3Dconnexion intros SpaceNavigator 3D mouse for laptops
Logitech subsidiary 3Dconnexion managed to impress with its original SpaceNavigator 3D mouse, and it's now shrunk the 3D environment-navigating tool down to laptop size for those that like to dip into their virtual environs of choice while they're on the go. Apart from the size, however, the only significant change appears to be a new cap design that promises "more immersive and natural interactions within 3D applications," with it otherwise offering you the same pressure sensitive controls and ability to fly through spaces while simultaneously zooming and rotating the view as before. Also likely of interest to a number of folks is that the device is now fully supported by Second Life, although you'll probably still want to hang onto your usual mouse if you want to have any chance in your favorite FPS games. Look for this one to set you back $129 when it's released early next month.
Filed under: Peripherals
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eric M. @ Apr 8th 2008 12:51PM
Pssh you telling me I can't play Call of Duty 4 with this? Next product please.
nDee @ Apr 9th 2008 5:52AM
I think Yes, but why on earth would you need one of these for Laptops? Why not a desktop?
It's just a 3D trackPoint......
Lowest Ranked @ Apr 8th 2008 12:59PM
Guess what?
My mouse is 3D too!
I'm looking at it right now.
Christy M @ Apr 8th 2008 3:59PM
WIN
Gorillamonk @ Apr 9th 2008 1:14PM
you get an internet trophy for the day. Don't get too happy.
Chroma @ Apr 8th 2008 1:05PM
Its a 3d mouse, not a 2d mouse. You WILL need a regular mouse in addition to this. I have the full size space navigator (One of them work issued me, and one I bought for educational use) and their quite efficient once you have it setup to your preferences.
ReggieXuk @ Apr 8th 2008 1:07PM
Is there a video of this thing?
ReggieXuk @ Apr 8th 2008 1:08PM
found one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OASfl573Lck
phanbouy @ Apr 8th 2008 1:17PM
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
oh wait! that's a real link. ;p
aron @ Apr 8th 2008 1:24PM
Hm. Reminds me of those joysticks that you could twist in the z-axis. But with a cooler looking, yet seemingly (to me) uncomfortable design. It'd be cool to have in a car pc set up!
Shinigami @ Apr 8th 2008 1:16PM
ReggieXuk
Thanks for the video link.
Interesting device but still suxx compared to "minority report" glove! :)
Chroma @ Apr 8th 2008 1:20PM
Its a 3d mouse, not a 2d mouse. You WILL need a regular mouse in addition to this. I have the full size space navigator (One of them work issued me, and one I bought for educational use) and their quite efficient once you have it setup to your preferences.
alex @ Apr 8th 2008 1:23PM
I bought its bigger brother to use with google earth and few other apps and to be honest it looked really cool but my old Kensington Expert Mouse with it huge trackball works better and smoother and I ended up returning it. I suspect that this version lacks the heft of the original, which is essential unless you want use your other hand to hold on to it while you using it.
Brian K. @ Apr 8th 2008 1:28PM
This device was never designed to play games. They are mainly used for 3d design aplications such as CATIA (Which is what some of my users use to design aircraft). This is great for my engineers that need to take the devices on the road with them since the full sized versions arent exacly portable or light for that matter.
Podaman @ Apr 8th 2008 7:00PM
I wish i had my own engineers.
Man, the things I would have them do...
Nicholas Gingrow @ Apr 8th 2008 1:32PM
too pricey for any mouse, come on!
Forrest @ Apr 8th 2008 1:41PM
I've had one of these for years. This looks to be the third generation of the 'portable' 3D mice from 3D Connexion.
The current version is available for $59 for a personal license and $99 for a business license. The *original* version (I own both a first and second gen) retailed for $600 and came with a nice leather carrying case and a simple Logitech mouse (which I'm still using with my laptop 4 years later).
These things are FANTASTIC for Computer Aided Design software like CATIA, Inventor, even SketchUp. Worth every penny at $129 for the increase in productivity. They're not for gaming - they're for work :P
Matt @ Apr 8th 2008 7:49PM
Amen, brother.
I've used the SpacePilot version with SolidWorks for the last 4+ years. Much better experience. Much reduced scroll-wheel-finger pain.
Anton Peiris @ Apr 8th 2008 1:47PM
This is very similar to the Griffin Powermate that i have for my Macbook, they even share a similar blue base light.
nh @ Apr 8th 2008 3:47PM
Except this can adjust volume, treble, bass, balance, and fade all at the same time, and still leave room to control for the 80s sound effect of your choice.
mike @ Apr 8th 2008 2:23PM
I've been using the SpaceNavigator, and its predecesssor, for years. Google Earth and Sketchup are entirely different applications once you learn how to use it. It's worth twice what they charge for it.
Chris White @ Apr 8th 2008 3:12PM
Think you guys are missing something here, this isn't a replacement for your mouse, you still need to have one. You use this in your left hand (for right handed) and it effectively replaces what might be your ASWD (keys if they supported games) or your 3D navigation in a 3D app.
Wwhat @ Apr 8th 2008 4:46PM
As is said many times, it's not for games, it's for the left hand in 3D applications, people that tried it in games said it wasn't very nice for that.
Chris White @ Apr 8th 2008 4:56PM
Wwhat, I know, I was trying to make it more easily understood for those who haven't used 3D applications, games are the closest analogy. But you're right, I tried to address that by mentioning that it doesn't suppor games, but I should have been more clear about it.
Wwhat @ Apr 9th 2008 9:23AM
I'm sorry, you are right, you did say as much, but comparing it to ASWD keys threw me a bit I guess, but I should pay closer attention next time.
Well at least we agree eh :)
the godfather @ Apr 8th 2008 7:36PM
I use an older version of this at work. After doing 3D modeling with it it's really hard to go back. We have to use Autocad R14 (yes i know it's ancient) to support legacy stuff and I always find myself trying to pan the image with the spacemouse only to be severely disappointed.
Otto @ Apr 9th 2008 3:47AM
Imagine how much fun this could make a game with a lot of vertical movement such as assassins guild!!!
Otto
http://www.dragonlasers.com
Arthur @ Apr 9th 2008 4:24PM
This is only a Joystick mapped to WSAD, I have been playing FPS for years with a Joystick and Mouse... Cant play any other way, I seldom lose at UT to a keyboard user.
Joystick is better, more buttons.. Flack, Sniper,Rocket launcher/
Zeta_Phoenix @ Apr 9th 2008 10:27PM
You can get these now! Order at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016OOS16
John @ Apr 10th 2008 12:12AM
That's a mouse? I thought it was some kind of futuristic garbage disposal.
Prune @ Apr 10th 2008 4:16AM
Be aware the software compatibility for Apple OsX is FARRRR LESSSS than on windows.
No Cinema4D, no FinalCut products, no architecture software.... check on the website to find if your usual software is supported. I guess ot's not. And don't wait for 3DConnexion to add some support : they just claim it's to others to do so. But really, who cares ?
no one, it seems....