IBM model M Terminal 1392595 Build-quality ?!

[zx_spectrum]

i own a Lexmark late version of IBM model m (from the mid 90's).

well yes.. it doesn't really show the signs of legendary robustness of IBM Model M that i usually hear about on forums, that's why i have decided to buy and early IBM model M silver or maybe black-on-white label unit so i could experience what you guys are experiencing with your fancy old model Ms.

at a nearby recycle store i managed to find a pristine-condition terminal unit 1392595 from the late 80's.
my question is:
are late 80's 1392595 units as well built as late 80's black-on-white 1391401 units by IBM (not Lexmark) ??

so if i decided to go with late 80's 1392595, instead of late 80's 1391401, would i lose on the overall experience of robustness and build quality ??
in other words: do late 80's 1392595 units have exactly the same build quality as their 1391401 counterparts ??

i would really appreciate any details you provide
thank you

[swampangel]

I *think* that a terminal 1392595 would have very similar construction to a 1391401, but it may depend on exactly where it was built.

I have some Model Ms from 1987-1988 and to me, the ones assembled in Mexico are a little nicer sounding than the ones from the US. But if someone else told me they had the opposite experience, I wouldn't be shocked.

If you can get a Model M in good shape for a low price, it seems like you should buy it and if you don't like it, get your money back by selling it online (here or elsewhere).

[fohat]

The only real difference is that the metal back plate has been thinned and lightened in several stages. Get a 1986 or earlier to be most likely to get the heaviest plate, I think that there was another drop around 1989-1990. Apparently, there was no firm switchover date and different plants did it a significantly different times.