In the United States, a historic bundle featuring one of the first computer mice and an early encoding device once appeared at auction on PRAuction, achieving a price tag of 178.9 thousand dollars. This figure, when converted for perspective, sits around 13.7 million rubles. The details have been reported by a major technology publication and are frequently cited in discussions about the origins of computer input devices.
The mouse, a foundational element of today’s computer interfaces, is celebrated as the prototype of modern PC input devices. The Engelbart prototype in question stands apart from later models by its design choices: it includes three buttons instead of the conventional two and replaces a laser with two disks that control cursor movement along the X and Y axes. This configuration reveals how early researchers experimented with different means of translating hand motion into on-screen movement, laying groundwork that would influence future development and standardization of input hardware.
Accompanying the mouse is a coding device, described by some as a rudimentary precursor to contemporary keyboards. This device features five keys that can be used in tandem with the mouse to generate up to 31 distinct input combinations, enabling the entry of text in a way that merges physical pointer control with early character input. The pairing of cursor control and coding keys illustrates an early attempt to streamline interaction, combining navigational and textual input into a single workflow.
The showcased model dates back more than half a century, a testament to the long arc of innovation in personal computing. Douglas Engelbart, widely recognized for pioneering the first computer mice, contributed to the project that produced this early hardware. His work helped catalyze a transformation in how users interact with machines, moving away from cumbersome command-line interfaces toward more intuitive, point-and-click experiences that would become industry standards over time.
Reportedly, the sale of this rare gadget set a new benchmark for the history of computer mice, underscoring the enduring value of early prototypes and their influence on modern design. The purchase price reflects not only the collectible appeal of vintage technology but also the cultural significance of these devices in the evolution of human-computer interaction. Analysts and enthusiasts alike often view such auctions as milestones that commemorate the ingenuity that enabled today’s seamless digital experiences.
In related auction news, there have been other notable events that illustrate the ongoing interest in early tech artifacts. For instance, a rarely preserved item from a renowned device line recently drew significant attention in the collector community, underscoring how demand for historically important technology continues to grow among collectors, museums, and technologists who study the roots of modern electronics. These developments remind readers that the story of computing is not just about software and networks but also about the tangible hardware that first made interaction with machines possible, step by step.