Apple Lisa Mouse

Apple Lisa Mouse
	Apple Lisa Mouse (Model A9M0050)
Manufacturer	Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	Pointing device
Discontinued	1985
Price	Included with Lisa system
Interface	DE-9 serial
Compatible	Apple Lisa, Macintosh XL, Macintosh 128K/512K/Plus, Apple IIc/IIc+/IIe
Dimensions	90 mm × 60 mm × 34 mm
Weight	~140 g
Predecessor	None (Apple's first mouse)
Successor	Macintosh Mouse (M0100)
Model	A9M0050

The Apple Lisa Mouse (model A9M0050) was Apple's first commercially produced mouse and one of the first mice ever sold to consumers. Included with the Apple Lisa in January 1983, it was developed from the mouse used on the Xerox Alto. The Lisa Mouse established the single-button design philosophy that Apple maintained for over two decades.

Development

Xerox PARC Influence

In 1979, Apple arranged a visit to Xerox PARC to view experimental technology including the mouse invented by Douglas Engelbart at SRI International. The three-button Xerox mouse cost over US$400 to manufacture—impractical for a consumer product.

Hovey-Kelley Design

Apple commissioned Hovey-Kelley Design (later IDEO) to develop a mouse that could be manufactured for US$25 instead of US$400. The design team, including case designer Bill Dresselhaus, built hundreds of prototypes and conducted extensive consumer testing.

Key design decisions included:

Single button (reducing cost and complexity)
Size roughly matching a deck of cards
Art Deco-inspired curved lines matching the Lisa's design language
Standard squeeze-release DE-9 connector

Design

Physical Construction

The Lisa Mouse features a beige case with formal curving lines:

Rounded rectangular body
Single button with contrasting taupe accent
Steel tracking ball (unique to the Lisa Mouse)
DE-9 serial connector

Dimensions: approximately 90 mm × 60 mm × 34 mm.

Steel Ball

Unlike subsequent Apple mice that used rubber-coated steel balls, the Lisa Mouse uses a bare steel tracking ball. This design choice was abandoned in the Macintosh Mouse for improved traction.

Internal Mechanism

Opto-mechanical tracking system
Two encoder wheels with optical interrupters
Single Omron-type microswitch
Controller circuitry generating quadrature signals

Compatibility

The Lisa Mouse connects via DE-9 serial and works with:

Apple Lisa (all models)
Macintosh XL
Macintosh 128K, 512K, and Plus
Apple IIc, IIc+, IIe (with appropriate card/port)

The mouse is electrically compatible with the Macintosh Mouse (M0100), though the cases differ cosmetically.

Part Numbers

Number	Type
A9M0050	Model number
825-0415-C	Part number (bottom label)
661-93111	Service exchange part

Serial Numbers

Lisa Mouse serial numbers are six digits, starting from early production numbers (e.g., 003875, 003944) up to higher production units (e.g., 045244). Low serial numbers are considered more collectible.

Computer History Museum examples document serial numbers including 003875 and 045244.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Model number	A9M0050
Dimensions	~90 mm × 60 mm × 34 mm
Weight	~140 g
Button	Single mechanical
Tracking	Opto-mechanical ball
Ball material	Steel (uncoated)
Ball diameter	~22 mm
Interface	DE-9 serial
Cable length	~1.2 m
Case color	Beige
Case material	ABS plastic

Maintenance

Ball Cleaning

Rotate ball retainer to remove
Extract steel ball
Clean ball with lint-free cloth
Clean encoder wheels and rollers with isopropyl alcohol
Remove debris with compressed air
Reassemble

The steel ball does not absorb oils like rubber-coated balls, but dirt accumulation on encoder rollers causes erratic tracking.

Common Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
Erratic cursor	Dirty encoder wheels	Clean internals
No movement	Cable break, failed encoder	Test cable continuity
Button fails	Worn microswitch	Replace switch
Intermittent	Corroded connector	Clean DE-9 pins

Collecting

Significance

The Lisa Mouse holds historical importance as:

Apple's first mouse
One of the first commercially available mice
Foundation design for two decades of Apple mice

Condition Grades

Mint: No yellowing, perfect operation, original box
Excellent: Minimal yellowing, fully functional
Good: Moderate yellowing, functional
Fair: Significant yellowing, functional issues
Poor: Non-functional or severe damage

Market Value

Lisa Mice command premium prices due to their historical significance and relative scarcity. Boxed examples in original packaging are particularly valuable. Low serial numbers (under 10,000) attract additional collector interest.

Auction houses including Bonhams have sold Lisa Mice as collectibles, with original box examples described as "Apple's first mouse as new in original box."

Authentication

Verify A9M0050 model number on bottom label
Confirm steel (not rubber) tracking ball
Check serial number format (six digits)
Verify beige case color matches Lisa aesthetic

Legacy

The Lisa Mouse established Apple's design philosophy for pointing devices that persisted until the Mighty Mouse in 2005:

Single-button simplicity
Compact rectangular form factor
Focus on consumer usability over power-user features

The testing methodology developed by Hovey-Kelley became a template for user-centered design in the tech industry.

References

Computer History Museum collection records
Wikipedia — Apple pointing devices
Bonhams auction documentation
Iconic Antiques product listings