Old IBM Keyboard FRU # 04K0051 help!

[Maliha]

Just got hold of the following so-called rare IBM keyboard on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-IBM-MODL-KPD89 ... 1788wt_913 from a local repair shop:-



The keyboard works fine but the trackpoint stick and it's buttons don't, also I couldn't find driver for it. My curiosity led me to pull up the trackpoint and the whole stick came out, it didn't look broken as I was able to put it back in the same position as it was previously.



Does anyone own this keyboard? if so, then do you need driver to make the trackpoint work or should I assume the keyboard has bad mouse component including the two buttons?

Thanks!

Maliha.

[Theokretes]

You're thinking of an M13, I hate to disappoint you, but that's not it.
It's most likely a kb-3923, these keyboards were made by chicony for IBM.
<-- chicony keyboard

<-- IBM 13.

The M13 keyboards did not have any windows keys, they have a silver oval IBM badge on the left side, and they were made by either keytronic or lexmark. Oh and they also use buckling springs, not a rubber membrane.

What you have is a chicony with a rubber membrane, nothing special.

The ebayer seller either is misinformed, or wants to make a quick buck by tricking people.

[Maliha]

Thanks for your post!

However, I believe the keyboard I have is different than the ones you just pointed out, it's called 104-key rubber dome w/Trackpoint IV keyboard or TrackPoint IV Keyboard, Rubber Dome (Business Black) by IBM and lenovo respectively:-

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/po ... MIGR-41968
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 59085.html, http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... WDJD7.html

As you can see in the pic I posted that there is a white thingy between "G" "H" and "B" keys, it's where the red trackpoint resides. It has video game controller like touch, you know like those antique atari game controllers. This keyboard also has a connector on front to attach a PS/2 mouse to it which works great, nonetheless don't really know why doesn't the trackpoint?

[Theokretes]

Thanks for your post!

However, I believe the keyboard I have is different than the ones you just pointed out, it's called 104-key rubber dome w/Trackpoint IV keyboard or TrackPoint IV Keyboard, Rubber Dome (Business Black) by IBM and lenovo respectively:-

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/po ... MIGR-41968
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 59085.html, http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... WDJD7.html

As you can see in the pic I posted that there is a white thingy between "G" "H" and "B" keys, it's where the red trackpoint resides. It has video game controller like touch, you know like those antique atari game controllers. This keyboard also has a connector on front to attach a PS/2 mouse to it which works great, nonetheless don't really know why doesn't the trackpoint?

No it's the same chicony keyboard I showed you, but with a trackpoint added in. The model is KPD-8923: which is taken from chicony's model number system. You can refer here:
http://www.chicony.com.tw/products/Inpu ... asp?diff=1
As you can see, the ones without the trackpoint were KB-8923, the ones with the trackpoints were dubbed KBD-8923.

Lenovo never manufactured them, and they're fairly older.

Decent rubber domes, but for the trackpoint, I'm not sure how good it is.
And there are no drivers required, it has two PS/2 cords, one plugs into the mouse port, and the other the keyboard. If it doesn't work, then it's broken.

[Maliha]

Yes, it's indeed chicony with just trackpoint added in, the model number is also same as you typed in, the one with the added D.

As for the functionality, the keys are quite hard to press on, my fingers feel so stressed out after just 5 minutes of typing, perhaps this is due to because I have been used to logitech's keyboard on my desktop PC, it's keys are very comfortable to type on, and just as soft as thinkpad's keyboard.

And yes I too suspect the trackpoint is broken.

[Theokretes]

Yes, it's indeed chicony with just trackpoint added in, the model number is also same as you typed in, the one with the added D.

As for the functionality, the keys are quite hard to press on, my fingers feel so stressed out after just 5 minutes of typing, perhaps this is due to because I have been used to logitech's keyboard on my desktop PC, it's keys are very comfortable to type on, and just as soft as thinkpad's keyboard.

And yes I too suspect the trackpoint is broken.

The T60/61 thinkpad keyboards are basically the same in terms of resistance with the chicony ones. But I assume you're not using one of those.

You can always get a real IBM Model M13 on ebay or other places (usually range from $100). Those use buckling springs, but they still have a fair amount of resistance. Most IBM keyboards do (with the Model F keyboards as an exception).

[robert213]

You can always get a real IBM Model M13 on ebay or other places (usually range from $100). Those use buckling springs, but they still have a fair amount of resistance. Most IBM keyboards do (with the Model F keyboards as an exception).

Option B: Purchase brand new...

http://www.pckeyboards.com
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/

Welcome to Unicomp's online keyboard store. You may not recognize the name, but if you know IBM or Lexmark, you already know a lot about us. Unicomp was established in 1996 when we purchased keyboard technology from Lexmark International, the former IBM Division and long-time maker of high quality keyboards for IBM. Today at Unicomp, we continue the tradition of making quality keyboards. The Web Site is currently being "remodeled"; should you encounter a problem during this time, please contact Customer Support at the toll free number shown below.

Customer Support is available by calling 1-800-777-4886; Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM till 6:00 PM EST.

[Maliha]

The T60/61 thinkpad keyboards are basically the same in terms of resistance with the chicony ones. But I assume you're not using one of those.

You can always get a real IBM Model M13 on ebay or other places (usually range from $100). Those use buckling springs, but they still have a fair amount of resistance. Most IBM keyboards do (with the Model F keyboards as an exception).

I used to have a T60 but it's keys didn't have same amount of resistance as this IBM keyboard, I think it had NMB.

You have a unique knowledge about IBM keyboards, sounds like you have experience with all of them

@robert great websites, thanks for posting those.

-typo edit

[ThinkRob]

Psh. We all know that the original Model M is the One True Keyboard.

(The ones from *right* after Lexmark took over the actual fabrication are some of the best keyboards ever made IMHO.)

[Theokretes]

Psh. We all know that the original Model M is the One True Keyboard.

(The ones from *right* after Lexmark took over the actual fabrication are some of the best keyboards ever made IMHO.)

There's been a lot of talk about different "spring feel" in various Model Ms manufactured by lexmark, maxiswitch, unicomp, IBM etc...

I'm stuck with an ancient Model M, one of the very early ones with a silver badge (thankfully it has LEDs), so I can't say whether or not the feel is different to newer ones. I DID however note it sounds "pongy" as a first impression. And a lot of people say that's how the early Ms sound/feel.
The key labels happen to be dyed much thicker too unlike later models. That couldn't be said about the [white] M13 ones though...

[virge]

*snip*

Decent rubber domes, but for the trackpoint, I'm not sure how good it is.
And there are no drivers required, it has two PS/2 cords, one plugs into the mouse port, and the other the keyboard. If it doesn't work, then it's broken.

I have both types of keyboards. Actually I have about 6 of the M13 keyboards...

The trackpoint is much better on the newer model, but you can't beat the clicky keys on the M13 keyboard!

[TKuser]

I have a white IBM 01K1219, with 2-button Trackpoint, that looks exactly like the 04K0051, except it's white instead of black. I got it in 1999.

Does anyone know if it's the same exact keyboard/trackpoint other than the color? I am happy enough with my 01K1219 and I'd like to get a backup, but I often find the 04K0051 around.

[corona]

Funny we're talking about Model M's. Mine says it was made in Mexico (in 1990). Whatever; I love it.