Peripherals

Monitors

There were two series of PS/2 monitors, and they bore the same family numbers as the computers.

85xx

The 85 series is easy to recognize by their darker bezels (imitated a lot by the competition). Earlier types had the power switch at the right side, the controls at the left. Later models had the controls and the push-button that replaced the power switch beneath the bezel.

When economy is a priority, IBM's entry-level monitors are a winning choice. They deliver high quality in-color or paper-white monochrome, offer superb clarity and reliability, are easy to use, and will team with IBM and most IBM-compatible systems.

I have three of these "entry-level" monitors. While not exciting, they are not bad either. I list them by number (the numbering is highly illogical, BTW):

• 8512: This was one of the first series of PS/2 monitors, introduced in April 1987, withdrawn in early 1993. 14", 640×480.
• 8513: Another one of the first series, introduced in April 1987, withdrawn in April 1992. 12", 640×480. You can see it on the picture of the 80.
• 8518: One of the later models, 1991/2. 14", 640×480. You can see it on the picture of the 57.

95xx

And then there was the 95 series with a completely different design. You can see it on the photo of the 56SLC.

High-performance and super-reliable, these premium monitors are designed by IBM to bring you brilliant color and sharp, clear screen quality - backed by a three-year limited warranty. They'll Plug and Play with IBM and most IBM-compatible systems and software, too. Exceptionally user-friendly, they also feature operation that meets the highest standards in energy savings.

No kidding - these monitors were better than most of their time and are still pretty good. No flicker here. Unfortunately, I have only one of them.

• 9525: A 15" monitor that supports resolutions up to 1280×1024. First introduced in 1993/4, withdrawn in early 1996.

Keyboards

There are no keyboards marked "PS/2". IBM used the standard 101-key type, you can see them in all the photos here. They have an oval badge with a light blue, diagonal IBM logo, unlike the square gold label of the 84-key PC keaboards. The badge is similar yet different from the PS/2 badge. Like all IBM keyboards of the time, they were extremely heavy and had this distinctive clack-clack sound. I have three lots of them and use them for other computers, too, including my main machine.

• IBM PS/2 Keyboard Modification for operation with some newer Pentium 4 motherboards, by John Szybowski.

Mice

I have never seen a mouse marked PS/2 either (which is rather amusing, seeing as nowadays these letters are usually associated with mice), but there are two types that came along with the series: the oddly shaped older one with the darker buttons (picture on the left) and a later, more elegant one (picture on the right). I have seen the later version with darker buttons, too. The images are from the (meanwhile obviously defunct) Paul Gray PC Museum and have been reduced in size.