# AMX Mouse > computer mouse for ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro and Acorn Electron **Wikidata**: [Q19767029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19767029) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMX_Mouse) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amx-mouse ## Summary The AMX Mouse is a computer mouse specifically designed for compatibility with the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, and Acorn Electron home computers. It functions as a hand-held input device that translates physical motion into pointer movement on a computer display. The device is classified as a specific implementation of a computer mouse and is documented in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, and Czech. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** Instance of a computer mouse. - **Compatible Platforms:** ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Acorn Electron. - **Function:** Hand-held pointing device used to move a pointer on a computer display. - **Commons Category:** Advanced Memory Systems AMX Mouse. - **Wikipedia Presence:** Title "AMX Mouse"; sitelink count of 5; available in commons, cs, en, es, fr languages. - **Freebase ID:** /m/05kfpj9. - **MobyGames Attribute ID:** 2154. - **General Mouse Inception Context:** The broader technology category (computer mouse) was invented in 1963 by Douglas Engelbart. ## FAQs ### Q: What computers is the AMX Mouse compatible with? The AMX Mouse is compatible with the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, and Acorn Electron home computers. ### Q: What type of device is the AMX Mouse? It is a computer mouse, which is a hand-held pointing device that allows users to move a cursor or pointer on a computer display by translating physical movement. ### Q: Who invented the underlying technology used by devices like the AMX Mouse? The general computer mouse technology was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1963, with contributions from William English. ### Q: In which languages is information about the AMX Mouse available? Information is available in Commons, Czech, English, Spanish, and French. ## Why It Matters The AMX Mouse matters as a specialized hardware peripheral that extended the graphical capabilities of specific 8-bit home computers during the 1980s. By providing a pointing device for platforms like the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro, it enabled users to interact with software using a cursor-based interface rather than keyboard-only input, facilitating the use of graphical user interfaces, art programs, and desktop-style applications on these systems. Its existence highlights the diversification of input devices in the early home computer market, bridging the gap between the mouse technology invented in 1963 and the specific needs of European home computer users. ## Notable For - **Multi-platform compatibility:** Designed to work across four distinct home computer systems (ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Acorn Electron). - **Historical context:** Represents the adaptation of the computer mouse (invented 1963) for the 8-bit home computer era. - **Documentation scope:** Cataloged with a specific MobyGames attribute ID (2154) and present across multiple linguistic Wikipedia editions. - **Categorization:** Classified under the "Advanced Memory Systems AMX Mouse" commons category, linking it to its manufacturer context. ## Body ### Classification and Core Function The AMX Mouse is an instance of a **computer mouse**. In general computing terms, a computer mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is translated into the movement of a pointer on a display, allowing users to control a graphical user interface. The device typically features buttons and may include a scroll wheel, although specific button configurations for the AMX Mouse are not detailed in the provided sources. ### Compatible Systems The primary distinguishing characteristic of the AMX Mouse is its compatibility with a specific set of 1980s home computers: - **ZX Spectrum** - **Amstrad CPC** - **BBC Micro** - **Acorn Electron** These platforms were prominent in the European market, suggesting the AMX Mouse was targeted at users of these specific 8-bit systems. ### Relationship to General Mouse Technology While the AMX Mouse is a specific product, it inherits the fundamental characteristics of the broader **computer mouse** category: - **Inception of underlying technology:** 1963, by Douglas Engelbart. - **Inventor contributions:** Douglas Engelbart (primary), William English. - **Core components:** Push-buttons and sensors (optical or mechanical/ball). - **Connectivity:** Typically wired (PS/2 or USB in general contexts), though the specific connection interface for the AMX Mouse (e.g., proprietary port) is not specified in the source text. - **Patents:** General mouse technology is covered by patents such as US 3987685. ### Documentation and Identifiers The AMX Mouse is indexed and described through several structured knowledge systems: - **Wikipedia:** Article titled "AMX Mouse" with a sitelink count of 5. - **Wikimedia Commons:** Categorized under "Advanced Memory Systems AMX Mouse," indicating the likely manufacturer or brand association. - **Freebase:** Assigned the ID `/m/05kfpj9`. - **MobyGames:** Tagged with attribute ID 2154, relevant to video game and software databases. - **Language Availability:** Documentation exists in Commons, Czech (`cs`), English (`en`), Spanish (`es`), and French (`fr`). ### Contextual Significance The AMX Mouse represents the commercialization and platform-specific adaptation of mouse technology pioneered in the 1960s. While early prototypes like Engelbart's were demonstrated in 1968, devices like the AMX Mouse brought pointing capabilities to the consumer home computer market. By supporting multiple popular platforms, it served as a bridge between keyboard-driven command line interfaces and the emerging graphical software environments of the 1980s. Its classification and identifiers link it to the broader history of input devices, which includes specialized variants like ergonomic mice, gaming mice, and accessibility tools such as footmice.