Computer Mouse (1961-Present)

A keyboard and mouse; this common scene is familiar to most of us. It’s hard to believe that there was once a time when mice and keyboards were not always paired. That time ended 1961 when Douglass Engelbart invented the “X-Y position indicator for display system”, due in part to this intimidating name, the mouse wasn’t commercially released until 1981 when Xerox began to sell it with their personal computers (Latson). The rest as they say, is history.

Prior to the invention of the mouse, computers were limited to use in laboratories and other technical professions. The only way for professionals to interact with system software was through the keyboard. Specific commands were required to preform on-screen actions, this meant anyone using a computer needed a fairly significant technical background.

The average person’s ability to use a computer is severely limited without a mouse. Command line functions are not taught to students and are no longer viewed as being necessary or desired. The mouse evolved hand-in-hand with the GUI (Graphic User Interface, think click-able Windows icons), making the usage of computers much more user friendly. It opened up access to information for tons people and allowed for mainstream use of the internet. (Atkinson 49) It’s impact is immense yet subtle, using a mouse is second nature to most now.

The mouse received its contemporary name from its early appearance. The first computer mice had the wire coming out of their back, rather then the front, like on modern ones (Atkinson 48). With a little bit of imagination the two buttons may look like ears, the scrolling button looks like a nose and a rear exiting wire might look like a tail.

Though its basic function has remained the same, the modern mouse is highly refined compared to its predecessors. The first mice were heavy, large and made of wood. They had a tracking ball underneath rather than a laser underneath to detect movement. (Atkinson 47) Some of you may remember using this style when you were little. Dust and other household/office debris would accumulate underneath and have to be cleaned out eventually. Newer mice are cheap to produce, much lower maintenance, highly ergonomic and track on just about any surface thanks to lasers and other modern technology.

Around 1985 when the computer mouse hit first began to become mainstream. Apple’s Macintosh computer system shipped with a mouse and keyboard included and brought what was once NASA technology to homes and offices everywhere. Continual improvements have taken place since then with variations of mice having anywhere from one to four buttons, wireless capability and scroll buttons (CNN Staff).

The computer mouse remained a desktop fixture for a very long time now, its impressive how close modern refinements remain to the original concept. Its design consistency is a testament to Engelbart’s genius. (Atkinson 59) The computer mouse is one of the best examples of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. 56 years later the mouse is just starting to receive some competition. The smartphone/tablet revolution introduced touch-screen technology to the masses and some newer gadgets feature voice-recognition software, allowing for instructions to be dictated. The mouse is still going strong, but may finally be on its way out.

Sources:

Atkinson, Paul. “The Best Laid Plans Of Mice And Men: The Computer Mouse In The History Of Computing.” Design Issues 23.3 (2007): 46-61. Business Source Complete. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.

Latson, Jennifer. “Why The Computer Mouse’s Inventor Isn’t The Big Cheese.” Time.Com (2015): N.PAG. MAS Ultra – School Edition. Web. 21 Feb. 2017. http://time.com/3831359/computer-mouse-history/

Staff, CNN. “Computer mouse inventor Douglas Engelbart dies.” CNN. Cable News Network, 7 July 2013. Web. 22 Feb. 2017. http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/03/tech/mouse-inventor-dies/

Image:

Black and White Cup Hand Mug. N.d. Pexels. Comp. Unsplash. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.