Unicomp "Whisper Spring"

[ch_123]

Looking through Unicomp's old websites, here's the page on the Endurapro from when the Endurapro was first released -

Link

Customers who require or prefer a quiet keyboard will select the new Whisper Spring TM model of the EP/104. The new Whisper Spring TM technology delivers the same clicky feel as the buckling spring, yet is extremely quiet. Ideal for noise sensitive environments.

So, is this just a brand name for their greasing service, or did they actually have an alternate spring design at some point?

[wellington1869]

So, is this just a brand name for their greasing service, or did they actually have an alternate spring design at some point?

great question... my guess is its the grease, just based on my disbelief that unicomp would ever invent anything on their own ;-P

also interesting that at one time they had a more colorful website!

[wellington1869]

and note this feature, also lost today! :

"Like other EnduraPro models, the EP/104 is completely re-configurable and programmable;"

WTF?! holy crap

"The programmable capabilities allow users to add macro commands to the keyboard thus reducing keystrokes and improving productivity. Linux users now have a keyboard that puts the Ctrl and Esc keys where they want them and users who prefer the Dvorak layout have a keyboard that will work with any software package. The EnduraPro TM will also work with many of today's 5250 and 3270 terminals"
And a bullet point on the right side says: "Program and customize via the Worldwide Web"

And the endurapro also lost a [strike]usb[/strike] ps2 port:
"A standard feature of the EP/104 is a built in pass-through port for an additional hand held mouse. The additional mouse can be used interchangeably with the built-in mouse"

New petition to Unicomp: Bring the original Endurapro Back!!!!!

[quadibloc]

New petition to Unicomp: Bring the original Endurapro Back!!!!!

Note, though, that it says on the side, "Shipments start August, 2000". Possibly, for some reason, they were not able to deliver that product as outlined, due to a lost supplier for the keyboard controller chip or some such cause, and so it may not have ever existed to bring back.

EDIT: Apparently, it was delivered, since their page for October, 2000 says "New: Our First Programmable".

http://web.archive.org/web/20001003172226/http://www.pckeyboard.com/

That still doesn't leave out subsequent supplier problems, though.

Also, the current PS/2 model of the EnduraPro can be programmed at the time of manufacture, but this likely only means a fixed custom layout. Is anyone here familiar with just what its current remaining programming capabilities are? (And, unlike the USB model, it can be shipped outside the U.S.!)

[wellington1869]

Is anyone here familiar with just what its current remaining programming capabilities are? (And, unlike the USB model, it can be shipped outside the U.S.!)

i dont think it has any current programmable capabilities; at least, they're not mentioned on the current website for the EP.

[wellington1869]

They're working on it!

i want your ibm mug and your red stapler

[wellington1869]

Check out these colored BS keycaps: Boy, unicomp used to be a lot more fun when they were younger!

http://web.archive.org/web/20000601114452/www.pckeyboard.com/college.html

[kode]

Right, I remember those options

[sixty]

I bet their Mini will have these Whisper Springs as an option!

[pfink]

Check out these colored BS keycaps: Boy, unicomp used to be a lot more fun when they were younger!

http://web.archive.org/web/20000601114452/www.pckeyboard.com/college.html

They still sell the Kentucky Wildcats keyboard:

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/noname1.html

[wellington1869]

They still sell the Kentucky Wildcats keyboard:

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/noname1.html

damn, i wonder if they sell those blue and red keys separately!

[wellington1869]

damn, i wonder if they sell those blue and red keys separately!

also, is it me, or do the white keys on the wildcats keyboard have 'oversized' lettering? I like 'em...

I can already picture the "black and blue" customizer - would make a nice combo, with the blue control keys and unmarked black alphabet cluster...

[ch_123]

Still waiting for them to bring back the keyboard-phone

[quadibloc]

I've looked through the October 2000 version of their web site, and while they refer to the EnduraPro as "Our First Programmable Keyboard", in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the site, they say it is only programmable at the time of manufacture, which is like today's EnduraPro.

So the only feature that's missing, apparently, is the mouse port.

[wellington1869]

I've looked through the October 2000 version of their web site, and while they refer to the EnduraPro as "Our First Programmable Keyboard", in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the site, they say it is only programmable at the time of manufacture, which is like today's EnduraPro.

So the only feature that's missing, apparently, is the mouse port.

well, that and the greased springs i guess.

[ch_123]

There was a mouse port on my Endurapro... I had the PS/2 version.

[kode]

Still waiting for them to bring back the keyboard-phone

Show Image

Yes, that would also be good. A voip one would be even more better.

[DreymaR]

No, it wouldn't. We're dying to lose the space-filling numpad and you're dying to add a huge phone? The irony.

[quadibloc]

Still waiting for them to bring back the keyboard-phone

Following and editing the link, I see that was not a standard model of theirs, but merely an illustrative example of their custom design capabilities. Perhaps intended for a call centre.

Since the numpad was used for dialling, I suppose they did integrate the phone into the keyboard, rather than the customer bolting it on, though.

[Rajagra]

Since the numpad was used for dialling

Oh yes. Look at the order of the number keys. That would cause some fun.

[timw4mail]

Stop trying to steal my numpad!