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Get an IBM model M keyboard or go home!

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Shadowknight

Diamond Member
May 4, 2001
3,959
3
81
I find Dansdata to be rather amusing, so here's his rather pleased report on picking up a couple of IBMs in 1999.

I'm using the Thanko Silent Keyboard. I'm still unsure how comfortable it is for long term typing vs. my Logitech diNovo. Also, there's a bunch of extra keys that do nothing or keys with the wrong symbols printed on them; not a big deal if you touch type like me. The annoying part is that all of the keys EXCEPT the spacebar are silent. The spacebar makes an audible clacking noise. I'm exchanging it because, literally, the piece of plastic I grabbed the keyboard at when I took it out of the box snapped off in my hand. *sigh* hopefully the next one will be in better shape.
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
24,778
4
0
Originally posted by: EyeMWing
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Originally posted by: dug777
Mine is a built by Lexmark, with the drainage channels :D

Congrats :p

Years ago, I owned several Model M's, though I didn't realize the prize that they are today. I lost them several years ago. Just bought another, though (19JAN87). I don't believe I've ever used one of the Lexmarks, with the drainage channels, but I've heard that the build quality is slightly different between it and the original. That, or if I've used one, I haven't realized that it was not an IBM Model M.

The basically look identical, and the Lexmark ones are still considered to be IBM Model Ms :) Mine is made in the US :D

Easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the logo. The IBMs tend to have the IBM logo in B&W - the Lexmarks in full color. The LED panel on the IBMs are also dark gray, whereas on the Lexmarks, they're colormatched to the rest of the keyboard. On the Lexmarks, the keyboard cable is attached on the RIGHT side. On the IBMs, it's a recessed part on the left. But this is just a generalization - many Lexmarks have the IBM characteristics - wit hthe exception of the B&W vs. Color IBM logo. I've never seen an IBM in color, never seen a lexmark in B&W.

hehe, mine has the cable on the right, recessed, and the dark LED panel :)

The logo is blue tho ;)
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Originally posted by: EyeMWing
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Originally posted by: dug777
Mine is a built by Lexmark, with the drainage channels :D

Congrats :p

Years ago, I owned several Model M's, though I didn't realize the prize that they are today. I lost them several years ago. Just bought another, though (19JAN87). I don't believe I've ever used one of the Lexmarks, with the drainage channels, but I've heard that the build quality is slightly different between it and the original. That, or if I've used one, I haven't realized that it was not an IBM Model M.

The basically look identical, and the Lexmark ones are still considered to be IBM Model Ms :) Mine is made in the US :D

Easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the logo. The IBMs tend to have the IBM logo in B&W - the Lexmarks in full color. The LED panel on the IBMs are also dark gray, whereas on the Lexmarks, they're colormatched to the rest of the keyboard. On the Lexmarks, the keyboard cable is attached on the RIGHT side. On the IBMs, it's a recessed part on the left. But this is just a generalization - many Lexmarks have the IBM characteristics - wit hthe exception of the B&W vs. Color IBM logo. I've never seen an IBM in color, never seen a lexmark in B&W.

My IBM logo is in color (and it is an IBM, not a Lexmark).
 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
I'll have my logitech cordless elite bluetooth wireless keyboard.
:)
If I could have the laptop keyboard silence, I'd have that.
 

KMFJD

Lifer
Aug 11, 2005
32,707
52,160
136
WTF do you need a wireless keyboard for when 99% of the time the keyboard is close to the system?
 

Ika

Lifer
Mar 22, 2006
14,264
3
81
Originally posted by: KMFJD
WTF do you need a wireless keyboard for when 99% of the time the keyboard is close to the system?

HTPC? Maybe when you're watching a movie on your big-ass monitor and you'd like to have some freedom... Who knows.
 

markgm

Diamond Member
Aug 23, 2001
3,291
2
81
Roaming the halls of IBM I see them sitting in a bunch of empty offices, but none have the windows key on them. I have one with the eraser head in the keyboard. I'm a big fan of it, it reminds me of the old days!
 

Raduque

Lifer
Aug 22, 2004
13,140
138
106
Originally posted by: AmigaMan
The Apple keyboard I bought recently for my MBP just died after I spilled a miniscule amount of coffee on it. I've cried more moisture than I spilled on that POS keyboard. Sigh...they just don't make them like they used to...

Macs are meant to be looked at, not used ;)

I personally, can't stand clicky keyboards. Even the so-called "soft touch", "low noise" or "quiet key" boards are too noisy for me. On top of that, the Model M doesn't even have my preferred layout: L shaped enter, large backspace, and the \ under the Enter to the right of the Shift key. I'm currently using an A4-Tech Keyworks Office keyboard, complete with built-in wrist-wrest and media keys (which I actually use, Winamp+GlobalHotkeys, ftw). It's only fault is no LEDs.

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
anything other than a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 is junk.

And these weird-shaped abominations are even worse then noisy keyboards!
 

GeekDrew

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
9,099
19
81
Originally posted by: Raduque
Originally posted by: AmigaMan
The Apple keyboard I bought recently for my MBP just died after I spilled a miniscule amount of coffee on it. I've cried more moisture than I spilled on that POS keyboard. Sigh...they just don't make them like they used to...

Macs are meant to be looked at, not used ;)

I personally, can't stand clicky keyboards. Even the so-called "soft touch", "low noise" or "quiet key" boards are too noisy for me. On top of that, the Model M doesn't even have my preferred layout: L shaped enter, large backspace, and the \ under the Enter to the right of the Shift key. I'm currently using an A4-Tech Keyworks Office keyboard, complete with built-in wrist-wrest and media keys (which I actually use, Winamp+GlobalHotkeys, ftw). It's only fault is no LEDs.

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
anything other than a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 is junk.

And these weird-shaped abominations are even worse then noisy keyboards!

You're calling *THAT* a weird-shaped abomination, given the description of the keyboard you prefer? :roll:
 

Shadowknight

Diamond Member
May 4, 2001
3,959
3
81
Originally posted by: Raduque
I personally, can't stand clicky keyboards. Even the so-called "soft touch", "low noise" or "quiet key" boards are too noisy for me. On top of that, the Model M doesn't even have my preferred layout: L shaped enter, large backspace, and the \ under the Enter to the right of the Shift key. I'm currently using an A4-Tech Keyworks Office keyboard, complete with built-in wrist-wrest and media keys (which I actually use, Winamp+GlobalHotkeys, ftw). It's only fault is no LEDs.

The Thanko Silent Keyboard has a REALLY strange layout, and unfortunately, the spacebar still clicks, but once you adjust to the increased resistance when pressing keys, it's not too bad. The keys, with the exception of the aforementioned spacebar, are silent when used.
 

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Where does that door go to? Some ethereal land of blue?

Hehe, it's just the hallway but I'm not very good at taking pictures so the sunlight makes it look weird. Infact any picture I take + sunlight = bad. Just be happy you can clearly see the keyboard.
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
24,778
4
0
*Hugs his Model M*

I paid someone $6 AUD to ship me a keycap for the numpad '2', now my Model M is complete & perfect :cool:
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
i prefer my ergonomic microsoft multimedia kb. split keys are more natural. they still sell clicky keyboards, website is called just that ithink.
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
24,778
4
0
Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
i prefer my ergonomic microsoft multimedia kb. split keys are more natural. they still sell clicky keyboards, website is called just that ithink.

There's nothing 'natural' about any keyboard ever made ;)

 
Feb 19, 2001
20,155
23
81
Um I like my Logitech elite. Volume control FTW. Why reach for your volume knob on your speakers when it's all here? How about when I play games and I pump my own soundtrack up? Media keyboard FTW!.

And then when I read ATOT... I simply use my scroll wheel on my keyboard and put my keyboard into my lap.. pwn.

Finally, start menu key FTW.
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
24,778
4
0
Originally posted by: DLeRium
Um I like my Logitech elite. Volume control FTW. Why reach for your volume knob on your speakers when it's all here? How about when I play games and I pump my own soundtrack up? Media keyboard FTW!.

And then when I read ATOT... I simply use my scroll wheel on my keyboard and put my keyboard into my lap.. pwn.

Finally, start menu key FTW.

I have my old elite beside me for the volume control when i'm gaming, and i usually take it when i take the computer to a mates place, since i don;t care if it gets beer poured on it ;) The limp & crappy rubber dome key system & the tiny tops to the keys annoy the heck out of me for typing tho...

The scroll wheel is a useless gimmick IMHO however, and despite trying i've never found a real use for it.

Start menu keys are for chumps, and they ****** up the sizes of other keys on that row into the bargain :p
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
i prefer my ergonomic microsoft multimedia kb. split keys are more natural. they still sell clicky keyboards, website is called just that ithink.

There's nothing 'natural' about any keyboard ever made ;)


its not perfect, but having your hands separated is more comfortable than the cramped together thing.;)

i do use the multimedia keys, atleast the next track/volume control buttons. nicely shaped and big is what matters so u can stab with barely a glance. earlier ms kbs really had sucky multimedia keys that were all the same shape/color, with no printed labels only moulded impressions and were tiny, those were pathetic. i once had one of those internet kb pro or something like that with that garbage layout.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,366
17,929
126
lol, I have 20 in my basement since I keep spilling coke on the kb and killing them... I love this kb though.
 

BurnItDwn

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
26,353
1,862
126
I have a Model M connected to each of my PCs at home. I also use one on my PC at work too.

I have rearranged the keys in a dvorak layout. I hate other keyboards.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,366
17,929
126
Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
No windows key = suck.

dude.

you need a girl.

the windows key is a cheap harlot.

Yeah, that's what Ctrl-Esc is for. Model M's aren't totally indestructible, though. The key caps sometimes pop off if you drop them. Stick them back on, and you're good to go.

They are replacable caps so yeah, they are supposed to come off when you force it. I think it was for the international market purpose so french kb get the french caps.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,366
17,929
126
Originally posted by: markgm
Roaming the halls of IBM I see them sitting in a bunch of empty offices, but none have the windows key on them. I have one with the eraser head in the keyboard. I'm a big fan of it, it reminds me of the old days!


oooh, keyboard with trackpoint, is it 2 ps/2 cables or the crappy USB one?