3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE (Personal Edition) 3D Navigation Device USB ( 3DX-700029 )
by 3Dconnexion
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE (Personal Edition) 3D Navigation Device USB ( 3DX-700029 )
Customer Review: Truly remarkable!
Summary: 5 Stars
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!
Customer Review: Good device -- if only more apps supported it...
Summary: 4 Stars
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).
Customer Review: SpaceNavigator is a fantastic, affordable 3D input device
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Customer Review: must have if you do CAD
Summary: 5 Stars
Awesome product, and great price! I'm not sure how I lived without it for so many years. Do yourself a favor - if you are thinking about buying one, just do it. You won't regret it.
Mine showed up the day after I ordered it. You certainly can't beat that - but then it did ship from Phoenix (I live in Phoenix), so your results may vary...
Download the updated drivers from the web - don't bother with the CD. It's a pretty big install, but I think you can configure it to only put the drivers in for the programs you use. I'm using it with Solidworks, and it saves me sooooo much time, especially when adding mates to tons of fasteners in assemblies. I've just about worn out the scroll button on my mouse before I got the spacenavigator - and I did wear out my finger!
Make sure you install the driver for Explorer (I think it is). When you open up pictures in folder view filmstrip (win XP), your spacenavigator does sweet smooth zoom and pan. Not really very useful, but really really cool.
Finally some technical details:
-You can turn the blue LEDs on or off, whatever you prefer. They do look kind of cool, but do distract your eye making you put your hand back on it to shield the light.
-It has pretty good weight. The base is a solid chuck of stainless steel. A bit more weight wouldn't have hurt, but I think it's a good compromise. You need the weight to keep it on the desk when you pull up on the stick. It also helps it from sliding around.
-It has a rubber ring on the bottom. This can pick up dust and start sliding, so you need to keep it clean for best "sticktion" to your desk.
-It has 2 buttons which seem to be more than enough for me. I can pick with the mouse faster than remembering which button to push on a secondary input device anyway. The buttons are to the left and right of the stick. They help you orient the unit so you keep the axis the right way. Personally, I would have shifted the entire button arrangement clockwise about 30 degrees to better match left thumb/middle finger placement. I tend to rotate it during use, and then the axis do not match up.
-The stick does have 4 little ribs which stick out top to bottom, giving you tactile indication of the orientation of the stick.
-The 2 buttons are assignable to a good list of items.
-The drivers allow customization on a per program basis.
-You can adjust overall speed of movement, as well as each individual axis with a slider type menu. Overall, quite well done.
I'm think about buying a second one as a spare!
Customer Review: Where is the Manual??
Summary: 1 Stars
3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE (Personal Edition) 3D Navigation Device USB ( 3DX-700029 )
I have never written a review about anything but I was so hurt and upset by this SpaceNavigator....
I bought this for my Dad for Fathers Day. I thought he would enjoy something fun to do. He is a computer geek and is always on the computer.
Well, he had, and is having, a lot of problems with it. First off there was no manual no instructions of any kind.
This is the e-mail I got from my Dad regarding his "gift"
"Hi Baby,
I don't know whether to hug you or STRANGLE YOU!!!!!
I just spent 3 hours installing, uninstalling, installing and trying again. I also had to update QuickTime before I could get a response (then uninstall and install it again#.
THERE'S NO COTTON-PICKIN' MANUAL WITH THE DAMN THING!!!!!
I only found out by accident that I had to have the MOUSE POINTER over the demo #the skiing picture) before it would work.
I can't figure out how to get it to work with ANY OTHER PICTURES, even though I let it default to all formats. AND, it doesn't always follow the guide in the control panel; "Pull Up", Push Down" and I found out accidently that the button on the right brings up the control panel. I still don't know what the left button does!
The major thing is the lack of a User Manual. The Quick-Start Guide is a JOKE!
I checked their web-site and they don't have any User manual for this. How can I get it to work with ALL THE STUFF THEY CLAIM??????"
The only thing I could think to do was to send him a page from Amozon that had the video in it so he could see what that said about it.
He looked at the video and says "It has instructions in the Help section but they're all over the place and it seems I have to create a "macro" for each application that I want to use it on.
Thank you anyway,"
Now my Dad is one of the sweetest persons you could ever meet he is not upset with me at all just the product. I wanted this to be something fun for him but it turned out a DESASTER!!!
I think the makers of this product should take a second look at it and, at least, add a manual.