SNKB-M2004-13U-101
Notes
This keyboard was one of two M13s featured in the M13: Lexmark versus Unicomp article. This keyboard is pretty interesting simply for the fact it's a very late (and non-point of sales) IBM Model M. My best guess is that this keyboard was made by Unicomp for IBM as a replacement for dead original M13s. I decided to go with an overall blue theme for this keyboard due to the lock-lights IBM logo and icons; the blue keycaps are Unicomp's blue ANSI color printed key set and the blue nub cap is a generic Dell-blue textured pointing stick cap.
| Full Name | IBM 3494 Track Pointer Keyboard |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
18P7970 |
| TypeType A designation from my own type naming scheme used to categorise this keyboard with or from others by their common features and market intent but may/may not be derived from official names. |
Model M13 FSR Keyboard |
| Known Host SystemsKnown Host Systems A list of known host systems this keyboard could be bundled with or at least designed specifically to operate with. This could be terminals, desktop PCs or laptops. |
IBM TotalStorage 3494 Enterprise Automated Tape Library |
| KeyswitchesKeyswitches The name of the known switching mechanism that lies under this keyboard's keys. |
IBM membrane buckling springs |
| Original KeycapsOriginal Keycaps The keyboard's original keycaps' material and text/symbol printing technique. |
PBT with dye-sublimated legends |
| FeetFeet The style of this keyboard's flip-out or extendable feet. If applicable, this may also state how many levels of height adjustment are available and whether the feet could be rubberised. |
Single-setting flip-out feet |
| ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM Mode 2 (scancode set 2) |
| ConnectionConnection The keyboard-to-host connection. This is could be a description of a cable (its colour, whether its coiled, whether its detachable, and what connector is at its end) or the name of a wireless technology. |
Grey straightened-style fixed dual 6-pin mini-DIN PS/2 cable |
| Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
Full-size |
| Built-In MouseBuilt-In Mouse Possible pointing devices this keyboard could carry. This could be a brand name, name of the sensor technology behind it, or a generic description in lieu of the former details. |
"Lexmark-Unicomp" FSR pointing stick |
| Production Date | 2004-04-26 |
| Acquisition Date | 2020-02-26 |
About this keyboard type
The Unicomp On-The-Stick (also known as the Unicomp Pointing Stick Keyboard) was the continuation of Model M13 production after Lexmark and Maxi Switch had finished producing them. Whilst outwardly similar to the former OEMs' M13s, the On-The-Sticks had three major differences underneath; the replacement of TrackPoint II with their own FSR technology, improved tactility on the mouse buttons, and the passthrough PS/2 mouse port on the back became optional. Until about 2004, IBM continued to have Unicomp produce new M13s for them based on the On-The-Stick revision. The M13 line finally exited production around 2009, where it was succeeded by the Unicomp EnduraPro that was originally a bezel-reduced compacted alternative to it.
