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New "old" IBM clicking model "M" KB...@1993
- Thread starter looper
- Start date
Yes, a Model M keyboard will work with any computer using an AT (mini-DIN), PS/2, or USB connector. For the latter you'll need a PS/2 -> USB adapter. Make certain that you get a good one with active conversion circuitry, for example... http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16812156004. The cheap, little non-active adapters -- sometimes packaged with certain mice or newer keyboards -- will not work.
(I'm using that exact adapter with an even older Model M, by the way, and it's working well.)
(I'm using that exact adapter with an even older Model M, by the way, and it's working well.)
looper
Golden Member
Thx...
If you go to this site (which you're prob already familiar with), check out this link to a slightly different adapter..
http://www.clickykeyboards.com...8/subcatid/0/id/124184
Scroll way down to near the bottom... that one... @ $15.
Brian
If you go to this site (which you're prob already familiar with), check out this link to a slightly different adapter..
http://www.clickykeyboards.com...8/subcatid/0/id/124184
Scroll way down to near the bottom... that one... @ $15.
Brian
nerp
Diamond Member
Hey --
as others have said, yes, the PS/2 connector should work just fine. Keep in mind that Ms draw a little more power than other PS/2 boards, so if you decide to use a PS/2 to USB adapter, any off-the-shelf model might not work. There are specific adapters known to work well, so make sure you get one of those. Check out geekhack.org's forums.
Also, once your love for the M becomes something severe, I suggest considering buying a brand new Unicomp keyboard. There's something about the new Unicomps that I just can't get over. Maybe it's because the keys are brand new, but I don't know -- the M design doesn't really "age" so to speak. These boards last forever.
I got myself an original M. But then I got a Customizer 104 and then a SpaceSaver from Unicomp. The M is now in storage.
One nice thing about the Unicomps (aside from being dirt, pube and cruft free) is that they come with USB adapters.
Enjoy your buckling springs!
as others have said, yes, the PS/2 connector should work just fine. Keep in mind that Ms draw a little more power than other PS/2 boards, so if you decide to use a PS/2 to USB adapter, any off-the-shelf model might not work. There are specific adapters known to work well, so make sure you get one of those. Check out geekhack.org's forums.
Also, once your love for the M becomes something severe, I suggest considering buying a brand new Unicomp keyboard. There's something about the new Unicomps that I just can't get over. Maybe it's because the keys are brand new, but I don't know -- the M design doesn't really "age" so to speak. These boards last forever.
I got myself an original M. But then I got a Customizer 104 and then a SpaceSaver from Unicomp. The M is now in storage.
One nice thing about the Unicomps (aside from being dirt, pube and cruft free) is that they come with USB adapters.
Enjoy your buckling springs!
looper
Golden Member
Thx, nerp.
I will also check out that other KB you mentioned. I do have, however, a sentimental attachment to all old things IBM.
Way, way back, my first job out of school was w/ Big Blue... back when there were two main divisions: "DP", data processing/the computer group; and "OP", Office Products/Selectric typewriters, dictation equipment, and copiers. I worked for the OP division in New Haven, CN. in the early seventies.
I'm concerned that the "clicking" model M will aggravate my wife. Our computers are both in the office room... 🙁
I will also check out that other KB you mentioned. I do have, however, a sentimental attachment to all old things IBM.
Way, way back, my first job out of school was w/ Big Blue... back when there were two main divisions: "DP", data processing/the computer group; and "OP", Office Products/Selectric typewriters, dictation equipment, and copiers. I worked for the OP division in New Haven, CN. in the early seventies.
I'm concerned that the "clicking" model M will aggravate my wife. Our computers are both in the office room... 🙁
nerp
Diamond Member
It might aggrivate her, but one option is to get her a model M for herself. Then you can get into click duels. 🙂
The Unicomp boards are actually the same boards as the original Ms. Unicomp took over production of the M boards from Lexmark in the 90s and even bought the original factory parts and tools to make them. So buying a Unicomp is essentially buying an M.
If the M you bought is too loud or "twangy" (older boards often develop a spring-induced ringy sound) you can apply some grease to each spring to muffle the sound. You'll still get a nice solid click and the key action won't change, but the sounds will be muted somewhat.
THere are some guides on geekhack on how to do it. One member there swears by the greasemod. 🙂
The Unicomp boards are actually the same boards as the original Ms. Unicomp took over production of the M boards from Lexmark in the 90s and even bought the original factory parts and tools to make them. So buying a Unicomp is essentially buying an M.
If the M you bought is too loud or "twangy" (older boards often develop a spring-induced ringy sound) you can apply some grease to each spring to muffle the sound. You'll still get a nice solid click and the key action won't change, but the sounds will be muted somewhat.
THere are some guides on geekhack on how to do it. One member there swears by the greasemod. 🙂
nerp
Diamond Member
For that price, I'd almost get this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54
He's an AWESOME seller. The board will be spotless and in excellent condition.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54
He's an AWESOME seller. The board will be spotless and in excellent condition.
nerp
Diamond Member
nerp
Diamond Member
Ahh, NIB is always tempting. It it's 1993, it's probably made by Lexmark. The pre 1993 ones made by IBM tend to fetch more on the market. A new in box pre 1993 can run upwards of $200. I don't really think the differences are that great, unless you're really obsessed. I almost grabbed a NIB Lexmark made M from clickykeyboards myself, but decided to just grab another Unicomp on the end.
camp ebay, I saw several NOS are selling for about 20 bucks + shipping, to me, $20-30 new is acceptable. they were $11 new a few years back, so dont pay more than that for used model Ms. New ones are not worth $80, just be patient.
if you have to have it, grab a used for like 11 bucks and then wait for the new ones to show up.
if you have to have it, grab a used for like 11 bucks and then wait for the new ones to show up.
bassoprofundo
Golden Member
Holy crap... those gray ones would round out my collection. I have a boatload of original Ms of various vintages in the original white/beige, and my prize PC possessions are the two Black M13s that I found NIB and use as my main KBs. I haven't been able to find the industrial model, though... Very tempting...
WobbleWobble
Diamond Member
nerp
Diamond Member
I've never tried it, but I'd like to. It's not quite the same feel as buckling spring, but it might be preferable to some people. It's too bad places like Staples don't sell high quality keyboards because it would be nice for some people to try them out before settling on a particular style.
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