"I promised you my data on IBM keyboards. Attached is a spreadsheet of data that I created for you. It contains IBM and Lenovo part numbers, manufacturer model numbers, product names, and essential features of IBM and Lenovo keyboards and mice made for personal computers. This data represents [...] much of my time in research and observations. Still, it's not entirely complete.
I recall that you and many others are also interested in IBM keyboards made for other IBM machines (not personal computers), like the 122-key terminal keyboards. The spreadsheet does not include such input devices. Because there are so many IBM keyboards and part numbers, my research focused on devices that were bundled with personal computers or sold by IBM's personal computer division for the U.S. market. Lenovo keyboards and mice that were carried over from IBM are also included.
Two PDFs that I downloaded from other sites are also included. Distribute the spreadsheet and PDFs as you like. I suggest that you integrate the data with Deskthority's wiki. I provide this data as a reference to everyone so they are aware of the primary user features of a keyboard or mouse. For example, I think it's critical that keyboard buyers know if a particular keyboard has buckling springs or rubber domes. So I encourage you to find a way to publish and add to the data.
I organized the spreadsheet to highlight IBM ASM (assembly) part numbers as the main identifier for input devices. Usually, there is always an IBM ASM part number for every part. There would only be an IBM FRU part number if the part is "customer serviceable"; there would only be an IBM marketing part number if the part is sold as an optional accessory. Model numbers are manufacturer model numbers (not IBM model numbers, unless IBM manufactured the device), and should not be the primary identifier of IBM keyboards or mice."
He attached some files, they are available here:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id= ... sp=sharing
There is a long list of IBM part numbers, a mapping between marketing and FRU part numbers, and an "Options for IBM" catalog.
This e-mail has been sitting in my Inbox since July 8th. It's been more than three months. I was hoping to wiki-ify this information myself but don't see myself having the time to do so this year.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I can forward them along to the fellow who provided this data. Again, I thank him for providing it, and only regret that I haven't been able to do much with it these past few months.