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- asgardshill, on 06/21/2009, -1/+41They were built well, no doubt about that.
- Sirocco, on 06/21/2009, -2/+38I've been using my '86 model M since I first acquired it in 1992. There's no telling how many hundreds of thousands of lines of code I've run though on that board. It still looks and functions as well as the day I received it. My will states it is to be buried with me. I can't risk assuming proper keyboards will be available in the afterlife ;)
- internetisscary, on 06/21/2009, -4/+37a golden rule: respect your elders
- ileftfark, on 06/21/2009, -0/+30Always eavesdropping on the other keyboards in the office, eh?
- Nodaki, on 06/21/2009, -2/+26I have one at home and one at work. Greatest computer accessory ever created. The Model M.
I fished them both out of trash bins at work because they were missing some key covers. Finding the key covers was not a problem and now I have the nosiest keyboard at work. - MtheoryX, on 06/21/2009, -1/+24They definitely weren't the first to make ***** keyboards, and won't be the last.
- Hengist, on 06/21/2009, -1/+18Like many of the posters here, I would like to just say that my Model M is the best keyboard I have ever used. It's just as old as I am (24), been through four different IT corporations, and still works perfectly. It even looks almost new---no aged yellowing cracked plastic here! The worst damage I have found on it is a nick in the tilde key.
On the off-chance that anyone who was involved in the development of this terrific bit of computing hardware is reading this post, let me just say THANK YOU! Your masterpiece is appreciated by thousands every day. - ChrisHB, on 06/21/2009, -2/+18Before Dell started to make keyboards very cheap and sloppy.
- PhillyOC, on 06/21/2009, -2/+18Wow. Perhaps the sarcasm was a bit too thinly veiled.
At least I got it, bro. - 47f0, on 06/21/2009, -0/+14Damn skippy. There are very few things I'm reverent about, but the Model M is one. I have six of them - which is utterly unjustifiable, because my original will outlive my grandkids.
Yes, they may keep your next door neighbors awake with their clatter, and yes, they weigh more than your entire computer, but when it comes to sitting down and cranking out thousands of characters, the Model M will always, always leave your fingers happy. - efitz11, on 06/21/2009, -1/+14They don't make M like they used to.
fixed - jftitan, on 06/21/2009, -0/+12coined old phrase...
They don't make them like they used to.... Quality to last.
Today, its...
It's cheap, and if it breaks we'll just buy a new one.
Model M. = 20+ years $30 bucks when I bought one a few years ago for a project.
Generic KB = $5 barely lasts 2yrs. x 10yrs, = 50 bucks. I see the difference.
"when it comes down to it, its all about cosmetics."
Just like Hammers and Axes made today, they wear like *****, compared to my old trusty boy scout camping axe made with hardened steal, and rarely needs sharpening. (oh and it weighs a ton compared to what is sold today) - Phrea, on 06/21/2009, -2/+13Behold the heracy; I threw mine out about a decade ago... I know I will end in Hell for doing that, but at the time I got me a new keyboard in over a decade, and didnt want to see my M again.
Now, I want my clicketyclick back.
All is not lost though, I still have an IBM 5155 that uses kinda the same keyboard basically.
I will understand if you guys bury me though, I would. - filtercake, on 06/21/2009, -0/+11Unicomp Keyboards sells buckling spring keyboards similar to the model M. It's a worthy replacement to my model M that drowned. http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html
- inactive, on 06/21/2009, -0/+9Nah, no burying. You made a mistake, it happens.
- Nodaki, on 06/21/2009, -0/+9heh that did not look right when I typed it. Thanks for the correction.
- franklymister, on 06/21/2009, -1/+10I'm using a model M modified to work with USB right now. Unfortunately, I can't get it to work with my Mac, but at least it gives me a good excuse to do my writing on the PC.
- ugacrew, on 06/21/2009, -1/+9There's something to be said for a keyboard with well defined keys, good tactile response, and a nice clickity-clack that rivals the IBM Selectric Typewriter. *sigh*
- ihate2regist, on 06/21/2009, -1/+9Im on a 28AUG1986 silver logo
- BDOUG, on 06/21/2009, -1/+8These were indeed awesome keyboards. I wonder if I would actually like using one now, though. After getting using the cheap / squishy / bad keyboards for so many years it probably would be hard to touch type on a real keyboard again.
This reminds me of piano keys (or weighted synthesizer keys) versus unweighted synth keys. Once you get accustomed to one type it's kind of hard to play on the other. - esquilax, on 06/21/2009, -1/+8But Dell used to ship computers with Dell-branded Model Ms.
- Hodor, on 06/21/2009, -3/+10I've got a das keyboard, and it's like an upgraded model M; I loved these keyboards.
- PhillyOC, on 06/21/2009, -0/+7Funny you should have two of the greatest keyboards ever made and still make spelling errors. You should relinquish them to someone more skilled. jk
- specialbuddy1, on 06/21/2009, -0/+6That keyboard has some weight to it too.
- 3Den, on 06/21/2009, -0/+6Not in the least - you'd love it. They are not harder to type on - you don't get more tired. I switched back a couple of months ago.
The well-defined and consistent tactile response of the buckling spring actually lets you type easier and more naturally - you don't have to mash the keys all the way down - just enough to have them click,and your fingers automatically learn this.
- Havs, on 06/21/2009, -0/+6A keyboard with some cherry blue switches is a good alternative to the Model M. It still provides the same click + tactile feedback, but the keys are a bit easier to push.
- WillWork4Food, on 06/21/2009, -0/+6Just flipped mine over.
Yep, speaker hole. Never noticed that before. - Jeepinator, on 06/21/2009, -0/+6That's because manufacturers learned that to stay in business they couldn't build a product that lasted forever. If they did, then nobody would ever buy anything new when their old stuff worked perfectly and did the same thing. Refrigerators are a good example of this. I have an old one downstairs that is almost 2 times as old as I am. Meanwhile we have gone through several new refrigerators for our kitchen, because the new ones don't last nearly as long.
- Phrea, on 06/21/2009, -0/+5Well, it's made from depleted uranium.
- Nodaki, on 06/21/2009, -1/+6I attack my keyboard. It sounds like you were made a victim by your Model M. You just need to show it who is boss.
- Sirocco, on 06/21/2009, -0/+5What was that? Sorry, I couldn't hear you over the sound of my keyboard.
- 47f0, on 06/21/2009, -1/+5Huh? Every OS you can find for a PC supports Dvorak with only a few mouse clicks - and the Model M makes it easy for hunt-n-peck typists - I just popped off the keycaps and rearranged them so my wife could find the right keys.
- inactive, on 06/21/2009, -0/+4i have two model M!! they rule
- BitKid, on 06/21/2009, -0/+4I'm guessing the OP is talking about Cherry brand microswitches. They are pretty good.
- EverybodyPanic, on 06/21/2009, -3/+7A model M imitation with the windows key is retarded. One of the reason some people still using the old IBM keyboard today, aside from its ruggedness, is the lack of windows key.
- kevo0954, on 06/21/2009, -0/+4The model M paled in comparison to its elder... the 3278/3279 terminal series. Now there was keyboard.
- schoate09, on 06/21/2009, -0/+4I have a new MacBook Pro. The keyboard is definitely an adjustment, but I'm getting used to it. This design definitely was about aesthetics more than ergonomics, tho.
- dsmx, on 06/21/2009, -0/+4Well you wouldn't want tank shells piecing your keyboard would you?
- insomniacpyro, on 06/21/2009, -1/+5My cousin had to get a new keyboard because he managed to rip the cable out of his old one. I gave him an old model M, and he hasn't had anything else since about 2002.
The dell keyboard I have right now (R17D50) is a pretty decent keyboard: Simple layout, nothing extra than the windows keys, and a compact design. It's a full size keyboard, but it's profile is awesomely smaller than other keyboards- great for saving desktop space. - synthoid, on 06/22/2009, -0/+3Says the guy with -5 diggs at the time of this entry.
- inactive, on 06/21/2009, -1/+4I have a 1991 Model M. The only reason I don't use it is because my computer lacks PS/2 ports. I love the KB, need to get a converter. I currently use a Logitech G15 Gaming KB, and it's sweet, but I miss the IBM. Gonna have to make a trip to Radio Shack.
- guttersniper, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3The article mentioned, I think facetiously, that this keyboard could be used as a ballistic shield. I'd just like to say that it totally can. Growing up in the country we didn't appreciate just how excellent this keyboard apparently is and a friend of mine shot his old keyboard, which I believe to be this model based on the key mechanism and the metal back plate, with a shotgun. The keyboard stopped every shot pellet. It couldn't stand up to a .22 rifle but it was very impressive.
But go ahead and digg me down for wrecking an awesome keyboard. I feel ashamed of my hillbilly past. - akula89, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3Keytronic also made some tank like keyboards very similar to the IBM model M. I loved my old Keytronic beige 104 key beast.
- hpkuarg, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3I think they are made with the same technology (they bought it from IBM when they divested their keyboard business or something). I own one and I can attest to their quality, although rollover seems rather limited.
- Rekkid, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3I have several of these keyboards including the aforementioned models that came with 3278s. I agree they are robust, but have several flaws. Three issues I have with them is the clicking sound. If you work in a cubical farm like I do, the office got considerbly less noisy when they got replaced. Secondly, they require slighly more travel / pressure to do a keypress. Just whaling away at a command prompt isn't that big of a deal, but if you do a lot of keyboarding, it produces more fatigue than modern equivalents. Thirdly, they are large and heavy. I don't move around as much equipment as I use to, but in the past I have moved around thousands of machines and quickly appreciated smaller, lighter keyboards.
The old Model M was a good keyboard, but there are more reasons than just cost that modern keyboards are not the same. - BlakeEM, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3I have a couple of those at work laying around. They were nice but years under florescent lights have made them all piss yellow.
Personally the best keyboard I have used is Logitech UltraX keyboard. They are heavy duty, slim keys so less travel for faster typing. It's easy to keep clean. The keyboard has no hot keys you don't need and keeps it simple. I've used one for years and love it. - 3Den, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3Just like driving a Porsche 911. If you are delicate with it and try to drive, shall we say, normally, it's not really fun. It's taxing. The car isn't happy, and you get tired fast.
The car, and you, are only happy and smooth when you are stomping on the accelerator, slamming in the clutch, shifting gears with passion, and cranking the wheel with enthusiasm. It was built to be handled, not babied. - Suricou, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3I have a model M - and it would horrify the fans, as I've made a few adjustments.
Some years ago, I tried to paint it black. The attempt was abandoned after I decided it wouldn't be as cool as I hoped, and because no paint I could find was hard-wearing enough for the keys. But even after much scrubbing with white spirit, I can't get it clean again, so it's now covered in black dirty-looking patches.
It also holds a large scrollwheel, glued to the top where an IBM logo once showed. I had to cut away some plastic to fit it.
I also erased all the lettering, again in my attempt to improve appearance. It also just made the board ugly.
Despite all this, it remains every bit as comfortable and practical as the day it was manufactured, if not so pleasing to look at.
Fortunatly I also have a near-mint-condition M in a box in my loft :> - Phrea, on 06/21/2009, -1/+4You are so sweet, thank you !
- fury420, on 06/21/2009, -0/+3to be fair, one could likely purchase a new fridge every couple years off of just the energy savings from turning off that vintage fridge for those couple years
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