3-D Connexion 3 D Mouse 2

[PhilScrimp]

I was considering buying one of these, but though I would see if anyone else has experience with them before I do? Worth the money? Learning curve? Increased productivity?

Thanks...

 

[handleman]

Here is a summary of all the posts to follow:

(some folks):
I can't even run MSPaint without one of these things! They're awesome! I cut my modeling time by 96.2% just by installing the drivers!
-(subset): I have the one with only 2 buttons. What kind of weirdo needs more buttons than 2?
-(other subset): I have the one with 57 buttons and and LCD screen. What kind of weirdo only needs 2 buttons?

(other folks):
Meh, I tried it, but I have too many shortcut keys mapped to keep moving my hand back and forth. I didn't really see much improvement.

(summary):
Hard to say one way or the other until you try it.


-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)

 

[SwinnyGG]

I love mine, but agree that 'you don't know until you try one' is the truth. What I like may not be what you like.

As one more anecdote, I have the version with the LCD screen and 57 buttons, and do not understand how anyone could survive with just two.

 

[handleman]

-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)

 

[AnnaWood]

I can't do 3D cad without one.

Give yourself time to get used to it. Most people that hate them do not give themselves enough time to get used to them.



Anna Wood
SW2015 SP5, Windows 7 x64

 

[GRF]

I have tried them twice once about 13years ago the other about 10 years ago. I tried them for a couple days and could not get the zoom or pan function to work how I wanted and gave up. I probably should have used it longer, but with a wheel middle mouse button I can pretty much rotate, zoom my self to just about anywhere I need to be quite quickly.

 

[SwinnyGG]

These devices have come a loooooooooooooooooong way in 10 years.

 

[PatCouture]

Buy one and give yourself at least two weeks to train your muscle to it. Start with less sensitivity and increase slowly. I had my space pilot for ten years now and I can't work without one. The drivers gives you the opportunity to customize for each environment. So if you take some time to customize properly it's a huge time saver.

 

[SvenVoeten]

If you can't get the driver to do what you want, you can always go in the XML file and define the axis manualy.
I could not get the driver to do the movement I wanted, maybe it's just me ;D

 

[APG63]

I've always used a 3D controller when working with 3D cad systems. I did have to order one for one job, and working with just a mouse is maddening for me. I prefer to have a 3D controller. I do happen to be using a 3DConnexion controller, and I love it. Yes, I would like more than two buttons on it, but it's not that big of a deal. I say get one. You'll love it.