Gizmodo
Imagine a controller that you can push, tilt, pull, and rotate--that's essentially what the SpaceNavigator is. This multitalented device is the latest addition to 3Dconnexion's arsenal of 3D controllers. It frees you from the tyranny of your mouse by letting you manipulate/twist objects in ways you can't with a standard mouse. It doesn't have the same wide appeal as say Logitech's MX Revolution (3Dconnexion is owned by Logitech), but if you're a big Google Earth fan or find yourself working with a lot of 3D apps, you'll want to check this out.
The Navigator is essentially a round controller cap that's fixed onto a heavy steel base (as seen below). The cap can be pushed, rotated, flexed, and tilted in all directions giving you full control of the object you're viewing. Say for instance you're using Google Earth. With the SpaceNavigator you can zoom in and fly through the Grand Canyon or do a complete 360 around the Eiffel Tower. It's easy to get used to the controls after just a few minutes and you can also adjust the speed/settings via the control panel.
The SpaceNavigator plugs into your PC via a USB port. Installation is quick and a short demo gives you a quick tutorial on how to use the Navigator. The device itself has two programmable buttons on the side and can be used in conjunction with your day to day mouse.
In addition to Google Earth, the device can be used with GoogleSketchUp and a handful of Autodesk apps. We wish it supported other programs and likewise wish it came with Mac support. Fortunately, 3Dconnexion bundles their own 3D Picture Viewer that lets you use the SpaceNavigator to browse through your images. The SpaceNavigator is out now for $59.
3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator [Gizmodo]
Comments
Reminds me of the SpaceOrb360... Which was apparently mildly useful when playing Descent games...
http://www.3dgamers.com/articles/more/37/
Ravlen
ddd
This is the same company that makes the Spaceball 4000 that we use with 3D Cad where I work, but this is much cheaper! These things speed up work because you can use it to manipulate whatever you're designing while clicking through program menus with the mouse at the same time. It cuts down on a lot of mouse travel back and forth on the screen.
I was about to say "this kind of thing is old news..." ...BUT the price point of this device is news! There have been 3d controllers around for ages: like the forementioned SpaceOrb/SpaceBall,
The Space mouse, CadMan, the "SpaceTraveler" as well as a handful of other 3dConnexion 3d input devices, but the prices have always been too high for my cheap wallet.
yeah, the price really IS the news item. I remember when they cost over a grand. At this price, im gonna grab 2 maybe 3.
hmmm - how would this thing work (if at all) for music production? I muck around a bunch in ableton/sonar, and a more versatile controller that would let me zoom/pan etc. would be nifty and well-worth $60 even aside from the 'wow' factor.
yeah, is this thing customizable? have a griffin powermate and i wish it had more axis (es?). something like the controlers in audi's and BMWs that controlled everthing with one knob.
The Space Navigator is an offspring of the Space Pilot and more sophisticated controller for 3D applications. The Space Pilot also matches teh footprint and style of the Logitech DiNovo like of Keyboards, so it also complements them.
http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/3a.php
Louis, as I said before (before being flamed by the Apple fanboy gansters), the device are almost exclusive to PC's because most of the 3D applications are 99% PC based.
Wow! This is so new! Like I havnt had a cheap 3DConnexionoholycrap, $59?!
If it had more buttons, I'd try one out with Call of Duty 4.
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