Apple Mouse IIe
The Apple Mouse IIe (model A2M2070) was Apple's repackaged mouse for the Apple IIe computer, released in 1986. The product was essentially a rebadged Macintosh Mouse with updated cable connectors to match Apple's new unified connector standards.
| Apple Mouse IIe | |
|---|---|
| Apple Mouse IIe (Model A2M2070) | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Pointing device |
| Discontinued | 1993 |
| Price | US$99 (with interface card) |
| Interface | DE-9 serial |
| Compatible | Apple IIe, Apple II, Apple II Plus, Macintosh 128K/512K/Plus |
| Dimensions | 98 mm × 56 mm × 30 mm |
| Weight | ~110 g |
| Predecessor | Apple Mouse II |
| Successor | Apple Desktop Bus Mouse |
| Model | A2M2070 |
Background
By 1986, Apple had standardized its cable connectors across product lines. With the Apple IIe already three years old, Apple repackaged the AppleMouse II specifically for IIe users. Unlike earlier Apple II mice that required special signaling for the IIc's dual-purpose port, the Mouse IIe was mechanically identical to the contemporary Macintosh Mouse.
Design
Physical Construction
The Mouse IIe shares the distinctive blocky design of the original Macintosh Mouse:
- Rectangular body with chamfered edges
- Single button spanning the front portion
- Rubber-coated steel tracking ball
- DE-9 serial connector (part number 590-0369)
Early units used the creamy-beige color matching the Apple IIe case. Later production switched to the Platinum gray color when Apple unified its product line coloring in 1987.
Internal Mechanism
The mouse uses an opto-mechanical tracking system:
- Rubber-coated steel ball
- Two encoder wheels with optical interrupters
- Single-button microswitch
- Controller board generating quadrature signals
Compatibility
The Apple Mouse IIe connects via DE-9 serial and requires the Apple II Mouse Interface card (peripheral card) installed in an expansion slot. The mouse works with:
- Apple IIe (with Mouse Interface card)
- Apple II and II Plus (with Mouse Interface card)
- Macintosh 128K, 512K, and Plus (direct connection)
USA-manufactured Platinum versions are interchangeable with the identical-looking Apple IIc mouse.
Model Numbers
Apple used several overlapping model numbers for this mouse family:
| Model | Description | Period |
|---|---|---|
| M0100 | Original Macintosh Mouse | 1984-1986 |
| A2M2070 | Apple Mouse IIe (final IIe mouse) | 1986-1993 |
| A2M4035 | Platinum version (cross-platform) | 1988-1993 |
The A2M2070 designation indicates the product was packaged specifically for the Apple IIe market. Internal part number 825-1375-A appears on some units.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model number | A2M2070 |
| Dimensions | ~98 mm × 56 mm × 30 mm |
| Weight | ~110 g |
| Button | Single mechanical |
| Tracking | Opto-mechanical ball |
| Ball diameter | ~22 mm (rubber-coated steel) |
| Interface | DE-9 serial |
| Cable length | ~1.2 m |
| Case material | ABS plastic |
Maintenance
Ball Cleaning
- Turn mouse over and rotate ball retainer counterclockwise
- Remove tracking ball
- Clean ball with isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
- Clean encoder wheels with cotton swab
- Remove debris with compressed air
- Reassemble
Button Repair
The microswitch can be replaced if clicking becomes unreliable. Disassembly requires removing the screws from the bottom of the case.
Collecting
Condition Grades
- Mint: No yellowing, perfect button action, original packaging
- Excellent: Minimal yellowing, fully functional
- Good: Moderate yellowing, normal wear, functional
- Fair: Significant yellowing, cosmetic damage but functional
- Poor: Non-functional or severe damage
Identification
- Check bottom label for A2M2070 model number
- Verify DE-9 connector (not ADB)
- Confirm button and ball operation
- Note color variant (beige or Platinum)
See Also
References
- Apple Rescue of Denver product documentation
- Wikipedia — Apple pointing devices