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[W4MSL]

Anyone already familiar w this keyboard will know why I am asking about repairing a keyboard. If not, please familiarize yourself w it before suggesting I "just buy a new keyboard". Thanks.

So, are there any M13 owners lurking who have successfully repaired a failed TrackPoint on this keyboard? I could use some guidance, if so. Mine worked flawlessly for years and years until yesterday. The TrackPoint cursor abruptly decided it belonged in the upper left corner of my screen. Dragging it out only saw its hasty return. Then it quit responding entirely, and disappeared after a reboot. Mouseless. I booted the same machine from Windows 10 to OSX. Same thing. No mouse cursor. I'm using one of my spare M13 keyboards, but would like to get the broken one fixed. There are a couple of sites which deal w these keyboards, but I thought I see if there was expertise here as well.

I suspect that one of the wires in the cable may have broken, but haven't opened things up, pending a hoped-for response from someone here.

Many thanks.

[W9GB]

Michael -
You are posting your request in the Wrong Internet Group.

UNICOMP Repair Services (They mfg, keyboard for IBM)
https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/Repair
SEND an email to: support@pckeyboard.com
Please include the part number and serial number from the bottom of the keyboard. Also include the nature of the problem you are having with the keyboard.
We will respond within 24 hours (Monday - Friday) with an RMA#, shipment instructions, and payment instructions.
==
There are several Keyboard Specific Internet Sites with Repair Parts, How-To, and Projects for New / Retro Keyboards.

Clicky Keyboards is one site, focused on IBM keyboards
https://www.clickykeyboards.com/product-category/ibm-model-m13-trackpoint-ii/

Your IBM model M13 (Trackpoint II) is a bit Rare (based on model M, bucking spring)
https://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_Trackpoint_II_Keyboard

UNICOMP in Lexington, Kentucky is the original manufacturing site that Made the IBM Keyboards.  They Do Offer Repair Services !
They were Spun Off from IBM, with Lexmark (printers) and finally Lenovo (Laptops, PCs).
https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD
—
PARTS — Pointing Stick Caps
https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/49G2224

==
The Original IBM “F” Keyboards used in the 1990s IBM Banking/Retail System and Original IBM PC 5150 have been reproduced — for 3,000 buyers (over $1 million sales).
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/

[W4MSL]

Thanks. I was aware of a couple of those sites, and  contacted them. No luck, so hoped someone here might have expertise. I was not aware of the UNICOMP service option, and am glad to have it now. So, glad I posted here after all, as somehow my several searches didn't turn up that one.

[W9GB]

Let us know how it works out with UNICOMP.
—
I have not used their service over past decade (after Lexmark split),
SO I am unaware of their Current Customer Service & Quality.

w9gb

[W4MSL]

Let us know how it works out with UNICOMP.
—
I have not used their service over past decade (after Lexmark split),
SO I am unaware of their Current Customer Service & Quality.

w9gb

Thanks for the reminder. Just now emailed them. Website is active, but they offer no TrackPoint keyboards, so am not optimistic about their ability to repair that feature. Will post back once I hear.

[W4MSL]

Six weeks, and no reply from Unicomp. Will re-send email, but am not too hopeful.

[W4MSL]

Well, my second message to Unicomp did go through, but alas, the reply was not encouraging:

"Unfortunately, our current trackpoint module is not compatible with the M13 trackpoint.
I am sorry but we are unable to repair your keyboard.
Thank you for the inquiry and your interest in our keyboards."

I am perhaps fortunate (if a bit obsessive) with regard to these keyboards. Ever since I got my first one decades ago, I've found anything elsee nearly intolerable ergonically. The ThinkPad laptops are the next best thing, but newer ones lack the tactile feel of the M1. I think I have a total of four (4) or maybe five (5). Time for an inventory? So, no actual loss of function, given the spares. But I hate to see one go bad. These are somewhat scarce. I may have to sell the one w the broken TrackPoint. The keyboard itself remains good, and devotees of the "clicky" keyboards who prefer a mouse will gladly take it as-is.