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As the mouse reaches its 50th birthday, we take it for granted more than ever. There was a time when computers didn't have mice or graphics for that matter. Computers were controlled with nothing more than a keyboard, typing in commands to open programs and do basic word processing. That worked perfectly fine until the GUI was invented. Then a new device was needed and luckily the inventor of the GUI, Douglas Engelbart, had an idea. He created the first working mouse which was nothing more than a wood box with two perpendicular wheels.
Later, in the 1970's as the computer started becoming a viable consumer product there was an increase in demand. This lead to the need for a better mouse. Bill English, working for Xerox, filled this need. First he added a single ball instead of two gears. This let the mouse track in more than the standard four directions. Second he changed the mouse from analog to digital. This made the mouse faster as it no longer had to go through a conversion process. Unfortunately it took Xerox nine years to find a way to mass produce this new mouse in an efficient way. When Xerox decided to pair the new mouse with a computer the cost $20,000 it did not sell. There were much less expensive computers by that time. However, in 1981, Xerox would invent the first optical mouse.
This is when Steve Jobs and Apple saw their opportunity. In 1983 they paired their signature one button mouse with the low cost Lisa computer and it was a success.
The traditional "PC" mouse was also invented in the 1980's. The steel ball was replaced with a rubber one and they added two buttons. Members of the technogical community would ultimately join Logitech to create one of the biggest mice companies still operating today. Logitech would go on to build the first wireless mouse in 1984.
The mouse remained largely unchanged until 1995 when Mouse Systems created the first mouse to include the mouse wheel. This mouse was largely overshadowed by Microsoft's model in 1996. A little later in the 90's most manufacturers started producing USB mice. Also in 1998 Sun Microsystems produced the first working laser mouse. The laser mouse would not become popular until 2004 when Logitech introduced the MX1000. Logitech is currently leading the way in innovation of optical mice.
Since the early 2000's, mice have not changed much aside from enhancements in performance and the addition of lights and extra buttons for the enthusiasts. There is talk however that the mouse could disapear as the touchpad becomes more available and inexpensive.
Source: Wikipedia
Last modified on February 17, 2013