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IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

mthompson.org

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Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#71

Post by chx »

pkamb wrote: post #64

The "ThinkPad USB Keyboard with TrackPoint" is the updated version of the OP's keyboard, with nice improvements such as the "big delete key" and slightly more modern build quality. Sold from ~2009 to ~2013. https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/pd005137 I use one of these full time at my desk. All TrackPoint, no mouse or trackpad. Lenovo is now unfortunately making only the "Compact" keyboard, with the same chic…

These (both the original author's and this) are the ThinkPad laptop keyboards put in a plastic shell plus a USB driver chip.

This one, the 55Y9003 is the exact same as the T420 keyboard. I have one, it's really nice, although some reinforcement and a Bluetooth version would really be appreciated. Alas it's really hard to take it apart. You can find instructions at https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Displays-Options-and-Accessorie... and this forum post mentions some success in adding a few metal rods. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=710896&sid=5322c4...

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#72

Post by dclowd9901 »

joezydeco wrote: post #14
papercrane wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Manufactured by Lite-on for IBM, but the arrangement is quite common. For example, Foxconn manufactures all current generation consoles, but we still say "Microsoft makes the Xbox One."

Lite-on also builds the power supply for the 4th gen AppleTV... https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JZCBHisKVpM6G1eN.h...

They also used to build the shit out of CD-ROM drives; didn't seem to matter which company sold the drive -- it was almost invariable a Lite-On drive.

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#73

Post by agumonkey »

jonbaer wrote: post #26

Does no one remember the Butterfly keyboard on the 701? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_ThinkPad_Butterfly_keyboar...

Never had the pleasure to own or use one. My best was this : http://mla-s1-p.mlstatic.com/mouse-ibm-ps2-ball-scroll-point...

Fond memories.

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#74

Post by rbanffy »

paulmd wrote: post #24
WizzleKake wrote: post #7

http://www.pckeyboard.com/ Unicomp is still keeping the glory days of the IBM Model M keyboard alive.

I love what Unicomp is doing. The Model Ms are fantastic keyboards and I have several that I use for programming. They're indestructible and you can maintain and repair them very easily. You can grab keyboards off eBay and swap them out for parts, or source new parts from Unicomp. I really wish they would offer the full-size in addition to the Compact models. I have big hands and the full-size are much more comfortab…

> you can maintain and repair them very easily

I recently had to send mine (a PC 122 layout unit) back to Unicomp when the left Alt key stuck internally at the pressed position. The pictures of the disassembly of a Model M didn't look too encouraging, so I thought it'd be best to send it back to the factory so someone familiar with the design could repair it. Would you like to point to some resources so I can do it myself the next time it fails?

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#76

Post by chx »

melling wrote: post #20
jseliger wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Those are excellent and I used one for years: http://jakeseliger.com/2008/05/07/product-review-unicomp-cus... before switching to a Kinesis Advantage. Though I like the keyfeel of the Model M better, the ergonomics of the Kinesis are better.

Can anyone discuss the ergonomics of the Kinesis? It has MX Brown Cherry switches which are easier on the hands, for example. I've often wonder if its unique shape had proven benefits. Many people have tried using it but have given up. Is it better than an ErgoDox, for instance? http://ergodox.org

I didn't like the Kinesis Advantage because it put an even bigger load on my poor thumbs. I am using a Kinesis Freestyle w/ the Ascent, vertically. Now that's ergonomical.

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#77

Post by Havoc »

>the modern chiclet-key Lenovo equivalents

I kinda like them actually from a tactile point of view.

The trackpads on the Lenovos on the other hand...someone deserves to be shot for that. Same for the person that switched the CTRL and fn keys. Seriously WTF?

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#78

Post by 1ris »

bryanlarsen wrote: post #63
abtinf wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You say swapped, I say its the correct placement. I use control much more frequently than fn, and its easier to reach it with my pinky on the thinkpad keyboard.

Don't use your pinky, use the meat of your hand to press the control key.

That way I also press Shift, Fn and the Windows key, while holing my hand in a very unergonomic position.

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#79

Post by timtadh »

LesZedCB wrote: post #75
p_eter_p wrote: post #46

There is a special place in hell reserved for the designer who swapped the function and control key placement on that keyboard. Thankfully you can change it in the bios.

Long live the Capslock-as-control-key master race. :)

emacs user! another to be expunged.

all hail as caps lock!

    for on that day,
        all shall be in normal mode,
      on the day of text
        one will `export EDITOR=/usr/bin/vim`
-- from the book of vim 2:12

Re: IBM is still making ThinkPad keyboards

#80

Post by theGimp »

platz wrote: post #68
abtinf wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You say swapped, I say its the correct placement. I use control much more frequently than fn, and its easier to reach it with my pinky on the thinkpad keyboard.

swap ALT and CTRL, then map CAPS to ALT. Then you can hit "CTRL" with your left thumb.

I tried pressing Alt with my left thumb, and it felt like playing Twister using my hand.

Hats off to your dutiful fingers.

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