Description
part# | UNIO476 (model M5-2, 101-key keyboard with 25mm trackball) *see note below |
serial# | (none) |
date | April 25, 2000 (20 years old) |
logo | Unicomp logo |
cable | attached coiled cable, 2-head ps/2 connector |
key caps | removable (two part, key stem + key cap) |
key switches | clicky (buckling spring) |
condition | Keyboard pre-selected as good candidate and passed initial testing to confirm mechanical condition. Upper keyboard case disassembled and individual 101 keys have been removed and fully cleaned by hand. Inspection of interior plate. All 56 plastic rivets drilled out and replaced with M2 precision screws to restore internal integrity. Interior plate vacuumed to remove foreign debris. Keyboard re-assembled and re-tested post-cleaning. Individual photography of rear label. Photo gallery of typical restoration workflow. |
comments | The 25mm trackball on these keyboards is based on late 1980’s IBM rollerball ps/2 mice and does not compete well with modern USB optical mice. Â Originally these model M5-2 keyboards were used on CRTs with 640×480 resolution and modern users would be disappointed to use the trackball on modern 4K or 2K (2048 x 1152) displays. Â Can you use the trackball to move the cursor? Â Technically yes, but most people would probably prefer to use a modern 2021 USB laser optical mouse versus a 1980’s rollerball. Â Keyboard being sold at a discount to account for aforementioned.
*rear sticker says Unicomp Model M-13, but based on prior knowledge this is a misprint and should be Unicomp Model M5-2 |