# Retrocomputing computer peripherals other than the IBM Model M keyboard? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 27, 2011, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523 "2011-07-27T18:03:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/1 "2011-07-27T18:03:26Z")
The IBM Model M Keyboard > **[Model M keyboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard)** > > Model M keyboards are a group of computer keyboards designed and manufactured by IBM starting in 1985, and later by Lexmark International, Maxi Switch, and Unicomp. The keyboard's many variations have their own distinct characteristics, with the vast majority having a buckling-spring key design and swappable keycaps. Model M keyboards are notable among computer enthusiasts and frequent typists due to their durability, typing-feel consistency, and their tactile and auditory feedback. > The popular... is perennially popular with people who type a lot on a computer, with 15-25 year old examples going for up to $100 and actually getting used with modern computers. People love it because it is Solid, Heavy, ultra-accurate, with double action keystrokes. What other old computer peripherals are used (or usable) with modern computers without heavy-duty custom interface engineering, or what old peripherals have you used with significantly more modern computers? It’s ok if the usage is primarily for giggles, e.g. “You got a 2009 laptop hooked up to a 1985 Commodore floppy drive, and are actually using it to save documents? Wow, you have too much time on your hands.”, but bonus points for setups that actually have significant utility. There are no hard-and-fast rules as to what constitutes a modern computer or an old peripheral - be reasonable and use your judgment. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/2 "2011-07-27T19:27:32Z")
[http://www.printerworks.com/Catalogs/SX-Catalog/SX-HP\_LaserJet-II.html](http://www.printerworks.com/Catalogs/SX-Catalog/SX-HP_LaserJet-II.html) HP Laserjet II 24 years old. Still fully armed and operational. ---
**Author:** ![Bytegeist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9dc877/32.png) [@Bytegeist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bytegeist)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/3 "2011-07-27T19:51:07Z")
It’s not all that old, but I have an Iomega Zip Drive (250 MB) that I use as an extra backup option, mostly for old text files. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/4 "2011-07-27T22:03:00Z")
Some people with carpel tunnel and movement issues prefer this discontinued Logitech trackball “marble” mouse and will pay big bucks on eBay even for used ones. example here [http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Marble-Wheel-Optical-Trackball-USB-/180697566923?pt=Mice&hash=item2a126a0ecb](http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Marble-Wheel-Optical-Trackball-USB-/180697566923?pt=Mice&hash=item2a126a0ecb) ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/5 "2011-07-27T22:44:09Z")
The trackman mice are the best mouse I’ve ever used, and I love them because they confuse the hell out of anyone who tries to use my computer. Pity is my last one died, and I haven’t been able to afford a replacement recently. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/6 "2011-07-28T00:02:58Z")
That’s USB. How can that be retrocomputing? Best trackball I ever had, by the way. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/7 "2011-07-28T01:23:09Z")
Another vintage keyboards you’ll hear about is the Apple Extended Keyboard II. I’ve got one, found new in the box with no yellowing at a thrift store, and have an ADB-to-USB adapter to make it work. However, I keep it stored away; I use a Matias Tactile Pro at home instead. Why? The AEKII is practically investment-grade. The Northgate Omnikey is another legendary old-school tactile keyboard. Supposedly there’s a few high-end CRT monitors that still command big bucks among the DTP and design crowd. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/8 "2011-07-28T05:30:43Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > That’s USB. How can that be retrocomputing? > > Best trackball I ever had, by the way. You need to remember that USB has been around for 15 years now. There are old USB devices that are plenty “retro” in computer terms. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/9 "2011-07-28T10:28:12Z")
Get off mah lawn! ---
**Author:** ![ShanYao](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@ShanYao](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShanYao)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/10 "2011-08-02T08:11:17Z")
Unfortunately my last a dead, I haven’t been able to afford to replace recently… [Friday Night Lights Seasons 1-5 DVD Boxset](http://www.wholesalecheapdvd.com/Friday-Night-Lights-Seasons-1-5-DVD-Boxset-FREE-SHIPPING-424.html) [Doctor who seasons 1-5 DVD Boxset](http://www.wholesalecheapdvd.com/Doctor-Who-Seasons-1-5-DVD-Boxset-FREE-SHIPPING-33.html) [NCIS Seasons 1-8 DVD Boxset](http://www.wholesalecheapdvd.com/NCIS-Seasons-1-8-DVD-Boxset-FREE-SHIPPING-506.html) ---
**Author:** ![SuperAbe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@SuperAbe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuperAbe)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/11 "2011-08-02T08:20:15Z")
Linkspam reported. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/12 "2011-08-02T08:41:01Z")
Someone else posted a link here a few days ago, worth repeating in this thread (thought it’s not exactly what the OP is describing): [Recreating the Legendary Commodore 64](http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx) ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/13 "2011-08-02T09:44:25Z")
Useless but very cool: [this guy made a 1964 modem work with a current laptop](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9dpXHnJXaE). Browses wikipedia in text mode @ 300 baud! ---
**Author:** ![Bytegeist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9dc877/32.png) [@Bytegeist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bytegeist)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/14 "2011-08-02T13:24:45Z")
> [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](#): > > Useless but very cool: [this guy made a 1964 modem work with a current laptop](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9dpXHnJXaE). Browses wikipedia in text mode @ 300 baud! He should try to watch his own Youtube video with that setup. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/15 "2011-08-02T15:27:27Z")
> [@astro](#): > > Some people with carpel tunnel and movement issues prefer this discontinued Logitech trackball “marble” mouse and will pay big bucks on eBay even for used ones. > > example here > > [http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Marble-Wheel-Optical-Trackball-USB-/180697566923?pt=Mice&hash=item2a126a0ecb](http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Marble-Wheel-Optical-Trackball-USB-/180697566923?pt=Mice&hash=item2a126a0ecb) Wow. Best trackball ever, and I gave them away, or more likely: threw them away. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/16 "2011-08-03T03:52:26Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Someone else posted a link here a few days ago, worth repeating in this thread (thought it’s not exactly what the OP is describing): > [Recreating the Legendary Commodore 64](http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx) yeah, but I still can’t play my original rom cartridge games on it. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/17 "2011-08-03T04:17:07Z")
> [@guestchaz](#): > > yeah, but I still can’t play my original rom cartridge games on it. Actually, it seems like they’re about to roll that feature out. Scroll down the page to [The New Commodore 64 Is Fun!](http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx): > [@](#): > > Play all your favorite 8-bit era games within seconds of turning the Commodore 64 on, by either selecting the C64 icon from the boot menu to run a C64 emulator directly, or from within our own Commodore Operating System where you can launch classic games in seconds. > > Note: Commodore OS 1.0, along with emulation functionality and classic game package, will be mailed to purchasers when available. In the meantime, units come with the Ubuntu 10.10 operating system on CD ready to install. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/18 "2011-08-04T01:26:26Z")
erm, yes, I see now, took a perspective shift, was reading game package as software package not hardware package ---
**Author:** ![AnalogSignal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/analogsignal/32/1085_2.png) [@AnalogSignal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnalogSignal)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/19 "2011-08-04T01:42:32Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Actually, it seems like they’re about to roll that feature out. No, you can’t plug in original ROMs, you run games in the emulator. It’s a Linux box in the shape of a C-64. ---
**Author:** ![buckgully](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb9ed0/32.png) [@buckgully](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buckgully)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523/20 "2011-08-04T01:45:43Z")
Similar to the model M, I use an Apple Extended Keyboard with an ADB-\>USB interface. Same kind of bucking spring mechanism and big, heavy construction. I’ve recently purged a lot of my really old legacy gear. Watching “Hoarders” on A&E tends to get me to do that. For example, I got rid of the six drive SCSI tower connected to my game pc. Held a whopping 4.5 gig of data. You can get USB thumbsticks with more capacity than that in the checkout lane of the grocery store, and those won’t dim the lights when they power up. Oh, I do still have an AGFA scsi scanner that I use. That’s not really retro, though. I mean, it’s old, but it was top of the line when it came out many moons ago, and still outperforms a lot of the consumer grade scanners out there. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrocomputing-computer-peripherals-other-than-the-ibm-model-m-keyboard/590523.md?page=2)