Computer mice.. why the mouse idea has never changed?

[silva]

Hello everyone,

I'm a student conducting a product study on the computer mouse. I wish to explore and find answers to the following questions:

- Why after the vast development in the computing industry the mouse idea has never changed?
- Has improvements in design & manufacturing forced any improvements in its design?
- Has technological push forced any improvements in its design?

I would be most grateful if anyone could help me answer these questions. any opinions are welcome 

Thank you.

Wayne.

 

[Crafty]

- Why after the vast development in the computing industry the mouse idea has never changed?
- Has improvements in design & manufacturing forced any improvements in its design?
- Has technological push forced any improvements in its design

(1) I say "Don't fix something that isn't broke".

(2) There have been quite afew design improvements: Red Eye, Laser, Wireless, Etc.

(3) Yes, as explained above.

[michaewlewis]

things have actually changed a lot. Check it out:
one button...

and two buttons...

[Aegis]

Don't forget trackballs, and the new "air mice" that don't even need to be on a surface.  Part of the reason the mouse has (in most basic terms) not changed is that it's a device made to fit our hands, so changes made work within that constraint.

[homer]

i guess we could use some sort of helmet, kind of like the one apache gunners use.



only drawback is the price tag. i have heard they cost around $100,000.

[silva]

Thanks a lot guy for all your opinions...

Appreciate it,

Wayne 

[patio]

From Microsoft:

                                 

[daniel_b]

and let's not forget all the so-called 'ergonomically' designed ones,
_______
daniel_b
take care

[michaewlewis]

hmm.... I wonder if you could use a wii-mote for a mouse.

[squall_01]

Hmmm couldnt say that I tried but you can make a palm pilot control some of the stuff.  I figured that its easier instead of having several remotes.   

[vietknight]

The mouse idea hasn't changed because it works. It's efficient enough and there aren't really any problems to point out about it. The mouse has all the neccessary functions for operating a computer. The mouse itself is easy to use, you dont' need much knowledge to know how to use it, you can buy it anywhere, its not that expensive to buy, its fairly durable, and its basically universal to any computer out there.

Another reason why the mouse idea hasnt' changed is because of compatibility. All programs out there are most likely adapted to the mouse. If you were to invent a new piece of hardware controller, you'd have to create some drivers etc...from which all programs would be able to recognize etc...

Its like the old battle between Mac and Windows, applications built for windows will only run in windows, and vice versa. (the time before they managed to fuse their programs together with compatibility features)

Hope that helps yah out