Unique IBM p/n?

[ander]

Hey guys,

I happened to see this on eBay today:

Rare IBM made by Unicomp Model M Mechanical Clicky Keyboard PS/2 02k3760








Obviously 02K3760 isn't one of IBM's standard Model M p/n's. In fact, I've found no references to it elsewhere.

The keycaps are standard, so that wouldn't be the reason for the unique designation.

Considering its late date, it seems likely that it was a custom order for a particular IBM customer. (Someone wanted new BS KBs ten years ago—isn't that charming?) I imagine IBM wanted to control their own p/n's, so do you think they requested a unique one for these for some reason? Or did Unicomp slap one on them because IBM didn't request anything specific?

These were also apparently made for use in Canada—could that have something to do with it?

Finally, while the seller's hopes for $149.99 seem far-fetched, do any of you think a Unicomp-made KB is worth that kind of dough just because it has an unusual p/n? I've learned not to be surprised by that sort of thing.  :?)

[Snowdog993]

Apparently the seller thinks it is worth that.  Unicomp produced many IBM keyboards.

More

http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/IBMKBD

All you had to do was put in the part number.

[ander]

So that's what that "Replace IBM keyboard" option on their site means! I never could figure that out. It just looked like a regular Ultra Classic. But the extra dough is to print a label with a custom part number? How odd. Why would anyone care about something like that?

[fohat.digs]

It is my understanding that Unicomp will take any dead Model M and replace the guts with a new Unicomp internal assembly for $30.

[ander]

It is my understanding that Unicomp will take any dead Model M and replace the guts with a new Unicomp internal assembly for $30.

If that's true, it's a generous deal—but vague wording, isn't it? It's like they expect you to be psychic. Well, some of us are, but you can't just assume that about all KB people.