3D mouse

[alansimpson]

I am considering using the 3D mouse; 3D Connexion Space Navigator PE for doing design work with SE.

http://www.3dconnexion.com/

Anybody have any experience with this product? Did you find it helpful or can you recommend something better?

Thanks

 

[m4rc]

Hi,

I only have the SpaceNavigator, the one with only two buttons, for 3D modelling I couldn't live without it. I tend to use Ctrl & Shift for panning and zooming in 2D as I find the 3D mouse too slow. Getting to grips with the 3D mouse can take some time, take your time though. My advice is to play with all the settings, making some of the directions 'inverse', just to see which way you prefer it to work. In no time at all you'll be wondering how you lived without one.

On a bonus side, if you like Google Earth, then you can use the device to move/'fly' through the world with greater ease

M

 

[beachcomber]

I have a SpaceBall 4000FLX and I tried the SpaceNavigator but found it was too light for my liking.
It had a tendency to creep away from me and rotate, putting the axes out of sync with my hand movement. This can make zooming/panning a bit strange.
I have bought a Space Explorer for my new workstation - much more expensive but I think it's worth it.
Does anyone know if you can use these in games like Quake ?

bc

 

[ksudavid]

I use a SpacePilot. Once you get used to controlling the motions these 3D navigators are hard to live without. Just be patient while you tweak the setting and get used to the controls. As time went on I kept increasing the sensitivity.

I would agree with beachcomber. If you can afford the Space Explorer you will prefer the extra weight and comfort. If not the Space Navigator is still worth checking out.

 

[beachcomber]

The advantage of the SpaceExplorer and SpacePilot are that your hand rests on the controler, holding it firmly on the desk. I do know someone that made a base plate for the SpaceNavigator that did much the same thing.
I'm not trying to put you off the SpaceNavigator, - it's a great bit of kit for the money.
There are old type SpaceBalls for sale on ebay, but you have to be very careful if you consider one of these, as the older serial type connection may not work on new workstations - even if they have a serial port. It's to do with Intel (and Microsoft ?) not providing full support for serial devices in the new chipsets - some work, some don't.
I'm not sure about older USB spaceballs.

Whichever you decide on, if you ever use a worstation without one it's really strange.

bc

 

[PatCouture]

I too have a Space Pilot and as other mentionned once you get used to it you can't work without it. I love the Space Pilot because you have a bunch of programmable buttons available so that you don't have to go back to the keyboard for shortcuts. But it took me at least 40 hours to really be at ease with it, so at the beginning you have to be patient.

Cheers

Patrick

 

[Gemnoc]

It's true the SpaceNavigator tends to rotate and move when you use it. But it's a lot cheaper than a SpacePilot or Explorer. Especially the Personal Edition, it's half the price of the Standard Edition, but it's exactly the same thing. The difference is in the support (email support only). Plus the PE shouldn't be used for commercial work.

One thing that annoys me though. I've configured the left button with the Escape key, and the right button to Fit View. But the right button always looses its mapping in either of the environments. It does that at work, and at home, on 2 different SpaceNavigators.

 

[m4rc]

Hi Gemnoc, mine loses it presets too, no idea why... Why are you not meant to use the PE for commercial work?

 

[arlenn]

m4rc,

my bet would be the assumed license agreement between you the purchaser and the manufacturer.

 

[Gemnoc]

Yeah, just read it from the EULA when I installed mine at home last week. It's for personal or academic use.

 

[m4rc]

Hmmm, so ordering 20 PE devices for a work environment would be considered wrong then

 

[pagep]

You could look at a astroid 6000 been using one for 18mnths works great only thing is usb port but that reliable yeah, not for games though.

http://www.spatialfreedom.com