Hardware - Space Navigator 3D Navigator Input Device?Anyone use?

[CPosner]

Hi All,

Does anyone use one of these devices 3d navigator devices? In particular from -

http://www.3dconnexion.com/

?

We are discussing the increased productivity/ergonomics of these for our firm.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DBezaire]

I am using 1 right now. Very comfortable - makes part viewing simple.

Regards,
Derek

 

[CPosner]

Which Model?? Does it help just with part viewing? Or does it actually speed up modeling? Thanks

 

[QuasiMoto]

I have been fiddling with the new SpaceNavigator a bit. Imho, it doesn't have enough buttons to be productive for modeling, but for ~$100 bucks, it's worth it for panning and zooming while checking drawings because your other hand is free to write... :twocents:

Actually it's worth the low price for Google Earth alone, but that's another story...

You'll want to look at one of the upper end models with more buttons to get much boost in modeling productivity. I've used them in the past, and felt they were an improvement. Some people get on with them, and some don't. Your mileage may vary...

 

[CATPart]

I'm using SPACE EXPLORER, and I can highly recommend it... Your right (left) hand will be thankful to you.

 

[DBezaire]

Sorry CPsoner - Space Navigator

 

[prolynx]

We use the "old" spaceball 5000 and I couldn't work without. Or well, I could, but it would be really painful...

Being old I-Deas users, we were used to manipulate the 3D view with the left hand, and when we got Catia first, it was really disturbing, and also the load of the right hand was IMO too high. Spaceball increased confort for users noticeably and the buttons are easy to configure too...

 

[APrince]

I've had the SpacePilot and now a SpaceNavigator. Both are excellent and both have seriously improved my efficiency when it comes to manipulating models.

I gave my SpacePilot to one of the engineers because I do a lot more viewing than modeling and the two buttons were sufficient. I'll be checking in with him frequently on his thoughts about using the tool as we're evaluating them for department-wide use.