Unicomp mini group buy

[7bit]

If I did purchase a Model M (assuming it's not too late) can you give me an estimate of how much the shipping would be?

Also, are there likely to be any more Unicomp group buys in the future?

There will be a key caps group buy in the near future.

Do you want the keyboard with black blank keys or with the usual gray or with the good old pearl-white gray combination.

Also, should it be US ANSI or UK ISO?

[grasshopper]

I'd prefer UK ISO.

Is it possible to order one with pearl-white gray keys and a separate set of blank black keys?

[7bit]

I'd prefer UK ISO.

Is it possible to order one with pearl-white gray keys and a separate set of blank black keys?

Consider them ordered!

I will send you a message with the payment details. I can't say much about shipping, because we still have to figure out the cheapest way. Maybe we are lucky and USA is bankrupt sooner than the Euro-states.

[laggy-gaga]

I paid almost $100 usd for 4kg!

[webwit]

Cheapest will be surface mail.

[grasshopper]

Hi 7bit,

I'm very sorry to mess you around but after much consideration I've decided that I can't risk buying such an expensive (and heavy) item without knowing a little bit more about the shipping arrangements. If it ends up being $100 as some here have suggested then that's just too much. Are you based in Germany (I notice you have a US email address)? If you are then would my keyboard be shipped to Germany and then to the UK? If that's the case, I'm concerned that the shipping might actually end up being more expensive than ordering directly from Unicomp, unless you've negotiated a special deal.

I've also had an idea that I'd like to research before making the final decision over what to purchase.

I own a 1992 Model M that I haven't used much because it's US ANSI layout and I prefer UK ISO. However, it occurs to me that it might be possible to convert it to an ISO layout by purchasing suitable parts from Unicomp. I could then purchase a black case for it, and end up with a black model M for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. However, I need to contact Unicomp to find out whether it's actually possible to do the ANSI to ISO conversion, and more importantly, whether they'd be willing to sell me the parts. It's also unclear whether the black cases they sell come with feet, screws, LED overlays etc., or whether those items need to be purchased separately.

In addition to the keyboard, there are a few other miscellaneous items that I'd like to purchase from Unicomp:

3 * gray LED overlay (must be original IBM design, not the ones with the unicomp text)
3 * black LED overlay (must be original IBM design not the ones with the Unicomp text)
3 * IBM oval badge (white)
3 * IBL oval badge (black). If black is not available then I'd like blue instead.
1 * printed pearl white keycap with a }] symbol on it (I have a keyboard which is missing this keycap)
3 * spring with pivot plate
1 * set of RGB printed buttons
1 * printed blue enter key (the main enter key)
1 * printed blue enter key (the smaller enter key on numpad)
1 * printed red backspace key
1 * printed red delete key

The above keycaps are all for a UK (ISO) keyboard which doesn't have Windows keys (customer 102 non-US).

Can you let me know how long I have to make a final decision?

If there isn't time for me to get answers to my questions then could I just purchase the above items, and I'll wait for a future group buy before purchasing the more expensive heavier items.

Thanks for your help.

[7bit]

Shipping will be from US directly to you if its cheaper than combined shipping, which might be the case with a keyboard. The PayPal address is the one of who will do the shipping from US.

I own a 1992 Model M that I haven't used much because it's US ANSI layout and I prefer UK ISO. However, it occurs to me that it might be possible to convert it to an ISO layout by purchasing suitable parts from Unicomp. I could then purchase a black case for it, and end up with a black model M for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. However, I need to contact Unicomp to find out whether it's actually possible to do the ANSI to ISO conversion, and more importantly, whether they'd be willing to sell me the parts. It's also unclear whether the black cases they sell come with feet, screws, LED overlays etc., or whether those items need to be purchased separately.

If you want an ISO layout Model M, there are plenty showing up every day all accross Europe! Go for a cheap one in good shape and then sell yours for a higer price (US-layout => more seldom in Europe or UK => higher price!)

I've go 3 Model Ms (101-102 keys, 122keys are a different story) in perfect shape for the price of one from Unicomp!

Nevertheless, it is possible to do the conversion (though not necessary). Just ask Half-Saint about how to convert.

In addition to the keyboard, there are a few other miscellaneous items that I'd like to purchase from Unicomp:

3 * gray LED overlay (must be original IBM design, not the ones with the unicomp text)
3 * black LED overlay (must be original IBM design not the ones with the Unicomp text)
3 * IBM oval badge (white)
3 * IBL oval badge (black). If black is not available then I'd like blue instead.
1 * printed pearl white keycap with a }] symbol on it (I have a keyboard which is missing this keycap)
3 * spring with pivot plate
1 * set of RGB printed buttons
1 * printed blue enter key (the main enter key)
1 * printed blue enter key (the smaller enter key on numpad)
1 * printed red backspace key
1 * printed red delete key

The above keycaps are all for a UK (ISO) keyboard which doesn't have Windows keys (customer 102 non-US).

Can you let me know how long I have to make a final decision?

Only until Monday, 1 August 2011!

ps: If you only take the stuff in your list and go for a used keyboard, shipping will be cheaper than if you ordered directly.

[grasshopper]

If you want an ISO layout Model M, there are plenty showing up every day all accross Europe! Go for a cheap one in good shape and then sell yours for a higer price (US-layout => more seldom in Europe or UK => higher price!)
directly.

Really? Model Ms appear to be quite scarce in the UK, and they're selling for crazy money on Ebay (generally £60 or more). Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

I didn't realise the ANSI models were actually more sought after. Personally I don't like the small enter keys. However, I'm not persuaded that selling my ANSI model and then buying an ISO model is a good idea. Any profit is likely to be more than offset by high shipping charges.

[grasshopper]

Shipping will be from US directly to you if its cheaper than combined shipping, which might be the case with a keyboard. The PayPal address is the one of who will do the shipping from US.
directly.

Is the guy doing the shipping a member of this board, and has he done this type of thing before? I'd be interested in having a chat with him to see whether he has any idea how much the shipping will be. I'm not after an exact amount. Just a ballpark figure will do.

Also, would it still be cheaper if I ordered a black case and the smaller parts?

[7bit]

Shipping will be from US directly to you if its cheaper than combined shipping, which might be the case with a keyboard. The PayPal address is the one of who will do the shipping from US.
directly.

Is the guy doing the shipping a member of this board, and has he done this type of thing before? I'd be interested in having a chat with him to see whether he has any idea how much the shipping will be. I'm not after an exact amount. Just a ballpark figure will do.

Also, would it still be cheaper if I ordered a black case and the smaller parts?

He is trustworthy, believe me!

The cases are lighter, so more fit into one box.

It is a bit difficult to find out how much fits into one box before we've got the stuff.

ps: I said: Get an ISO board and then sell off the ANSI so you know how much to get.

I got 3 Model Ms this year (2 ANSI and one ISO) and paid around 37 EUR per keyboard including shipping (avarage).

Add 10 EUR per keyboard and it's shipped to you home!

ps: the only thing you need are a few UK-keycaps ($25 for a brand new full set, less if you just take the keycaps you need for UK layout).

[grasshopper]

I got 3 Model Ms this year (2 ANSI and one ISO) and paid around 37 EUR per keyboard including shipping (avarage).

Can you provide me with some sources? They're selling for more than double that price in the UK.

Thanks

[7bit]

Can you provide me with some sources? They're selling for more than double that price in the UK.

Thanks

IBM Model M.

Not mentioning those which are hidden because the sellers don't know what they sell, like my Ambra Model M:

[nathanscribe]

Model Ms appear to be quite scarce in the UK, and they're selling for crazy money on Ebay (generally £60 or more). Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

FWIW, I got my ISO M last autumn for a little over £30 plus shipping. Seemed like a normal price at the time as I watched a couple of others sell for about the same. Maybe they've gone up since, I don't know. I wouldn't say they're rare exactly, but there are plenty of times a sensible eBay search term fails to bring up the goods. My recent 122-key terminal board was the result of a fairly random spot check on the term 'IBM', but didn't appear under keyboards etc.

As for ordering from Unicomp to the UK, I bought a spacesaver from them a few months ago that was $80 list, and that came in at nearly £80 once shipping, VAT and all extra import costs had been added in.

[grasshopper]

Well I just had a look on Ebay (UK) and the most recently sold Model M I could find went for £45. That doesn't sound too bad. However, from the picture it looks filthy and has several missing keycaps.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IBM-model-M-B ... 3a68128b1d

That being said, Ebay prices are pretty erratic (to put it mildly) so there are probably still bargains to be had if you're willing to be patient.

[grasshopper]

Hi 7bit,

I've now finalised my order. Hopefully I'm not too late. The items I would like to purchase are as follows:

3 * gray LED overlay (text only, no symbols i.e. original IBM design, not the ones with the Unicomp text)
3 * black LED overlay (text only, no symbols i.e. original IBM design not the ones with the Unicomp text)
3 * IBM full size oval badge (white). If white is not available then I'd like blue instead
3 * IBM full size oval badge (black).
5 * spring with pivot plate
1 * white stabiliser insert for an ISO enter key.
1 * key stem.
1 * Black 101/102 cover set (ideally pre-1996 design). Please include any necessary ancillary items such as feet, badge, LED overlay (plain black IBM design), cable strain relief etc.

Please could I also have one each of the following keycaps:

`¬ (key to the left of 1)
2"
3£
backspace
tab
enter key (the big one on ISO keyboards, not the one of the numpad).
caps lock
'@
#~
left shift
\|
right shift
alt gr
F11
]}

Note each line above describes a single keycap. So for example 2" is a single key.
All keycaps are for an ISO UK layout keyboard and should be the same white (or grey depending on the key) colour of the original IBM keyboards.

Unfortunately I don't know the prices of all the items. But I'd guess the overall total would be approx $40. Does that sound about right to you?

[grasshopper]

As for ordering from Unicomp to the UK, I bought a spacesaver from them a few months ago that was $80 list, and that came in at nearly £80 once shipping, VAT and all extra import costs had been added in.

Hmm. That's not as much as I expected. Can you remember how much the shipping was, and what carrier was used? I've heard from several sources that shipping a Model M to Europe generally costs more than the keyboard itself.

[webwit]

I haven't been shipped bricks from the US for a while so maybe pricing has changed, but the cost to ship a Model M was typically $40 - $50, and if customs caught it, an additional 19% VAT over the total (including shipping costs!) and import costs (I think 12.50 EUR now in my country) are added. That is with USPS. Unicomp uses UPS, which is usually more expensive.

[grasshopper]

I haven't been shipped bricks from the US for a while so maybe pricing has changed, but the cost to ship a Model M was typically $40 - $50, and if customs caught it, an additional 19% VAT over the total (including shipping costs!) and import costs (I think 12.50 EUR now in my country) are added. That is with USPS. Unicomp uses UPS, which is usually more expensive.

That's more in line with what I've heard from other sources. As you point out, the key is whether customs intercept the package. In my experience, here in the UK they generally don't bother with smaller packages. But for something heavy like a keyboard they almost certainly would. If that happens you're forced to pay VAT and various other arbitrary and excessive charges.

[nathanscribe]

It was FedEx who delivered it to me. Just dug out my receipts and the keyboard was $69, shipping was $43, it took about 5 days to get to the UK. And then FedEx wanted £7.74 for the VAT and £10 "advancement fee".

The Dollar amount translated to just under £75 at the time, so the sum cost was a shade over £90.

[grasshopper]

I wonder if Unicomp's prices include any sort of local VAT or sales tax. If they do then potentially we could reclaim it, or not have it charged in the first place. I'm pretty sure that dual-taxation agreements exist between the US and most European countries.

[laggy-gaga]

We don't need to pay GST unless more than 1000 AUD in OZ
they used FedEx to me

[nathanscribe]

I wonder if Unicomp's prices include any sort of local VAT or sales tax.

From their website:

Sales Tax

Sales tax will be charged on all purchases shipped to a location within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sales tax for other ship-to locations is the responsibility of the Buyer.

[woody]

I've been disconnected for about a week - how is this group buy going?

[grasshopper]

Yes. I'd be interested in an update as well.

7bit, did you get my pm?

[7bit]

I've been disconnected for about a week - how is this group buy going?

Things are ordered and 122 key keyboards are already arrived.

Yes. I'd be interested in an update as well.

7bit, did you get my pm?

Yep. Ordered I say!

[xbb]

any update on my order? sent you some PMs, I did not pay yet.

[woody]

Things are ordered and 122 key keyboards are already arrived.

My, oh, my. Stuff is happening while I'm gone.
Gut, Mein Kamerad!

[pederlol]

No rush at all, but any status on this one?

[pederlol]

Bump...

[paat]

I think 7bit took our money and spent it for a nice vacation with black jack and a lot of whores.












just kidding