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I also like the small footprint so it gives me more room on my desk top. What more can I say, except this is a must have for every CAD designer. If you want to increase productivity & flexibility while designing you need a 3D mouse. The SpaceNavigator handles a little differently than the SpaceBall, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I migrated from a SpaceBall 4000 to the SpaceNagigator & love it. I you are a CAD designer & have not tried any of the 3Dconnexion products.what are you waiting for. I opted for the SpaceNavigator because I didn't use the bottons on my SpaceBall, so why spend the extra money for features I wouldn't use. They take a bit to get used to, but you can adjust the sensitivity of the puck until you get used to it & then gradually increase it until it fits your style.The SpaceNavigator is very heavy & stays put during use.
I don't end up flying off in to empty space or getting lost inside a wall like I sometimes did using the mouse. They do provide an SDK for anyone who wants to add 3D nav support to their software. If you're going to be using this professionally, skip straight to the 3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 ) or the 3Dconnexion SpacePilot PRO - 3D motion controller - 31 button(s) - wired - USB. It works pretty well for panning around large documents in Adobe Acrobat, and I wish someone would make a Firefox plugin for it.
The included software installed painlessly and automatically does the necessary configuration as you open or switch between programs so you don't have to tell it which profile to use. (I've found them most useful for X-ray mode and Zoom Extents in Sketchup). I couldn't justify the cost just to mess around with Sketchup, but I have no doubt they'd pay for themselves quickly in a professional setting.This one only has two buttons, but they're both fully programmable on a per-application and per-user basis. Its usefulness is pretty much limited to 3D modeling programs.I mainly use this with Sketchup and sometimes with Google Earth and Adobe Acrobat. It's great for smooth navigation and getting the exact view you want in tight spaces. Once you've used it, you miss it in other applications. Check their website for the full list of supported applications.This model is the consumer end of their product line.
Your options for controlling the various axises (beyond sensitivity adjustment and reversing) are application dependent.While it wouldn't hurt to make it just a hair heavier, it is pretty heavy and stays put when you pull up pretty well. Note to the uninitiated: this is not a replacement for your regular mouse, nor is it a gaming device (with one or two exceptions). It doesn't take long to learn to maneuver with multiple simultaneous pans and rotations. You'll want all those buttons so you don't have to move your hand between your navigator and your keyboard constantly.
I am a mechie using Solidworks, and I also enjoy Google Earth. but using it with the left hand while I use my MS Exlpoler ball with the right hand is down right trippy.will update in a week or so. this is a most interesting interface device. I am very excited at being able to utilize all it can do.
I now store mine in the plastic bubble case it came in.Make sure that the application you want to use it with has a driver, some are not supported (POVRay, Rhino3d). I use it in addition to a digital tablet. Even if just used for simple rotation, translation and scaling, it is a time saver. A little fragile - mine failed after about 5 months possibly from note being stored in a case. Purchased Space Navigator through Amazon and use it daily with Blender 3D and Adobe Inventor. If you use hotkeys for 3D modeling routines (and you should), you need this. It is not replacement for a mouse but will increase your productivity by concentrating a bunch of functions into one device.Pros:Big time saver (after you get used to it).Did not slow my computer (with Inventor and Blender and Google Earth).Excellent customer service - failed unit was quickly replaced, no questions asked.Cons: Heavy if you carry it around in a bag with other items (like a digital tablet).
Love this mouse - takes a little getting used to but becomes second nature quickly.
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