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First Computer Mouse
Douglas Engelbart introduced the initial computer mouse in 1964 as a basic and rudimentary invention. It utilized either a single wheel or a pair of wheels to convert mouse movement into on-screen cursor motion. Engelbart was recognized as the inventor of the fundamental patent for the "X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System," the term used at that time. -
Engelbart's collaborator Bill English created a prototype
Engelbart and English approached NASA in 1966 and received funding to compare different input devices. They conducted timed tasks with volunteers, finding that the mouse consistently outperformed other devices in terms of cursor movement speed and accuracy. -
Ball Mouse
After eight years after the creation of the first mouse, Bill English introduced the ball mouse in 1972. This innovative device offered a more intuitive and organic method of interacting with the emerging graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that became prevalent in the 1970s and beyond. It enabled users to navigate by pointing and clicking on icons, revolutionizing the reliance on text-based commands and enhancing user experience. -
The Lilith Computer
The Lilith Computer, developed by ETH Zurich in the late 1970s, was among the earliest computer workstations globally to feature a high-resolution graphical display and a mouse. However, being a research project, it had limited availability and was not widely accessible to the general public. -
First Optical Mouse
The debut of the first optical mouse in 1980 represented a notable breakthrough in computer input technology. Users quickly recognized the optical mouse for its enhanced precision and accuracy, surpassing the capabilities of mechanical mice. Additionally, optical mice proved to be easier to maintain as they were less prone to dust and debris accumulation. -
First Commercial Mouse
This was the first commercially marketed mouse.
“The mouse took a little bit of time to figure it out, but it was much shorter than anything else,” Dave Curbow, a former Xerox PARC engineer, now retired, told Digital Trends. “You could sor tof grab it and say, ‘What do I do with this? Oh, it moves that [icon on screen]. OK, yes, I move my hand and it follows. [No other approach we saw] felt as natural a part of your world.” -
First Consumer Mouse
The first consumer mouse was introduced in 1983 with the Apple Lisa computer.
The response to the first consumer mouse in 1983 was generally positive and enthusiastic. Users welcomed the introduction of the mouse as it provided a more intuitive and user-friendly way to interact with the graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that were becoming increasingly common at the time. -
First Wireless Mouse
The Cordless MouseMan, introduced in 1991, was praised for its convenience, offering cable-free freedom and comparable performance to wired mice. It contributed to the popularity of wireless mice, but battery replacement or recharging posed a potential drawback. -
Logitech announced the TrackMan Marble
Logitech's 1995 TrackMan Marble received positive user feedback for its innovative trackball design, offering precise cursor control and eliminating the need for mouse movement space. It was praised for its ergonomic shape and durability, improving the user experience in various work environments. -
Microsoft released IntelliMouse, with a clickable scroll wheel.
The original version of Microsoft's IntelliMouse, released in 1996 with a clickable scroll wheel, received positive user feedback. Users praised its enhanced navigation, improved productivity, and intuitive interaction. The clickable scroll wheel offered versatile functionality and quickly gained wide acceptance, providing an efficient and intuitive way for users to navigate and interact with computer content. -
Apple USB Mouse
The Apple USB Mouse, or Hockey Puck, had a poor user experience primarily due to its uncomfortable design, awkward button placement, tracking issues, limited compatibility, and lack of a scroll wheel. These factors made it difficult and frustrating for users to interact with their computers effectively. -
Microsoft IintelliMouse Explorer With IntelliEye
The Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer with IntelliEye, released in 1999, revolutionized the user experience with precise optical tracking, ergonomic design, customizable buttons, and a tactile scroll wheel. The optical sensor did not require a particular surface, It set a new standard for mouse technology, enhancing how users interacted with their computers. -
Apple Pro Mouse
The Apple Pro Mouse, introduced in 2000, received mixed feedback from users. Its sleek design and optical tracking were praised, but the unconventional button design and lack of ergonomics were seen as drawbacks. -
Apple Introduces Magic Mouse
By 2009, the introduction of the iPhone had already familiarized many users with the concept of multitouch support. Taking advantage of this, Apple developed the Magic Mouse, which became the first mouse to incorporate multitouch features like swiping and double-tapping. -
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The Latest in High-Tech Computer Mice
Mouse technology has progressed significantly since 2009, offering enhanced user experiences. Advancements include multitouch integration, improved precision, customization options, ergonomic designs, wireless connectivity, and gaming-specific features. These developments have resulted in more intuitive navigation, increased comfort, personalized settings, and improved productivity.