Ridiculous PC Accessories: From the Mouse to Luminous Keyboards
In the early days of personal computing, some accessories were seen as so niche or unnecessary that even computer columnists found them laughable. The mouse, for example, was initially met with skepticism. As we continue to see new?pc accessories being introduced, it's worth revisiting some of the more perplexing and potentially ridiculous items that have emerged over time.
Laughably Ridiculous: The Mouse
At least one computer columnist in the 1980s found the computer mouse laughable, believing it would never catch on. This skepticism was common, especially given our reliance on keyboards at the time. Now, the mouse is an integral part of our computing experience, used ubiquitously in both professional and recreational settings. The advent of the mouse marked a significant shift in human-computer interaction, making navigating menus and documents far more intuitive and efficient.
No Use for Most Keys: The IBM Personal Computer Keyboard
My own experience with the IBM Personal Computer's keyboard was similarly unenthusiastic. When I first saw this keyboard, I was baffled by the vast number of keys and couldn't understand what all of them were for. I still have no use for about forty percent of the keys on a standard keyboard. These keys, which are mostly dedicated to specialized functions, rarely, if ever, see use in common typing tasks, as most typing courses and basic document creation only require a fraction of the total keys.
Luminous Keyboards: A Necessity or a Laughable Luxury?
Another example of a seemingly ridicules yet surprisingly practical accessory is the keyboard that lights up. While logical if you need that extra forty percent of keys, such as gaming or accessing hidden functions, having a keyboard that lights up might seem like a luxury that often goes unused. On most typing courses, fingertips navigate keys in complete darkness, and the visual aid of illuminated keys can be overkill for everyday tasks. However, in dark environments or specific use cases like gaming, where quick access to these keys is essential, luminous keyboards can be incredibly helpful.
Conclusion
The passage of time and the evolution of technology have transformed many once-ridiculous gadgets into essential tools. Despite their initial disbelief, many of these accessories have become indispensable, particularly in niche scenarios or highly specific industries. As technology continues to advance, it will be fascinating to see which new pc accessories will make the journey from ridiculous to indispensable.