Why is the mouse not called a rat instead? .. or a hamster? ....

Because, mouse have small tails and small bodies than rat instead or hamster. Cable as tails, and other give that name mouse.o_O

I think it's because it's shaped like a mouse with a tail. Although I'm really not even that sure..

Because it has a long tail, just like live mouse has! LOL

Because i think mouse sounds cuter and friendly than rat...Holding a mouse is more comfortable than holding a rat...That's why Disney named its major character Mickey Mouse....Imagine call him Mickey Rat, I don't know if kids will love him...LOL....

While it could have been called "the hamster," it would not have been accurate because it did not have a long tail. The mouse the device is named after is one of many that the device could have been called, but the mouse is the most accurate, because of: 1. The size. A standard rodent mouse is able to fit in the average hand. 2. The tail: A mouse has one of the longest tails in the rodent group for its size, and it would not have been as acceptable for the device to be named "The gerbil." While the gerbil is the same size, it is not as commonly known. 3. There are many stories and movies that have made the mouse a friendly image for the general public, so calling this input device a "mouse" is most acceptable. There is even a cover for the "mouse" that has gray imitation fur, eyes and ears to make it look like a mouse. Perhaps they marketed it to keep the mouse from collecting all that staining from the oil and sweat deposits left by repeated handling. Over time, these can yellow the mouse cover, and make it very unattractive if it is the common tan/white color most are. Besides, if it was called "The rat," it would be as big as your foot. Imagine trying to use THAT device. ;-))

Just like your computer`s mouse,it`s used by choosing and pointing your sites.Truly a funny description!