subject: History Of The Mouse Pad [print this page] Who would've even thought of using a mouse pad in the 1970's? Its really not surprising when you think nobody even knew what a mouse was until 1984. It all began with Xerox's legendary PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) where the vision of the mouse first came to light. Later, Apple Computer later took it to the masses when the revolutionary Macintosh was introduced. Microsoft eventually picked up on it with Windows, and we now have a world full of mice (luckily not adding to the population of those who eat cheese).
The mouse was first used on the desk surfaces on which it lived, but as more and more accuracy was needed the mouse pad was eventually introduced. For some time (nearly 10 years), mouse pads were essentially all the same-a piece of rubber cutout in the shape of a rectangle with some fabric glued to the top. Some companies eventually made mouse pads in different shapes, but generally that original, basic mouse pad remains the same today.
Advertising eventually came into the picture and changed the face of mouse pads as we knew it. They recognized the value of their logo being on desktops, right where people would see it on a daily basis. Even today, it's easy to acquire branded mouse pads at trade shows, conventions, and fairs. Most people can't stand having a mouse pad with a logo (unless it is of a company or institution they work for or support), so these mouse pads usually don't have a long life.
Mouse pads slowly began to evolve, and ergonomics came into the picture. First foam, then gel, and now memory foam are some of the materials that were and are used in mouse pads on the market. Prevention of carpal tunnel and stress disorders were conceived, and mouse pad use is now often not for the mouse but more for the computer user. Stylized, other uses (i.e. puzzle or gaming), funky graphics, super large , and ultra-thin versions have even cropped up.
Today, some people ask the question whether a mouse pad is even worth using. Mouse technology has improved greatly with optical and now laser mice. Who knows what the future will hold (improved dpi's and more, for sure). Regardless, mouse pads are great for relieving the pain of your work, providing a dedicated space for mousing, and, as previously discussed, provide ergonomic benefits as well.
See the selection of mouse pads offered by the leading mouse pad manufacturer. You're bound to find one that will work for you.
