For many, the year 1991 doesn’t immediately stand out as a landmark in computing history. It was not the year of a revolutionary new processor or a paradigm-shifting operating system. Yet, beneath the surface of headline-grabbing hardware, a quiet but profound transformation was solidifying: the widespread availability and normalization of computer accessories. This period marked the critical shift where peripherals stopped being rare, specialist add-ons and started becoming expected components of a functional personal computing setup. The ecosystem around the PC was maturing, driven by industry standardization, falling costs, and a growing recognition that usability extended far beyond the base unit.
The early 1990s computing landscape was fragmented. While IBM-compatible PCs (often simply called “clones”) were gaining dominance in the business world, they coexisted with strong contenders like the Apple Macintosh line and various home computers such as the Amiga. A key driver for accessory availability was the emergence of de facto standard interfaces. The PS/2 port for keyboards and mice, introduced by IBM in 1987, was becoming commonplace on new systems by 1991, offering a more reliable alternative to the older serial and ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) connections. Similarly, the parallel port (LPT) and serial port (COM) became universal gateways for a host of devices, from printers to external modems.
The Mouse: From Novelty to Necessity
Perhaps the most significant shift was the mouse’s journey into the mainstream. Prior to this era, mice were often separate, expensive purchases, primarily associated with graphical environments like Microsoft Windows 3.0 (released in 1990) or the Mac OS. By 1991, however, the landscape had changed. Windows 3.0’s explosive popularity created a massive demand for pointing devices. In response, numerous third-party manufacturers entered the market, driving prices down and variety up. It became increasingly common for new PCs, especially those advertised as “Windows-ready,” to include a mouse in the bundle. This bundling strategy was a clear signal that the industry viewed the mouse as an essential input device, not an optional luxury.
- Mechanical vs. Optical: The vast majority of mice in 1991 were mechanical, using a rolling ball and internal rollers. While early opto-mechanical designs existed, the pure LED optical mouse was still a costly rarity.
- Button Standardization: The two-button mouse was becoming the norm for PC compatibles, while Apple famously stuck with its single-button design, a distinction that highlighted the ongoing platform divergence.
- Ergonomics Emerges: As usage increased, so did attention to comfort. Designs began to subtly contour to the hand, moving away from the simple rectangular “box” shapes of the 1980s.
Printers: Dot Matrix Dominance and Inkjet’s Ascent
The home and small office printer market in 1991 was a battleground of technologies. The workhorse was undoubtedly the 9-pin dot matrix printer, prized for its reliability, low cost-per-page, and unique ability to print multi-part carbon forms. Brands like Epson, IBM, and Okidata dominated this space. However, the quality limitations of dot matrix—notably the distinctive dotted text and poor graphics reproduction—created an opening.
This opening was being filled by inkjet printers. While invented earlier, by 1991, companies like Hewlett-Packard (with its DeskJet series) and Canon were making significant strides in improving print quality and, crucially, affordability. Inkjets offered near-laser printer quality for a fraction of the price, making “letter quality” output accessible to consumers and small businesses. Meanwhile, true personal laser printers, like the HP LaserJet IIP, remained a premium, though increasingly attainable, investment for professionals requiring the highest standard.
The Dawn of Multimedia and External Storage
The concept of “multimedia PC” began to crystallize around this time, and accessories were its foundation. The CD-ROM drive, while still a high-cost addition, started its transition from exotic to expected. Titles like Microsoft’s Encarta encyclopedia (1993) were on the horizon, showcasing the potential of the format. To hear the audio from these CDs, a sound card was needed. The Creative Sound Blaster Pro, released in 1991, solidified its position as the de facto audio standard for PC gaming and multimedia, creating a huge accessory market for compatible speakers and MIDI devices.
External storage was also evolving. The 3.5-inch floppy disk drive was now utterly standard, with the older 5.25-inch format fading. For larger storage needs, external hard drives and tape backup units (like those from Colorado Memory Systems) connected via parallel or SCSI ports, though they were primarily tools for businesses and serious enthusiasts due to their high cost.
| Accessory Category | Typical Early 1991 Status | Typical Late 1991 / Early 1992 Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Pointing Device | Often sold separately; bundled with higher-end “Windows” systems. | Increasingly bundled as standard; third-party market explodes. |
| Home/Office Printer | Dot Matrix dominant; Inkjet emerging as quality alternative. | Inkjet adoption accelerates; price gap with dot matrix narrows. |
| External Storage | 3.5″ Floppy standard; CD-ROM & external HDDs are premium. | CD-ROM drives begin to be marketed as essential for new software. |
| Audio Hardware | Sound card required for quality audio; internal speaker is norm. | Sound Blaster compatibility becomes a major software requirement. |
Retail and the Consumer Experience
A critical factor in this increased availability was the evolution of retail. While dedicated computer stores remained important, mass-market electronics retailers and large office supply chains began dedicating more shelf space to peripherals and accessories. This physical presence demystified the products. Consumers could now see, and sometimes even try, different models of mice, printers, and joysticks. The rise of mail-order catalogs from companies like PC Connection and MacWarehouse also played a pivotal role, offering a wider selection and competitive pricing to users outside major metropolitan areas.
- Standardization of Interfaces (PS/2, Parallel, Serial) created a stable platform for third-party manufacturers.
- The success of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), primarily Windows 3.0, created mass demand for pointing devices.
- Increased competition in manufacturing drove down prices from luxury to commodity levels for many items.
- Expanded retail distribution brought accessories to mainstream consumers, not just hobbyists.
Takeaway
- 1991 was a catalyst year where computer accessories transitioned from specialist market to mainstream availability, setting the stage for the modern peripheral ecosystem.
- The bundling of the mouse with new PCs became common, signaling its official status as a standard input device alongside the keyboard.
- Competition between dot matrix and inkjet printer technologies dramatically improved the quality and affordability of home and small office printing.
- The foundations for the multimedia PC were laid through the growing adoption of CD-ROM drives and standardized sound cards, which in turn created markets for new accessory types.
