IBM Model M keyboards for sale - qty 3 - 20 USD each plus shipping. Details inside.

[Paul Bartz]

Hi, everyone.

I've acquired three IBM Model M keyboards over the last few years that are honestly just sitting here collecting dust. One was free, and the other two were under ten bucks each.

I'd like to find new homes for these great keyboards, and am willing to let them go for, say 20 dollars US plus shipping to wherever.

I'd prefer these go to people who have been on Ars Technica for a while and will actually use them, rather than someone who's just going to turn around and mark it up 1000% on eBay.

Details:

Part number 1391401
25-Jul-88
Works - keycaps complete
SDL to PS2 coiled cable included

Part number 1391401
30-Apr-87
Works - needs <Esc> and <F2> keycaps to be complete
SDL to PS2 coiled cable included
This one includes some nice vintage Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect key labels

Part number 1393464
06-Dec-88
Works - needs <ALT> keycap to be complete
SDL to AT coiled cable included
This one needs to be cleaned, and has some sort of scorch mark on the LEDs on the top right. AT keyboard connector is way outdated.

First come, first serve.

 

[newby]

oh wow have always wanted to try a model m, would like

Part number 1391401
25-Jul-88
Works - keycaps complete
SDL to PS2 coiled cable included

if it's still available. happy to send you my keyboard collection to show that i'll actually use it & not flip

 

[asbath]

Would love to have a Model M. I've used some before, but never had one in the home!

Part number 1391401
30-Apr-87
Works - needs <Esc> and <F2> keycaps to be complete
SDL to PS2 coiled cable included
This one includes some nice vintage Lotus 1-2-3 and WordPerfect key labels

I could PM you to arrange shipping, if I'm lucky enough to be chosen for a keyboard

 

[hestermofet]

Ohh, totally down. I have a huge retro PC collection, so I would absolutely use one, if you are ok shipping to Canada. PM incoming!

I even have PCs with AT connectors (including a working PC 5160 XT and a IBM 5151 TTL monitor! This would complete the look. ), so you know this would totally go to good use.

 

[Thorvard]

Damn, too slow again

 

[sdh]

I had a Model M, in excellent condition, that I ended up giving to a friend when I was back in college 20 years ago. Can't believe how pricy they have gotten but they are excellent keyboards. Good luck to those that get one!

 

[Thorvard]

I had a Model M, in excellent condition, that I ended up giving to a friend when I was back in college 20 years ago. Can't believe how pricy they have gotten but they are excellent keyboards. Good luck to those that get one!

I got one off Ars last year(or so) as a gift for my older brother. Now my son has become enamored with them and I'm trying to find one without breaking the bank.

They're still great IMO, even if I can't imagine myself using them as a daily driver..

 

[Paul Bartz]

First dibs to newby, asbath, and hestermofet.

Thorvard, I'll keep an eye out for another one for you, and you are next in line if any of these deals don't work out. asbath and hestermofet are in Canada and shipping may be extortionate.

Yeah, these are great keyboards. I can type 80-100 WPM once I warm up, and the lack of a Windows key is a minor bother.

 

[caffeinated]

Yeah, these are great keyboards. I can type 80-100 WPM once I warm up, and the lack of a Windows key is a minor bother.

I just use SharpKeys to remap Scroll Lock to the non-existent Windows key.

 

[hestermofet]

Greetings all! I would still love the Model M, but one of our tenants had a few life emergencies and wasn't able to pay the rent this month, so we're stuck paying an extra mortgage payment that we normally wouldn't have to make. As Paul Bartz stated, postage to Canada is pretty crazy, so I likely won't be able to afford to pay in a timely manner. But my loss is your gain! I hope whoever is next in line really enjoys the keyboard!

Apologies to Paul Bartz, I really hope you didn't spend too much time getting a shipping quote.

 

[Paul Bartz]

Thorvard, hestermofet has released dibs. Would you like the AT Model M? You'll need an AT to PS2 adapter .

 

[Ligushka]

I just use SharpKeys to remap Scroll Lock to the non-existent Windows key.

Ctrl + Esc is an alternate chord for the Windows key which opens up the Start Menu, but can't be used in another combo (e.g. Windows + L). Might be easier than going all the way out to the Scroll Lock key in certain circumstances.

 

[ToolBoy]

I'd be interested in one if any are left. I have an IBM 5170 I'm restoring and it needs an appropriate keyboard.

 

[Eva01]

Ohh, totally down. I have a huge retro PC collection, so I would absolutely use one, if you are ok shipping to Canada. PM incoming!

I even have PCs with AT connectors (including a working PC 5160 XT and a IBM 5151 TTL monitor! This would complete the look. ), so you know this would totally go to good use.

To use mine on my Mac I just need a AT to USB adapter right?

 

[Bleeprz]

I hope I'm not asking too much to see photos of the Model Ms.

Always wanted one of these, but I think these have all been sold now.

 

[r0twhylr]

To use mine on my Mac I just need a AT to USB adapter right?

Ask this guy ... https://www.drakware.com/

I've used his Sun2USB adapter for connecting an old Type 5c country kit to a modern PC. If stuff is listed as "Sold Out", just email him. He's responsive and got the connector I needed back in stock quickly.

 

[methinkgud]

Oooh...

If their still available, I'd love to buy one

 

[Paul Bartz]

Dibs to newby, asbath, and Thorvard.

Sorry for the delay in shipping, everyone. These suckers are big and heavy, and I want them to arrive in good shape.

My first attempt at making custom boxes out of double-wall corrugated cardboard did not work out at all. I'm now considering shipping them in tiny crates made out of 1x3 and 1/4" plywood.

Bear with me here, please. I'll let you know when I've got them packaged adequately and will be reach out to you for shipping addresses.

 

[Paul Bartz]

Boxes acquired. Keyboards packed. newby, asbath, and Thorvard, you've got PM.

 

[SamirD]

Late to the party--I love these keyboards ever since my hands first started typing on them in 1989. And I still daily drive them since I hit nearly 140wpm on them and hate the windows keys so love the pure 101 format. If for some reason there is one that does not find a home, I will gladly give it one where it will be used daily for the next decade or two (or far more as my existing ones have).

And thank you Paul for all the stuff you've given me in the past--I'm still using it all.

Oh, and as far as shipping, I would just ship you a keyboard case I use so you can just put it in the case and zip it up knowing it will arrive in good shape, along with a prepaid UPS label--easy peasy.

 

[Paul Bartz]

All gone.