Got my first model m coming.

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 10:10

I have never owned a model m so I couldn't pass up one for 20 gpb. It is white label in perfect condition. I think I'm starting to get an interest in keyboards.

lal · 09 Nov 2011, 11:38

fossala wrote:[...] I think I'm starting to get an interest in keyboards. :roll:

lol :)

Jim66 · 09 Nov 2011, 12:15

Really? The model m is usually the first mechanical purchase that most people make.

Anything that uses bucking springs is just to loud for me.

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 12:41

I have a unicomp spacesaver so I kind of know what to expect. Just thought how could I go through my life without never having a true model m.

Jim66 · 09 Nov 2011, 14:07

Yea, the unicomp is almost identical to old model ms. What did you get? Blue or white label?

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 14:18

White label '89. Here I go revealing how young I am, it is only one year younger than me.

cheynestoking · 09 Nov 2011, 14:26

They'll always be classic, but for me having fallen in love with Topre keyswitches I'm now in the process of reducing how many Model M's I own. I'll still be keeping the best one for myself of course

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 14:35

I'm going to have to get a topre at some point just so I can see what the fuss is about. To much at the moment though.

Jim66 · 09 Nov 2011, 14:39

Trust me you do. I tried Topre, now I don't think that I'll be changing back to anything else any time soon.

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 14:44

The biggest reservation I have is that they are quite liner and light. I prefer a stiffer switch and tactile.

cheynestoking · 09 Nov 2011, 15:14

I wouldn't describe the key action as particularly light, it feels fairly average to me. The tacility is fantastic though, just the right amount of 'give'. It's supremely satisfying to type on.

grasshopper · 09 Nov 2011, 21:40

fossala wrote:I have never owned a model m so I couldn't pass up one for 20 gpb. It is white label in perfect condition. I think I'm starting to get an interest in keyboards.

That's a pretty good price for the UK. Can you tell me where you got it from? Thanks.

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 22:17

Ebay, he had 2 and I got one of them. I asked for the less yellow one and he said yes.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260889583331? ... 1497.l2649

grasshopper · 09 Nov 2011, 22:51

fossala wrote:Ebay, he had 2 and I got one of them. I asked for the less yellow one and he said yes.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260889583331? ... 1497.l2649

Damn. How did I miss those. From the pictures they appear to be in pretty good condition.

Ebay prices have become a bit ridiculous in recent years. The site increasingly appears to be used mainly by people who are cash rich but time poor. However, it appears there are still occasional bargains to be had for people who are willing to be patient (or are just lucky).

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 22:55

They where gone within an hour I think. The one I am getting looks in perfect condition. May turn up tomorrow I will post pics.

Gilgam · 09 Nov 2011, 23:00

Buckling spring are very nice, and i use to switch my home work keyboard beetween buckling spring and topre with the same pleasure for typing. Nice catch at this price

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 23:05

He has just told me he has sent it standard parcel not parcel force as he has listed. I'm not happy.

Jim66 · 09 Nov 2011, 23:52

fossala wrote:He has just told me he has sent it standard parcel not parcel force as he has listed. I'm not happy.

Standard parcels takes a couple of days longer; it isn't that bad.

fossala · 09 Nov 2011, 23:54

It means it will be after the weekend. Not too bothered as I feel I got a good deal.

nathanscribe · 10 Nov 2011, 13:13

Ah, shipping. I always spend time working out an actual shipping cost before listing - and stick to it. Still, I've never had any problems with sending anything via any Royal Mail or ParcelForce service - so I wouldn't worry, for thirty quid all in it's still good.

cheynestoking · 11 Nov 2011, 10:28

Yeah it's a good price and worth waiting for - the Lexmark manufactured Model M I had on there went for twice that. I've got one more Model M to flog actually, grey-label - it'll go up this weekend.

fossala · 11 Nov 2011, 14:06

Turned up today. Cleaned it and am now typing on it. I have ordered a long 7/32 socket to check it for broken rivets and the if there are any I will do a bolt mod. The date of the keyboard is 1989/11/07. Pictures will be up later.

fossala · 11 Nov 2011, 14:37

Here are the pictures.

nathanscribe · 11 Nov 2011, 15:26

Looks good!

fossala · 11 Nov 2011, 15:28

It turned up fithy but other than that it seems to work perfectly. What I did like was how coiled the ps2 cable still is.

fossala · 11 Nov 2011, 22:21

My cable looks very long. How long are the small ones and how long are the long ones?

Gilgam · 12 Nov 2011, 10:04

fossala wrote:My cable looks very long. How long are the small ones and how long are the long ones?

I don't know, do you men there are two different cables ?

Is the felling really diferent from your Unicomp ?

On my 1992 SSK there is a difference in typing, it's lighter on the old one thn on unicomp, but the main difference is the case.

fossala · 12 Nov 2011, 10:10

If i understand correctly there are 3 cables for model m's short, long and straight.
As to how it feels. It definetly feels lighter and the click is more dull. I have remembered why I stopped typing on the unicomp, it hurt my fingers and as I sit here typing on the model m I can feel the pain coming back.

Gilgam · 12 Nov 2011, 11:56

So do i

Buckling springs are very nice for some bursts of typing like code, small posts, but if i type a whole letter or message i can feel the pain too.
These are manly switches

But i really like the feeling.
Nice buy.

daedalus · 12 Nov 2011, 20:00

There were three official IBM SDL cables, the standard PS/2 one was about 3ft, the long one was 10ft, and there was an AT SDL cable which I believe was 6ft. Unicomp seem to roll their own, in some cases from old Model M2 cables, and they could be any length...