|
Model M is a designation for a group of computer keyboards manufactured by IBM starting in 1984, and later by Lexmark, Unicomp and MaxiSwitch. 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 have been praised by computer enthusiasts and frequent typists due to their durability and consistency, and the tactile and auditory feedback they provide. The Model M is also regarded as a timeless and durable piece of hardware.〔(King of click: the story of the greatest keyboard ever made )〕〔(【引用サイトリンク】 title=The Best Keyboard You've Ever Typed On )〕〔(【引用サイトリンク】 url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/147939/greatest_keyboard.html )〕 Although the computers and computer peripherals produced concurrently with the Model M are considered obsolete, many Model M keyboards are still in use due to their physical durability and the continued validity of their ANSI 101-key layouts. Since their original popularity, new generations of writers and computer technicians have rediscovered their unique functionality and esthetics.〔.〕 The Kentucky-based company Unicomp continues to manufacture and sell Model M-style keyboards.〔 == History == The Model M was designed to be more cost effective than the Model F keyboards it replaced. Production of Model M's began in 1985; they were often bundled with new IBM computers. They were produced at IBM plants in Lexington; Greenock, Scotland and Guadalajara, Mexico. The most common Model M variant is the part number 1391401, the US English layout keyboard of the IBM PS/2. Until around 1993, most Model M's included a sturdy, coiled, detachable cable, with either an AT (pre-1987) or PS/2 connector, in 5- and 10-foot lengths (1.5 and 3 metres). From about 1994 onwards, flat non-detachable cables were used to reduce manufacturing costs; however, IBM retained its 101-key layout, never implementing the Microsoft Windows keys common on other keyboards from that time. Unicomp later designed a 104-key Model M with Windows keys. On March 27, 1991, IBM divested a number of its hardware manufacturing operations, including keyboard manufacturing, to the investment firm Clayton & Dubilier, Inc. in a leveraged buyout to form Lexmark International Group, Inc.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Customs Ruling HQ 544887 )〕〔(【引用サイトリンク】IBM Archives: 1990s )〕 Lexmark continued manufacturing the Model M in the United States, United Kingdom and Mexico, with IBM being Lexmark's major customer. Many of these keyboards had IBM assembly part numbers such as 52G9658, 52G9700, 82G2383 and 42H1292. Due to pricing pressures, many Model M's in this period were manufactured with a new lower-cost design including lighter plastic, an integrated cable, and a single color for key legends. On March 27, 1996, Lexmark's contract to make keyboards for IBM expired, and Lexmark transitioned its keyboard business to IBM and other vendors.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Lexmark International Group 1996 annual report, SEC Form 10-K )〕 Some of its manufacturing assets were sold to a group of Lexmark employees, who formed Unicomp. Unicomp still manufactures its version of the Model M (similar to part number 42H1292 but first renamed 42H1292U and subsequently the "Customizer"), as well as other configurations including updated 104- and 105-key layouts; a Unix layout (where the Ctrl and Caps Lock keys and Esc and tilde keys are transposed); models with integrated TrackPoint pointing sticks or trackballs; and POS-specific models such as those with built-in magstripe readers. When Lexmark discontinued keyboard production in March of 1996, IBM continued production in Greenock, Scotland and subcontracted production of the Model M13 keyboard (IBM Enhanced Keyboard with TrackPoint II) to Maxi Switch in Mexico. These companies stopped producing Model M's in 1999 and 1998 respectively. Although current Unicomp models may still be purchased, original production models retain their value well among collectors and computer enthusiasts. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Model M keyboard」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|