ADB mice
ADB mice are computer input devices that utilize the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) protocol, a proprietary serial bus developed by Apple Inc. for connecting low-speed peripherals. Introduced in 1986, ADB allowed keyboards, mice, trackballs, and graphics tablets to be daisy-chained and powered through…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1986
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- Before ADB, computers often relied on multiple, dedicated ports with proprietary connectors for each input device like a mouse or keyboard. This led to cable clutter, limited expansion, and compatibility issues. ADB solved this by offering a single, intelligent serial bus that could connect multiple input devices in a daisy chain, provide power, and simplify the overall user experience, addressing the pain points of fragmented peripheral connectivity.
- Platforms
- NeXT computers, Apple Macintosh (all models from 1987 to 1998, excluding original iMac), Apple IIgs
Related technologies
Notable users
- NeXT Inc. (historically)
- Apple Inc. (historically)
- Users of classic Macintosh and Apple IIgs systems