Please note the following:
Please read the Additional Notes section before buying this keyboard and please do not purchase this Model M if you intend to use it for playing computer games requiring more than 2 regular keys to be pressed simultaneously for certain game actions. The Model M has 2KRO (2-key rollover) which means a maximum of 2 regular keys and no more than 3 modifier keys (i.e., Alt, Ctrl, Shift) can be pressed at the same time without causing errors. Do not purchase if this limitation poses a problem for you!

Also, please read and comply with the shipping requirements (below, paragraph 6) with regard to forwarding agents. Send an eBay message if you have a problem with this.

This is a very rare new IBM Model M5-1 trackball-equipped clicky keyboard, without its original IBM packaging. It has never been used and is in brand-new condition. It features the classic IBM "buckling-spring" mechanism in the keys to provide unmatched tactile and auditory feedback with every key press. It also has a trackball which puts mouse functions at your fingertips while you are typing. It is one of the Model M series of keyboards which are often cited by professional typists, writers, and programmers as the best keyboard ever made.

This Model M5-1 features key legends imprinted using IBM's sublimated-dye process that is virtually wear-proof, 1-piece keys for maximum tactile feedback, and dual-output detachable cable. All photos in this listing are of the actual item being offered. If you are a serious collector of vintage Model M keyboards and you don't have one of these in your collection due to its extreme rarity, now's your chance to acquire this most unusual Model M.

NOTES:
1) The dual-input active PS/2-USB converter supplied with this keyboard accommodates one PS/2 keyboard and one PS/2 mouse or Trackball device while using a single USB port on your computer. Plug the keyboard PS/2 connector into the lavender-coded receptacle and the Trackball PS/2 connector (or PS/2 mouse if used) into the green-coded receptacle on the converter.

2) You may need to increase the tracking speed/sensitivity in your operating system's mouse settings, especially when using a modern high-resolution display monitor (higher than 1600x1200), so that the screen cursor doesn't move too slowly when using the trackball. If you are running Windows XP or later, you can increase the tracking speed/sensitivity beyond the range available in the mouse settings by a simple edit to the system registry. If you buy this keyboard, I will forward a link to you for an online article on how to do this particular edit. In the interest of full disclosure: If you use a display monitor at resolutions higher than 2560x1440, then the trackball on this keyboard would most likely not be useful; in that case, this keyboard should be acquired as a collector's item only or be used with a separate input device such as a mouse of recent manufacture.

The following items are included:

• New dual-input PS/2-USB converter; for one keyboard and one mouse or Trackball device
  
• Our custom 2-piece form-fitting set of EPS-foam packing inserts
  
• Shipped in our custom heavy-duty double-wall corrugated outer shipping box
• Full 14-day return privilege with refund or replacement, includes return shipping

What makes our refurbished Model M's better, and why do they cost so much?

1. We start with the best Model M's we can find
In this particular case, the keyboard offered is brand-new and in pristine unused condition.

2. New USB converter included
Everything you need to immediately begin using your Model M is supplied; no need to go shopping for a USB converter. This keyboard comes with a new dual-input active PS/2-USB converter which accommodates one PS/2 keyboard and one PS/2 mouse or Trackball device, while using only a single USB port on your computer. Active USB converters, although more expensive, are superior to passive wiring adapters in avoiding compatibility and performance issues.

3. Ultimate protection during shipment
This keyboard comes packed in our custom 2-piece form-fitting set of EPS-foam packing inserts. The foam-protected keyboard, cable, and USB converter will be wrapped in multiple layers of large-diameter bubble wrap and packed inside a custom heavy-duty double-wall corrugated outer box for shipment. This will provide the ultimate in protection against the roughest handling likely to be encountered in transit. With our heavy-duty protective packaging we feel confident in shipping these keyboards around the world without fear of damage, and we fully insure all shipments at our own expense.

Please note that we will not ship to third-party freight-forwarding companies or other proxies who are not the actual buyer. All items we sell must be shipped directly to the buyer, regardless of whether the destination is domestic or foreign. The buyer's address as registered with eBay and PayPal must be the actual physical address of the buyer, and not the address of a third-party or proxy. For import customs purposes when an item is to be shipped to a foreign country, we insist on declaring the actual value of the item sold (i.e., the price paid for the item by the buyer) so please do not ask us to do otherwise in order to avoid paying applicable import duty, taxes, etc. We reserve the right to cancel any sale that does not comply with these requirements.

4. Absolute satisfaction guarantee
We want you to be completely delighted with your purchase; but if not, our return policy is simple. We ask you to follow these easy steps:
     a) If you have an issue with some aspect of the keyboard, please DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust it without first contacting us;
     b) Contact us immediately via eBay messaging for further instructions;
     c) Save all packing materials and contents, do not discard anything;
     d) In the unlikely event of shipping damage, cooperate with our insurer's attempts to verify the damage.

Please note that refunds or replacements are not offered in the event a keyboard is returned:
     a) With damage, alterations, or modifications made or caused by the buyer;
     b) With damage that occurred during return shipping as a result of the buyer not packing it according to our instructions;  
     c) Missing custom-made or manufacturer-made packing materials that were included in the listing;
     d) Missing parts or accessories that were present on, in, or supplied with, the keyboard as it was shipped to the buyer

If the original packing materials were damaged in transit and cannot be reused, let us know so we can provide alternate packing instructions.
We highly recommend that you save the box and all packing materials for future storage or shipping requirements, as these provide excellent protection for the keyboard and accessories.

Do not discard the box or other packing materials until you're sure you won't be returning the keyboard, as these will be required if a refund or replacement is requested, and must be used to return the keyboard if at all possible. Your purchase of this item will constitute your acceptance of this requirement.

A few additional notes:
IBM Model M keyboards were originally designed for both casual and serious typing, data-entry, and other general-purpose usage. They were produced long before the advent of today's highly sophisticated computer games, and are generally not recommended for certain computer gaming applications due to their inherent 2-key rollover limitation. This means a maximum of 2 regular keys plus up to 3 modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) may be pressed simultaneously and register correctly. Some games require multiple keys in excess of this limit to initiate various actions within the game; thus potential buyers are hereby forewarned that this keyboard may not be satisfactory for that purpose.

If your computer has a PS/2 keyboard port and you intend to use this instead of a USB port, please be sure your PS/2 port can supply the roughly 120mA current required by this Model M keyboard. If in doubt check your computer's specs or contact its manufacturer for this information.

Most USB ports on modern computers will supply the current required by the Model M when it is used with an appropriate active PS/2-USB converter, such as the one we supply. Passive PS/2-USB wiring adapters are not recommended for use with the Model M due to various incompatibility issues reported by users.

Model M keyboards are NOT spill-proof. We advise you to NEVER spill any liquids into or onto your Model M, regardless of what you may have heard about their spill-resistance. And no, you cannot safely clean a Model M in your dishwasher (again, regardless of what you may have heard) without the risk of causing serious damage such as rust or corrosion of the internal steel plate, contamination of the internal membrane layers, rusted springs, etc., so please don't try this!