steep, so useless for me personally).

Check it out:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=at101+keyboard&LH_PrefLoc=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/suzysue77/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc

You should try directly messaging this ebay seller:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/suzysue77

[o0002]

Thanks Jacobolus. Good advice.
Blue Goose got back to me today and they want £47.50 (including shipping and VAT) for a refurb. I think it's going to take a while before I can find a reasonably priced mech keyboard.