[geeks] Finally! A USB "Model M"

[Sridhar Ayengar]

Charles Shannon Hendrix wrote:
=>>Look in the online store.  It indeed does have buckling-spring
>>keyswitches.  And it's the same shape as the Model M, minus the 
>>"surround" area around the keyboard proper.
> 
> 
> I tried to find that but couldn't see it anywhere.

http://store.yahoo.com/pckeyboards/en104bl.html

> I don't like the trimmed down version.
> 
> I have a really hard time finding keyboards I like.

I have an exceedingly easy time.  I just use Model M's (or even older 
and clickier IBM keyboards) on everything I can.

> Even some of the newer keyboards which have features I might like for a
> gaming/media desktop, have horrible key switches.

I use my Model M for gaming and media too.  I could care less about the 
extra useless buttons.

> Also, have you seen how much the prices of keyboards have risen in the
> last couple of years, with no improvement in key switches?
> 
> A Microsoft "Executive" with switches just as crappy as a $10 special is
> $100 in CompUSA. Wassup with that?

I believe P.T. Barnum said that there's a sucker born every minute.

> Well, OK, the keycaps are thicker and heavier, but its still a rubber
> membrane keyboard...

One of my co-workers didn't believe me when I told him that I could get 
much of what he does with a mouse done with a keyboard quicker than he 
could move his hand to his mouse.  Then I proved it.

>>>It does weigh 3.6 pounds, so at least it is heavier.
>>
>>It's still significantly lighter than my made-in-1987 Model M, which is 
>>more than five pounds.
> 
> 
> My 1996 Model M weighs 4.5 pounds.

That's one of the newer Lexmark-made ones with the attached cable and 
drainage channels, no?  The original Model M's are definitely heavier 
than the Lexmark-made ones.

>>I don't think you can get it without the "double-shelf" but you can get 
>>brand new PS/2 Model Ms with the Correct Key Layout(tm).  They're 
>>available from Unicomp custom-programmed that way.  They say so right on 
>>their website.
> 
> I know, but it was a choice between $50 and $10 each on eBay for brand
> new Model Ms.
> 
> I'd love to have one, but the non-shelf switch just wasn't worth the $40
> at the time.

I just use the same Model M I've been using since December 1987.  I 
suspect it's probably going to outlast me.

What I wouldn't hesitate to plunk down $100 or more for would be a Model 
M with Trackpoint and Bluetooth.

Peace...  Sridhar