deskthority

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

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).

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.