Posted on

Retro Mouse Mat

We have a range of custom retro computing and retro-gaming themed mouse pads, ideal for use with you vintage home micro

A mouse mat, also known as a mouse pad, is a small pad that is placed on a desk or table to provide a smooth surface for a computer mouse to move on. The use of a mouse mat can provide a number of benefits for both the mouse and the user.

One of the main benefits of using a mouse mat is that it can improve the accuracy and precision of the mouse. A smooth surface allows the mouse to move more easily and accurately, which can be especially important for tasks such as gaming or graphic design. In addition, a mouse mat can also protect the surface of a desk or table from wear and tear caused by a mouse moving across it.

Another benefit of using a mouse mat is that it can help to reduce the amount of friction between the mouse and the surface it is moving on. This can help to make the mouse feel more responsive, and can also help to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the mouse itself.

In addition to these benefits, a mouse mat can also help to improve the overall comfort of using a computer mouse. Many mouse mats are designed with a soft, padded surface that can help to reduce the strain on the hand and wrist caused by prolonged use of a mouse. This can be especially helpful for people who spend a lot of time working on a computer.

Finally, a mouse mat can also be a stylish accessory for your work setup. Many mouse mats come in a variety of designs, colors and with different materials. Some mouse mats have designs that match with the gaming setup or office setup.

In conclusion, a mouse mat is a simple but effective accessory that can provide a number of benefits for both the mouse and the user. Whether you’re a gamer, graphic designer, or simply someone who spends a lot of time working on a computer, a mouse mat can help to improve the accuracy, precision, and comfort of using a mouse. It can also protect your desk or table from wear and tear and give a stylish look to your work setup. So, it is important to choose a suitable mouse mat to match your needs.

Posted on

amiga mouse adapter

Amiga Mouse Adapter

An Amiga mouse adapter is a device that allows you to connect a standard PC mouse to an Amiga computer. This allows you to use the same mouse you use on your modern computer with your vintage Amiga, making it much easier to navigate and use the system.

The classic Amiga tank mouse has a unique and classic design but is not very ergonomic or comfortable in the hand for modern day use, the mouse also uses a mechanical ball to track movement and these need to be cleaned regularly – modern optical sensors work on the majority of surfaces and require little or no maintenance.

This is where the Amiga mouse adapter comes in. The adapter allows you to connect a standard PC mouse to your Amiga computer, so you can use the same mouse you use on your modern computer with your vintage Amiga. This makes it much easier to navigate and use the system, especially for those who are used to using a two-button mouse.

The Amiga mouse adapter is a simple device that is easy to use. Simply plug the adapter into the Amiga’s mouse port, and then connect your PC mouse to the adapter. Once connected, your PC mouse will work just like the Amiga mouse, with the added benefit of being able to use the standard two-button layout.

There are many different types of Amiga mouse adapters available on the market, the TruMouse amiga mouse adapter is compatible with the vast majority of wired PC mice and even works with most wireless mice from Logitech and Philips.

Overall, an Amiga mouse adapter is a great way to make your vintage Amiga computer more user-friendly. With the ability to connect a standard PC mouse, you can easily navigate and use your Amiga, making it a more enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast playing Lemmings or just using Workbench and applications, an Amiga mouse adapter is a must-have accessory for any Amiga computer owner.

Posted on

History of 16 Bit Home Computers

The 16-bit computer era began in the early 1980s, with the introduction of several new personal computers that were more powerful and capable than their 8-bit predecessors. These computers were built with 16-bit microprocessors, which allowed them to process more data and perform more complex tasks than the 8-bit computers that came before them.

One of the most significant 16-bit computers of this era was the Commodore Amiga, which was first introduced in 1985. The Amiga was known for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, and it was popular among gamers, graphic designers, and musicians. It featured a custom chipset that provided advanced features such as sprites, blitter and a custom audio processor, that allowed it to produce high-quality graphics and sound, that was not available on other computers at the time.

Another popular 16-bit computer of the era was the Atari ST, which was introduced in 1985. The Atari ST was a direct competitor to the Amiga and it also had advanced graphics and sound capabilities. The Atari ST was primarily marketed as a business computer, but it also found a following among musicians and gamers. It featured a Motorola 68000 CPU and a custom sound chip, that allowed for high-quality audio.

In the United Kingdom, the Acorn Archimedes was a 16-bit computer that was introduced in 1987. It was developed by Acorn Computers and it was primarily used in schools and universities. The Archimedes featured a 32-bit ARM CPU and its own custom OS (RISC OS), that made it a powerful machine, especially in math and scientific calculations.

These 16-bit computers brought significant advancements in technology and they were popular among a wide range of users. They allowed users to perform complex tasks, such as graphic design, music composition, and video editing, that were previously not possible on 8-bit computers. The Amiga, Atari ST, and Acorn Archimedes were all considered to be cutting-edge technology at the time of their release and they helped pave the way for the development of more powerful computers in the years to come.

Overall, the 16-bit era of personal computers was an important time in the development of technology and it marked a significant advancement in the capabilities of personal computers. The Amiga, Atari ST, and Acorn Archimedes were all significant players in this era, and they helped to shape the future of computing by introducing new features and capabilities that were not available on previous 8-bit computers.

Posted on

History of the computer Mouse

The computer mouse is a device that is used to point, click, and select items on a computer screen. It was first invented by Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s as a way to improve the way people interact with computers.

Before the invention of the mouse, the main way to interact with a computer was through the use of a keyboard. While this was effective for typing and entering commands, it was not very efficient for navigating and selecting items on the screen. Engelbart recognized this limitation and set out to create a more intuitive and efficient way to interact with computers.

In 1963, Engelbart began working on his invention at the Stanford Research Institute. He experimented with different shapes and designs, eventually settling on the classic “ball mouse” design that is still in use today. The ball mouse used a small ball inside the device that could be rolled in any direction, which would in turn move the cursor on the screen. This design allowed for much more precise movement and control than was possible with a keyboard.

In 1968, Engelbart and his team demonstrated the mouse for the first time at a computer conference. The demonstration was a huge success, and the mouse quickly became an essential tool for computer users everywhere. In the 1970s, the mouse began to be included with personal computers, and it has since become one of the most widely used input devices in the world.

In the 1980s, the mouse underwent several improvements, including the introduction of the optical mouse. This type of mouse used a small camera to track movement rather than a ball, which made it more precise and reliable. Today, most mice use this technology, and they have become even more advanced, with features such as added buttons, wireless connectivity, and gesture recognition.

Overall, the computer mouse has played a crucial role in the development of modern computing. It has greatly improved the way we interact with computers, making them much more accessible and user-friendly. The invention of the mouse has been a significant step in the evolution of human-computer interaction and it continues to be an essential tool for many people today.

Posted on

Amiga Keyboard USB Adapter

This adapter converts original Amiga keyboard’s to become a standard PC USB keyboard, this makes it easy to install into a case if building an emulated system based on Emulation such as WinUAE, Amibian or an A500 Mini, Raspberry Pi, Mister, Android Box or a PC

The A500 Keyboard plugs directly onto the adapter and you can connect the adapter with a standard Micro USB Cable

Conversion leads are available from us for existing Amiga 2000/3000 and 4000 external keyboards or you can install your A500 or A500 Plus keyboard into an external case like the Checkmate  1500

If instead  you want to use a USB keyboard on your Amiga then please see the AKey adapter below