Microsoft mouse (3rd gen)
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| FCC ID | C3K5K5COMB |
|---|---|
| Branding | Microsoft |
| Buttons | 2 |
| Handedness | Ambidextrous (favouring right) |
| Interfaces | PS/2, Serial, InPort |
| Sensor | Opto-mechanical |
| Introduced | 1987 |
| Discontinued | 1993 |
The third generation Microsoft Mouse (1987) introduced a new design that at the time was very influential. It got nicknamed the "Dove bar mouse" because of its colour and shape resembling a bar of soap.
Contents
Variations
Known variations:
- "Serial Mouse" with serial interface on a DE-9 plug.
- "Serial-PS/2 Composite Mouse" with serial and PS/2 interface. The cable has a DE-9 plug, and came with an adaptor cable to PS/2.
- "InPort Mouse": The cable has a 9-pin mini-DIN InPort plug.
Came with a boxy "Mouse Interface" adaptor to a DB-25 Serial port.- Large Mouse Interface, block-shaped box.
- Small Mouse Interface, candy bar-shaped box.[1]
- Transparent version of the "Serial-PS/2 Mouse".[2]
History
Design
The work for designing the mouse was outsourced to Matrix Design (later IDEO) with the objective to "reinvent the mouse" but without changing the internal mechanism[3].
Significant design elements compared to previous mice:
- The mouse ball was moved forward so that both the sensor position and the mouse's centre of gravity got right in-between the fingers that moved the mouse. User testing showed that this had a measurable effect on pointing accuracy.[4].
- The buttons were made larger encompassing the entire width of the mouse, and flush with the mouse body as opposed to sticking out. By having larger buttons, finger position could be less precise[5]. Although previous mice from e.g. HP (1984) and Atari (1985) also had flush buttons, this was not the norm.
- A ridge between left and right buttons to allow the buttons to be distinguished by feel. (presumably to compensate for the buttons being larger)
Surprising the engineers, a smaller prototype measured more poorly, which set the size[3]. The rounded back was inspired by existing everyday handheld items, specifically telephone handsets. Untextured plastic was chosen because it is easier to clean. The Microsoft logo on top is double-shot moulded so as to not rub off.
Previous Microsoft mice had used rubber dome switches for buttons, which were changed into microswitches with shorter travel and better tactile feedback.[5]
Reception
The mouse was a success. It sold 2 million units within two years.[4]
Legacy
The mouse is important because its design inspired the industry greatly. Within a few years, most mice from other manufacturers had rounder shapes and flush wide buttons. Mice from Apple and Commodore had the mouse ball in front of the electronics.
The mouse was succeeded by the Microsoft Mouse 2.0, which was more rounded for the right hand but otherwise had the same design language. The first IntelliMouse was similar to the Microsoft Mouse 2.0 but the ridge separating the two buttons got replaced by a scroll wheel.
See also
- Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II — It's design had been inspired by the Microsoft mouse
External links
- VWestlife on Youtube — Microsoft InPort bus mouse & Paintbrush for DOS
References
- ↑ oldmouse.com—Microsoft "Dove Bar" Mouse. Retrieved 2018-09-22
- ↑ oldmouse.com—Microsoft Serial-PS/2 Compatible Mouse, Clear. Retrieved 2018-09-22
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 ATKINSON, P. (2007). The best laid plans of mice and men: the computer mouse in the history of computing. Design issues, 23 (3), 46-61. Online version (page 6). Retrieved 2018-07-12
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 IDEO—A Hand-Friendly, Precisely Controlled Mouse. Retrieved 2018-07-12
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 PC Magazine. Volume 7. Number 3. Dated 1988-02-16 — The shape of things to come, by Tom Stanton. Online copy. Retrieved 2018-09-22
