Rare Computer Mouse That Inspired Steve Jobs Auctioned Off For 147,000 Pounds

According to Metro, a computer mouse that served as one of Steve Jobs’ primary sources of inspiration recently sold for a staggering 147,000 pounds (Rs 1,48,89,174). Douglas Engelbart’s rare three-button mouse and coding keyset were sold at a Boston-based auction for about 12 times their original estimate of £12,000.

Importantly, the late Apple CEO’s initial rollerball-controlled mouse was modelled after Mr. Engelbart’s invention.

”The rare, early three-button computer mouse designed by Engelbart, measuring approximately 4″ x 2.75″ x 2.5″, utilizes two metal discs (corresponding to the X-axis and Y-axis) on the bottom to locate the position of the cursor, rather than a ball or optical light that came to be used later,” a description of the product on the auction page reads.

The coding keyset has five keys, allowing for 31 possible key presses when typing and entering commands. Using this hardware setup, a user could point and click with the mouse in their right hand while typing commands with their left hand on the keypad.

Steve Jobs had the opportunity to see the mouse and the graphical user interface (GUI) in action in 1979 while touring a research centre. Steve made the decision to streamline and include these simple functions in Apple’s computers after being quite impressed by their use.

Jobs was determined to create a single-button model that costs only 12 pounds because the 245 pound Xerox mice did not roll smoothly. Apple then paid around 33,000 pounds to licence Mr. Engelbart’s mouse patent and contracted IDEO to design the mouse. Engelbart’s idea would, in part, alter the trajectory of modern existence, according to Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction. This device played a crucial role in the evolution of computer history.”

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