Best Peripheral of All Time!!!

I've been programming for close to 10 years (focusing on 3d graphics) and have been modeling in 3d for the past couple of years. On thing I've noticed is how inadequate the 2d mouse is for doing any kind of 3d work. I've wanted a SpaceBall/Mouse for quite some time (back since they added support for Descent) but I could never afford to spend $300 or more on a controller. I'm so glad the guys at 3dConnection have brought out the SpaceNavigator at an affordable price for the consumer market. I've finally got to see it in action myself and there is no going back. No question, the best peripheral of all time.

I honestly do not understand how I ever modeled in 3d without one of these 3d input devices. The camera just moves around silky smooth, exactly how you want it. I've struggled with the camera control in both max and maya for so long, I would have never thought there was such a simple solution. This controller is absolutely essential for any type of realtime 3d work. The SpaceNavigator is for 3d what the Wacom tablet is to 2d. It is honestly the best $60 I've ever spent on a PC peripheral. Not only does it work as advertised, but it also does increase productivity. Its not just the marketing, its the real deal.

If you are reading this and you don't yet have one, please, stop reading and proceed to click the "buy now" button. The SpaceNavigator is worth every penny and more for $59 or $99 even. This thing will pay for itself in only a week. You will not regret the purchase. Amazing product.

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Heavy

The spacenavigator is not your normal plastic mouse as it is made of solid metal and is refreshing to find something made solid and performs the same. I always wanted a spaceball but it was too expensive and this fills the bill nicely and at a affordable price.

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SpaceNavigator is a fantastic, affordable 3D input device

Disclaimer: I received my SpaceNavigator for free. I've tried not to let that influence my review.

As a Google Earth addict I've been searching for an affordable 3D input device for some time. The search is over; the SpaceNavigator is it.

It's a solid unit, hefty and feels well-built. The supplied software (including driver's for a bunch of applications and a handful of demo's) installed easily and everything worked fine with Google Earth and Sketchup. 3Dconnexion's website had a more recent software package which was downloaded without fuss automatically as part of the installation process.

When I first plugged it in I was surprised by the sensitivity of the SpaceNavigator. There is very little 'throw' required to use the device to move around in 3D space. As such it requires a fair amount of dexterity and initially I felt awkward using the device and had to resist the temptation to reach for my mouse. It was intuitive but I felt clumsy.

My clumsiness was exacerbated due to using it with my *left* hand so I could continue to use my mouse in my right hand simultaneously. Two input devices, while powerful, requires practice!

However before too long (10-20 minutes) that feeling dissipated and using the device just felt very natural. You begin simply thinking about what to look at and not needing to think about how to get there. Using the mouse for navigation now feels constricting.

In Google Earth it's effective - and damn cool - zooming in on a location from a long way out, pulling down the angle of view and panning around a subject! Not only does the device give you a seamless way to move around the 3D space but it attracts attention in droves...if you bring the SpaceNavigator to work be prepared to let your colleagues have a play. :)

A couple of cons:

o Although the device feels heavy, once you start pulling against it (to zoom out as I have it configured) you realise that it's only just heavy enough.

o The software is reliable and effective but I'd like to see more functionality. A mouse driver would be an obvious addition. Interfacing to a browser (panning the SpaceNavigator would be a great way to scroll!) would be another. Once you're used to using it you want to use it everywhere!

o It can be difficult to get your hands on one depending on your geography; here in Australia I believe the distribution channels are still being sorted out.

But these are minor quibbles. The SpaceNavigator is an excellent device, at an amazingly affordable price that effectively brings 3D navigation to the masses. If you've got any interest in any 3D application you will not regret buying one. Highly recommended.


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