3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE (Personal Edition) 3D Navigation Device USB ( 3DX-700029 ) Reviews

• Good device -- if only more apps supported it...

  
  By A1F50KG7O9A0JD on 2007-04-20
  Ah, gadgets. I'm lucky enough to be able to justify most purchases (such as this one) with some obscure business need (the secret is not to be too specific :-). And so, a few weeks ago this device landed in my hands after I learned that finally Mac application support was assured (we are developing a Mac graphic app).
  
  Please note: the Space Navigator (SP) is *not* a mouse replacement. You are expected to use this device in addition to your mouse and keyboard (or, rather: graphic tablet and keyboard). The SN's prime function is to aid you in positioning (rotating, panning, scaling) objects in 2D or 3D. Most applications already have functions for this, and the goal of this device is to make these functions more accessible or easier to use.
  
  So, how does it hold up? The first thing you notice is how heavy the device is. This is a good thing. It feels solid, and encourages you to take a firm grip of the upper control. It also will not easily slide about, or (worse) turn by itself. The SN is sturdy, feels great, and is very, very sensitive. After a few short hours navigating in 3D becomes natural, and you'll wonder how you ever got by without it.
  
  The downside is that applications must be re-written in order to take advantage of the SpaceNavigator. This is perhaps it's greates stumbling block, as only a few applications currently support it (the big three do, plus Google Earth (PC), and SketchUp (PC and Mac)).
  
  The current Mac integration is less than stellar, emplying a rather silly control panel with integrated demo apps of dubious quality). Configuration options in the control panel are poor, and appear to be rushed to the market. Also, on the Mac there currently are only a handful of apps that support it, which hopefully will change soon.
  
  Being a developer (and having to justify the purchase, remember) I also looked at the SDK (software development kit) that you can download to provide integration for your application (this is only usable for application programmers). Having played around with the SDK for a while I have to say that I am impressed. Firstly, the device itself is far more sophisticated that I initially thought. Also, the SDK abstracts device and software nicely, making integration much less a chore than I had thought. I'm therefore hopeful that this device receives a much broader adoption on the Mac than it now has -- especially for some games, where this kind of device would make immersion even better.
  
  Aestethically, the device is hard to beat. It's round shape, the large, black rubberized top, with a heavy, brushed aluminum base, and a blue light shining from within (no doubt a not-so-subtle nod to Griffin's PowerMate) make this device look good, and definitely not flashy (which, considering the fact that most people using it are designers of some sort, is a good thing). It also looks like a distant cousin to Logitech's Harmony 1000 wich employs the same design palette (black/aluminum/blue).
  
  Overall, even though current use is limited for many users, I can recommend this device if you are in the 3D design field (and your application supports it - it's worth a check, though).
  
  
  

• Please Read if You Intend To Use With a Macintosh

  
  By A2YOHGS0R4C87Z on 2007-02-18
  While this is a GREAT product for use with Google Earth on WindowsXP, beware if you want to use this with a Mac. Mac drivers are still in BETA and are only available as a download from their website. The only application currently supported on the Mac is Google SketchUp. Google Earth IS NOT SUPPORTED for the Mac as on February 2007 (check the manufacturer website for updates on Mac drivers). As a side note, be prepared to endure extra security screening if you pack this device in your computer bag and go through airport security. The base is made of solid metal and will show up brightly on the Airport security x-ray.
  
  

• SpaceNavigator is a fantastic, affordable 3D input device

  
  By A1SRZTM7U0KOV on 2007-01-10
  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.
  
  
  

• Indespensable device for 3D work.

  
  By A25JPZUDAW3UAO on 2007-01-05
  This is a great device!
  
  I am a Google SketchUp user, and I have a SpacePilot from 3D Connexion at work. Getting home and working in SketchUp on my own computer has been a frustrating experience, I feel handicapped without a 3D device, so I am very happy to have a version that I can afford for my own use at home.
  
  The SpaceNavigator was very easy to install with the supplied CD. Just pick the programs you have from the list. There are also additional drivers on the website if you should want to use it with AutoCAD or PhotoShop. I has a very small footprint on my desk yet it feels heavy and solid. I have found it worthwhile to explore the control panel and customize the way the device behaves in different applications, for example: In SketchUp I like to manipulate the scene as if I were holding it, whereas in Google Earth I like it to behave more like the controls of a flight simulator, so I have reversed many of the axis, and programmed the two buttons for my most common commands.
  
  Speaking of Google Earth, it is way more fun to navigate around with the SpaceNavigator than a mouse, not to mention a lot less strain on the wrist!
  
  I can't imagine not using a 3D controller after getting used to it. At work I also use it with Cinema4D, AutoCAD and Photoshop (yes, it is great at panning and zooming in 2D as well).
  
  I would highly recommend the SpaceNavigator to anyone that does any kind of 3D or graphics work.
  
  
  

• A beautiful $59 paperweight

  
  By A3V7L3IE7Z92UY on 2007-09-20
  The thing is beautiful, but the box and advertising seems to convey more OSX support than there actually is. Currently it only appears to work with Google Earth. I am a Blender user and a Second Life tinkerer, and hope this will support those apps before it goes obsolete. Deep searching of forums gets the occasional 3D connexion rep to type "we are looking into it but have no set plans at this time". Thanks, guys.
  
  The driver installation needs refactoring too. install disc > prompted to check for upgrades > get sent to site > download new driver > install > get prompted to check for upgrades (??) > configure > stare at useless thing on table.
  
  
• A must have, but confirm compatibility before purchase
  By A3M5IKUOB70R6P on 2007-12-06
  I am a licensed architect and use this extensively for SketchUp modeling and the occasional Google Earth tour. It has literally transformed the way I model. Even if it only worked with SketchUp it would be worth the $60 or $100. It is very well made, heavy with a sticky rubber base (a big ring, not those little dots), glows blue under the cap (which you can turn off), and has survived a few poundings courtesy of my 3-year old son.
  
  I found that it took me about two full days to get used to it and feel comfortable enough with it to make going back to keyboard and mouse navigation painful.
  
  Don't expect this to work with all (or even many) of your applications, even if they are listed on the 3DConnexion website as "supported". AutoCAD is a good example. Supported, yes, but I actually prefer to use the mouse and keyboard for 2D view navigation. Additional application support is promised, and will hopefully arrive soon, especially on the Mac side.
  
  I have one at work (Windows, SpaceNavigator SE) and one at home (Mac, SpaceNavigator PE), and have used them in both contexts for the better part of a year. The Mac drivers are relatively on par with the Windows drivers, at least enough that device operation is consistent.
  
  If you want to improve your SketchUp modeling fun and efficiency I highly, highly recommend this product.
  
  
• Best Peripheral of All Time!!!
  By A1HGMA4Z8V1LI1 on 2007-02-10
  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.
  
  
• Great but...
  By A2IOEY0NDTD40Q on 2007-02-19
  The only cons I have with 3d navigator is the software compatibility. The 3dconexion web page isn't smart as it has to be, and to install the rigth software was painful. The software could be better to improve the 3d navigation. I use AutoCAD 3D, and other third party vertical products on top of AutoCAD. The software works in AutoCAD but not in the vertical product. The software/license must to be loaded on the platform (AutoCAD) but not on the AutoCAD itself.
  
  Once you install the drivers in AutoCAD works perfect, but its a little be tricky to tune up in order to navigate ALMOST the same way I navigate with my Microsoft 5 buttons using the AutoCAD orbit.
  
  I will wait for better software and best license schema. Remember 3dconnexion: the people who use these devices are designers as well.
  
  
  
  
• Truly remarkable!
  By A11OSGAP8GUEP8 on 2007-09-15
  I didn't get this for the reason that many folks would get this (i.e. to use in 3D authoring applications). Instead, I got this because I'm a software developer and love to tinker with input devices like this, and I wanted to use this to emulate the behavior of a mouse, and so my review is focused primarily on the ergonomics of the device itself. In short, it does what it's designed to do very well!
  
  The first thing you'll probably notice is that this thing is HEAVY! You'll know it isn't intended to be used like a mouse as soon as you pick it up. Instead, it sits stationary on a surface -- aided by a rubber-like ring on the bottom to keep it from slipping around-- where you control it by pressing gently on the rubberized cap in the desired direction.
  
  If you're like me, I don't think it'll take you long to get used to the SpaceNavigator's sleek & stylish appearance. With a brushed finish to the heavy metal (stainless steel?) base, and with a cool blue glow emanating from underneath the control cap, it lends a distinctively sophisticated air to any desktop.
  
  Translation along and rotation around each of the axes is EXTREMELY smooth and precise, with literally hundreds of distinct degrees of sensitivity (i.e. between 350 & 450) in each direction, and yet the comfortable rubberized cap doesn't have to be moved very far to achieve such fine control. The deadzone is VERY small, with input being registered at even the SLIGHTEST touch in any direction -- which is quite ideal, considering how this is intended to be used. However, unlike all joysticks that I've ever used, the deadzone is consistently at exactly the same spot every time! Considering all these things, I think this really says a lot about the high quality of the product! These great features make for a really enjoyable and immersive experience while using the SpaceNavigator.
  
  Although I've never used this in any of the supported 3D authoring applications, I have really enjoyed using it in Google Earth. Never has navigating in 3D been so surprisingly & captivatingly intuitive! If my experience with the SpaceNavigator in Google Earth is any indicator of how well it performs in other 3D applications, then I have no doubt that this is clearly one of the best products on the market for intuitively manipulating either an object or camera in 3D.
  
  As a programmer, it was nice to see that this product has a well-documented API and that it seems to be well-supported.
  
  The little control panel application that installs with the driver seems adequate for most purposes, but for those looking for more advanced features might find it lacking.
  
  Each of the 2 buttons can be assigned to one of a number of functions, but with only 2 buttons, don't expect to be able to do much customizing.
  
  It certainly can't replace a mouse, and it does take some getting used to, but it has really grown on me even in the short time I've had it!
  
  I really am quite impressed with the overall quality of this product. Really the only other feature that I can think of which would make the SpaceNavigator PE significantly more useful than it already is would be for it to sport more than only 2 buttons. (But I guess if I were willing to pay about 3 times the price, I could get the SpaceTraveller which has 8 buttons!)
  
  So if you're like me and enjoy trying out new input devices, or if you're interested in finding a more efficient & intuitive way to use one of the supported applications -- even if it's only Google Earth -- then I say just get it! I doubt you'll regret it!
  
  
• One Star on a Mac - More stars when they have software
  By A1F27M3ZUKLTHM on 2007-02-25
  I saw SpaceNavigator PE at Macworld controlling Google Earth,
  - it worked,
  - I was very impressed,
  - I tried it at the Macworld Expo
  - I ordered one.
  
  Then I had to return it because it only worked with one or two apps. and I only wanted for Google Earth and now I find out there is no drivers! What's wrong with the Mac software that was shown at Macworld? Why can't users download and use the Macworld software until the next release?
  
  
• Great product but...
  By A2PLUNNWXJWI89 on 2007-03-01
  This is a awesome product to use with the mentioned applications such as Google Earth, i bought mine specifically to use with Maya but... only reason im giving this 4 stars is because you cannot map this to any key configuration yourself, if you want this to work with any other apps then forget it. Either 3dconnexions will have to write a driver for it or you can email the company of the software you want supported and have them deal with it via an SDK. shame...
  
  
• flying through sketchup
  By A2MQMFMJ2Z5HHP on 2007-03-08
  I've been using the space navigator for 3 weeks and i'm loving it. It's definately increased my productivity! It's fantastic for showing people my model as it moves around so smoothly!! The control over the individual axis sensitivity is great for the precision and speed balance that i want.
  side buttons are a little stiff to press, and note in the most ergonimic position for quick access on the fly.
  But overall I'm extremely happy.
  
  
• Why?
  By ADJFUMA9VPYDQ on 2007-09-11
  I won this product in a computer aided design contest, and I eagerly awaited receiving it. When I did, I immediately wondered what the point of it was. I work as a design engineer, and most of my work is done in SolidWorks. But I just don't see any real use for this product, even if it worked well...
  
  The basic concept of this device is you use your non-mouse hand to control the orientation of an object in 3d space using the SpaceNaviagor, while still using the mouse to do other things. This is not possible. You really can only do one at a time (unless you can somehow look in two different places at once). If it was significantly difficult to orient an object with a mouse, maybe this product would be useful (save you some time opening up menus, etc), however, it's not. Simply by holding down the middle mouse button I can rotate the view of the object with my mouse in Solid Works. Most other programs have similar shortcuts. It's also a lot easier to use a mouse than with the SpaceNavigator. I don't think this is a matter of a learning curve either. It is just hard to use the SpaceNavigator.
  
  The product is heavy, but not heavy enough. You end up lifting it off the table while using it, which gets frustrating. It's also both too sensitive, and not sensitive enough, all at the same time.
  
  I like the look of this thing. I like having it on my desk ("Wow, that guy must be good, look at that fancy mouse thing!"). But I don't like using it, and I can't recommend it to anyone, definitely not at this price. If I had bought it I would have returned it, but it's free so I'll keep it.
  
  In the end, it works, but not well. It has good driver support and most every program I load up supports it (Rhino, SolidWorks, Inventor, etc), but it's a product with no real market segment.
  
  PS-I did have fun flying through google earth with it though ;-)
  
  
• nice and useful tool, but limited support
  By A1PRPHWG22CKKG on 2008-02-15
  I got this piece of ahrdware to make my job easier, and in facts it works fine with Poser 7 (after the second update, otherwise it will not be recognized by poser); it require a little bit of practice, then if you pass the initial disorientation, it works amazingly well, for an item that cost less than 100 dollars.
  
  The issue taht i have is that the support for the software is somehow limited; you need particular plugins for 3dsmax, cinema 4d and similar, then the support is not even for all the versions of the software, but only for some of them (the technical support told mne that they are planning to add more support, but at the moment whatever they have is in the drivers that is possible to get from their website).
  
  If you get it be sure that your version of the software support it; otherwise tehre is nothing to enjoy, except a nice item to put on the desk, with a soft blue light.
  
  
• Freedom to Move
  By A1ZC1HPN9TJBEV on 2008-05-15
  I have tried a couple different input devices for Second Life, many of the had a rather long learning curve i didn't want to commit myself to or they weren't intuitive enough. This was great, out of the box is hooked up easily and i was walking my may through SL like never before. Now if I connect using a computer with out my Space Navigator i find myself reaching for it and then realizing I have to use my arrows and mouse. Perhaps a bit pricey, but it is solid contruction.
  
  
• A handy tool for making movies in Second Life
  By AUMDN4OLYUNJQ on 2008-09-04
  The SpaceNavigator PE is perhaps most useful if you have a goal in mind beforehand -- for example, a current 3D app you use is driving you crazy when you try to interface with the keyboard + mouse, and you've noticed the SpaceNavigator is supported. The price is very reasonable and I wouldn't be surprised to see that help this device and others like it get more popular.
  
  I primarily use the SN with Second Life, where it's supposed with version 1.20 (the current "main viewer", altho some people still use 1.19.1). Yes, I'm the Torley Linden you may've seen mentioned who made video tutorials for this, and I recommend Residents who want to get the most out of the SN should visit, learn from, and add to: [...]
  
  One of the BIGGEST benefits to having the SN with Second Life is smooth, versatile camera tracking motion for machinima (creating movies inworld). In Flycam mode, you can pan, zoom, and do all sorts of crazy things like spin the camera around until you get drowsy. By customizing the setup, you can increase the cam feathering so it coasts along, or have it act more "tightly". You can (one of my faves) also disable Auto-Level and tilt it slightly so the horizon isn't perfectly straight -- this adds a subtle (or more dramatic) yet very welcome dynamic nuance to still snapshots, too.
  
  I don't use the Avatar movement or Build modes very much at all, but they're available if you want them.
  
  The build quality and overall design is pretty sleek. At the beginning, I was a bit confused by how easy it was to combine actions, and kept pushing and twisting the cap at the same time -- as I got more experienced, I found this to be very handy, but keep in mind that the SN does give you "6 degrees of freedom" and you can articulate yourself smoothly with that.
  
  For Second Life, at least on a Windows-based system, remember that if the SN is moving your avatar, even if you aren't touching it, you may need to go to the 3DxWare Panel in Windows' Control Panels and calibrate it. Another thing is specifically in SL, in Edit menu > Preferences > Input & Camera tab, make sure to setup things to your taste in there. I do have the latest version of the official drivers installed so the blue light indicates when it's on, as well as compatibility with other apps, but it should work fairly well with SL out of the box.
  
  Have fun! ;D
  
  
• Pretty cool
  By A337PN8LCEGOAO on 2007-03-08
  The SpaceNavigator works really well. It's very responsive to touch and makes flying around Google Earth very easy! Here are the shortcomings I have found:
  - there is no Linux driver.
  - the Windows driver only works with a specified number of 3d applications. You can't use it in any application (unfortunately). I believe someone was working to fix this problem, so you might want to check their forums.
  
  And that's it.. Everything else is great!
  
  
• Flimsy & inconvenient
  By A2IQYLC0X2ALOP on 2007-09-12
  [...]Pro:
  * It indeed feels cool to control Google Earth with it.
  * To a degree, senses your force, i.e. the further you push the knob, the faster the object on the screen moves, although the gradations are few.
  
  Contra:
  * It feels very flimsy. I'm afraid it would break in no time.
  * It is VERY HARD to make it do precisely what you want. For example, when you try to pan, you will eventually fall into tilting, even though you didn't mean to. Tilting similarly tends to turn into zooming, and so on.
  * The springs are too tight. After just about 10 minutes, my muscles are aching.
  * The device isn't supported "natively". As you know, you can plug in any mouse, joystick, keyboard, etc., and Windows will recognize the device and make use of it immediately. Not with this one, it requires software download (the CD has obsolete version)
  * That software download size is ENORMOUS!!! 100+ Mb!!! Come on guys, the whole 3D Studio package took less than that a couple years ago, but 100MB for a freaking DRIVER??? You oughtta be kidding.
  
  So all in all, you better buy a 6-axis joystick.
  
  
• 3D mouse works great, with caveats
  By A1R6QPD2SR2EC5 on 2008-06-02
  The 3D Connexion mouse works great as long as you keep a few things in mind. 1:It does not replace your main input mouse, its made to work alongside it.
  2:To get the Space navigator PE to function with all applications, you need to register the device with connexion through their website once you receive it.
  The PE pricing does not include Tech support so you cannot call and ask why the device does not work as promised. You have to figure it out. (If you are not computer savvy, you may want the SE version. (It includes Tech support}
  There are applications that are being updated daily to work with this input device and registration allows you to download the latest drivers for those applications. First thing, quality construction, weighted with enough engineering so the piece seems solidly built. I still do not let my younger kids gang bust with the device as they don't have the dexterity for subtle handling required for movement changes. The big movement is "pulling up" on the cap to zoom out and "pushing down" on the cap to zoom in. They either end up levitating the whole device with their pulling force or smashing down on the cap. Leave them the old "mouse. It cost much less to replace if That gets broken. I got the Space Navigator PE to work with Google sketchup 6 when I design component placement for media rooms and out of the box the Space Navigator would not work. Once registered, the connexion download supplied the interface and drivers needed for skethup to work and the input device works great. Drawing in sketchup is now just as fluid as drawing in any 2d drawing application because moving your object/space can be done with the "other" hand while you use your predominant hand to work the drawing tools. Using the device in Google Earth literally gives you the feeling of "flying" into your world. I navigated flight through the canyons of skyscrapers in New York City, south of Central Park, with the nimbleness of an swallow. (if nimbleness is a word.) Haven't tried the "pay-per-viewer" MS Virtual Earth yet. The trifecta would be if I could get the mouse to work with Quicktime VR. That would be good for real estate navigation. Workin on it.
  
  
• Heavy
  By A2TAOTR7H39AD4 on 2007-01-19
  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.
  
  
• Great functionality for an affordable price.
  By A3EFGHH4SEC9V on 2007-03-22
  I really enjoy my SpaceNavigator. I was looking for an enexpensive 3D motion controller for simple design work at home, and what I needed I found in the SpaceNavigator. It's a high quality product that's easy to use. My only complaint is that the software it comes with is only compatable with Windows XP, and finding and downloading a driver that eventually worked was a hassle.
  
  
• Pet Rock
  By A1QLJJERRBPS6O on 2007-05-12
  Limited application-- I used to to fiddle around with Google Earth (for which it is an interesting HID). I'd have thought that LogiTech would have added some more mundane functionality to it, e.g., as a volume control, scrolling device (like the Griffin PowerMate). If you're using it for autocad and other specifically supported applications, it will probably be more useful for you. Perhaps future software versions will extend its feature set. For now though, it supports what it supports-- and that's what it supports.
  
  
• Eh, good if you have the right software.
  By A3UNVZS6MHZE9H on 2007-05-13
  I got this to use with Maya 7 on an Intel Mac. Unfortunately, performance issues with the Maya7 + Intel Mac combo prevent this device from functining in a usefull way. The item in Maya would not update on the screen until you released the controls. This makes it effectively useless because you can't see what you are doing until after it is done!
  
  The company's website has a forum with direct access to the developers who were very helpful. Their solution was to upgrade Maya to 8.5 because it works fine for them.
  
  I had to return this item because we need exactly Maya 7 for our custom tools. Other than that, it seemed to be a really good quality piece of hardware. It was much larger and heavier than I thought. It was very well made. If you have the right software, then it will be great for you!
  
  
• My Boss is impressed
  By A139JH5BER4GH2 on 2007-07-13
  Once I saw this product I couldn't stop thinking about how much it would make my life better (at work/school) when doing 3D modeling. I am all about innovative input methods. I purchased this model to try out the 6 axis of movement concept and I love it! At work I am able to fly around and walk through our 3D models to get a better idea of the spaces we are creating in our architecture. I primarily use this device with SketchUp where it is especially handy for navigating tight interior spaces and getting a good view of the piece I am working on. My boss is even impressed as to the things I can do with it and enjoys seeing the model move around the screen in such a fluid manor.
  
  The only negative things I have to say about it are: 1. I have issues with the device sliding a small bit on my desk when pushing it to the limits in any direction. 2. I should have sprung for one of the models that includes programmable buttons because I still have to move my hand from the device to the keyboard very often negating some of the efficiency gained. 3. There are some minor aspects of the software it comes with that I find lacking but perhaps that will change.
  
  
• Even Better Than I Expected
  By A205HII72DKCDM on 2007-07-18
  The SpaceNavigator works like a charm for navigating 3D space in the two programs I used it for on my MacBook: Google SketchUp and Google Earth. The base of this 3D mouse is a heavy metal so that when you pull up on it, it won't come off the table. Because of this metal, at the security checkpoint in the airport, they took it out of my bag, gave it a funny look, and put it back in. Maybe I should put it in my checked luggage next time.
  
  The software that comes on the CD, or that you can download from their website has a control panel which allows you to configure each of the six axis controls separately for direction and speed. Each program you use can be configured separately as well. I didn't like the defaults, so I changed them for both Google Earth and Google SketchUp.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• SpaceNavigator PE Review
  By A17KL914OQFPQ1 on 2007-11-10
  Money well spent. This product is a joystick for 3D software applications and makes navigating 3D space EASY! The controls are simple pull the control knob up or push down to move vertically, push on the sides to move in any direction horizontally, twist left or right to rotate left or right, tilt the control in any direction to rotate in that direction. Does not replace your mouse. Control your application using the mouse with one hand and navigate 3D space with the other using the Space Navigator. Your 3D application must support this device, some do and some do not, so check with your 3D software vendor or the 3dconnexion website for a driver/compatability list.
  
  
• Great with Inventor
  By A29WBHHYAAJJPY on 2008-05-21
  Got this to use initially with Inventor 2009. Works well, much more intuitive than the Inventor "free rotate" command. It felt a little cumbersome for about the first 15 minutes; now I prefer it to before.
  
  I like the ability to configure the sensitivity of different transformations independently, and the ability to assign custom functions to the two buttons.
  
  It would be perfect if it had a mouse wheel in the base so as to have only one input device...
  
  
• Great for Flight Planning
  By A2OEVBVGMJ9BN3 on 2008-10-15
  I am a private pilot.
  
  I have a dual monitor setup that I use with Goggle Earth and Voyager Free Flight, to get a sense of how unfamiliar terrain will look from the air. (Using Voyager Free Flight, a course line and set of boxes export to GE as a klm file.)
  
  Keyboard navigation is clumsy for this because the most natural point of view while using arrow keys is straight down the middle, where my dual monitors are next to each other and there is a discontinuity in the scene. If I try to follow the course centered off the middle of the extended desktop, I am never able to move in the same direction I am facing and must constantly stop and re-center the viewpoint.
  
  With the 3D navigator, I can easily move along the course line wile it is centered anywhere on the extended desktop. Moreover, I can face in any direction while maintaining that ground track. This is especially useful when trying to get an idea of the scene as you fly a pattern in an unfamiliar airport. If you have done this you know that it is usually done while looking at the runway from each direction about half the time. Simulating this is no problem with the 3D Navigator.
  
  There is an airport I am interested in visiting regularly, that is surrounded by tall, steep hills. (Harriman and West, North Adams MA - I call it "scary man out west".) It is a huge help to be able to really explore that air space before actually flying in it.
  
  For all practical purposes, this is the one last bit of technology that finally binds all the available elements together to unlock Google Earth as a useful and enjoyable flight planning tool.
  
  If you are a pilot, you should go out and get this. Best fifty bucks you'll ever spend.
  
  
• Keeping the left hand busy
  By A23B3EXHDFWJPV on 2007-03-08
  By far this is one item that should be on every designers desk. The pricing is in line for a device like this and many managers should be able to approve such a small purchase for a computer input device. Works well with Pro-E and Catia.
  
  
• A "Must Have" Addition to Your Sketchup Workstation
  By A1ARPDMWS21BU2 on 2007-04-11
  I bought this gizmo specifically for use with Sketchup. I am happy to report that the SpaceNavigator's "six degrees of freedom" functionality truly augments and extends SU's navigation commands. My favorite feature is *roll*, which enables you to make your SU model pirouette like a ballerina. Try doing that with SU's *orbit* command! However, be forewarned: if you use SU 6 you'll have to download the latest driver. Also, SU elements such as trees that have a high polygon count do tend to create significant lag in the SpaceNav's screen rendering. But, hey - when I turn my trees off, SpaceNav simply flies! Last, but not least, this input device is well crafted, handles well, and will look great on your desk. :)
  
  

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