Here at Mactropolis, we don’t normally cover stories like this, but I think this is worthy of a post.

It really is amazing to see how far the mouse has come since Apple introduced in alongside the original Macintosh in 1984.

I think these photos are pretty representative of the entire computer industry. Think about it, mice were once an experimental computer accessory, and they looked the part. Nowadays, they are streamlined, operate smoothly, and are an indispensable part of our day-to-day computing. Apple should be congratulated for this, because if it were up to Microsoft, we’d still be using the command line(yes, I’m being hyperbolic). Also, I’m glad the trackball died out (albeit a slow death). Can I get an amen?

Of course, Apple again revolutionized the way we deal with our computers when they brought multi-touch to the masses with the launch of the iPhone in January 2007. Now just about every cutting edge phone released has some sort of multi-touch-esque features.

I also suspect Apple will change things up again when/if they introduce the mythical “iSlate” tablet thingy. And who knows, this “Magic Slate” input device thing may blow our minds if/when it’s introduced.

One thing is for sure though. Apple (and Google) will be the defining tech company in the decade to come.

From all of us at Mactropolis, have a Happy New Year.

In a curious story from Macenstein, it seems the Canadian hardware chain Rona has used Apple’s already in place “nano-chromatic” billboards to complete there own billboards. The picture below should explain the situation.

The “nano-chromatic” billboards feature all of the iPod nano’s in color order dripping color. Rona went in and placed there banner below the ad that features paint buckets collecting the dripping colors. Rona’s ad is informing others that they not only sell paint, but recycle it too. Very clever.