Review: We show you secret of unique 3D mouse SpaceNavigator!

If you are not professionall in the 3D graphics, then you probably never heard about it. Just one might say that this is a "3D mouse", which will greatly facilitate the work not only in specialized 3D programs. Functionality of SpaceNavigator is implemented, for example, in the popular online 3D game Second Life, graphic editor PhotoShop, open source Blender 3D editor, or in applications from Google, such as Google Earth or Google Sketchup. With SpaceNavigator you will no longer restricted only to the 2D movements with traditional mouse, you'll be able to move comfortably in the all 3D area. Working with him is extremely addictive as soon as you will test it, you do not want to give it away from the hand. It is designed to be able to use in cooperation with the classic mouse, each hand controls one device.

What is the SpaceNavigator?

According to its name by somebody might think that SpaceNavigator is a control of space shuttle :-). With this design operates on the table as from sci-fi, certainly leave unnoticed anyone who goes around. This is a special adjustable device that has the characteristic that it can move in all directions, up and down, so this parable of the "3D mouse." It looks so little like a small joystick, with the difference that has a large cap, on which laid the hand, and very fine movements of the fingers with him moving.

Base of SpaceNavigatoru is solid piece of metal. His weight (470 grams) is important, especially in the upward movements. If it was lighter, you rise up into the air throughout the device, and not just cap.

On the base of SpaceNavigator are located two buttons, both are fully programmable,. To the the computer or laptop is connected via USB.

SpaceNavigator certainly can not be taken as a replacement mouse, it is not possible. You do not control mouse cursor at all, but certain features in various programs. It is intended for the other free hand, you have otherwise unuse. In combination with SpaceNavigatoru and a classic mouse you get much better productivity at work.

Do I need SpaceNavigator?

The question arises, for whom it is intended SpaceNavigator? Originally, the 3D motion products from 3Dconnexion intended only specialists in the fields of CAD and 3D graphics. It was expensive and complex equipment (SpaceExplorer, SpacePilot), which would not probably took advantage for the usual user. They still has in its offer, but usual users will need the SpaceNavigator, which is a simplified version of the two comprehensive professional products.

Thanks to its friendly price (the difference SpaceNavigatoru for personal and commercial use read below), it can afford the typical user, who may not even be a professional graphic designer. An excellent example is the promotion of its use in freeware map Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth and Space Nasa Wind. There are very realise the difference in controlling the 3D space with classic mouse and SpaceNavigator. To move with the mouse on the map at the designated point, you have to move with her a lot and scroll mouse wheel. For SpaceNavigator just a couple of fine movements, and get the same result. One movement of the hand at the same time, for example, can bring, move and even rotate.

Once you get into the hands of SpaceNavigator for the first time, so I recommend to try it in Google Earth. I guarantee, that you stand up from PC after several hours. you will enjoy unrestricted movement and comfortable in 3D space. An example can be found in our videos.

Players of computer games would certainly appreciate the possibility of its use, especially in 3D strategies, simulators and 3D FPS would definitely apply for it found. Support of SpaceNavigator in the game but must ensure game manufacturer. This is the first is a 3D online game Second Life, where the support is.

What is the difference between SpaceNavigator PE and SE?

SpaceNavigator you can buy in two versions (PE - Personal Edition and SE - Standard Edition). Hardware is not differ from each other at all, they are same products, but the other it is with licensing. SpaceNavigator PE is intended only for non-commercial use, which is typical for home users, you also have available only online support on forum on the manufacturer website. SE version is designed for full commercial use (business, graphic, etc.) from the manufacturer, you have the full support via telephone, email and the forum.

In addition to licensing, there's one difference, and that is the price that you certainly will be interested. PE version is cheaper by almost half (59 dollars/eur) than SE (99 dollars/eur).

SpaceNavigator is produced even in one version, which is smaller than the classic, is intended for notebooks.

Compatibility with applications

SpaceNavigator is intended mainly for use in graphics programs that are aimed at 3D modeling. They support him all announced products in this area, from the largest and most (3D Studio Max) to the ones that are free of charge (for example, Blender). The manufacturer has a table on the web with more than 100 supported applications, and others are constantly increasing.

The applications are supported and those which are free, and for ordinary users, such as the very popular Google Earth, Google Sketchup, Microsoft Virtual Earth, Nasa Space Wind, Adobe Reader, Blender or 3rd popular online game Second Life. For commercial applications, most users certainly use graphic editor Photoshop. On the CD is also supplied drivers for MS Office, I am pleased that after their installation, I could use the SpaceNavigator surprisingly, in most other applications in Windows. It is in a limited form (for example, scrolling on Web sites in Internet Explorer or Opera), but comfortable.

I tested SpaceNavigator in several free applications, Google Earth, Blender, Microsoft Virtual Earth, Nasa Space Wind, Second Life, Adobe Reader, and Blender. In some work SpaceNavigator immediately (Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth, Second Life, Adobe Reader), in the other, it was necessary to install a plugin (Nasa Space Wind, Blender). In all applications that have been tested is usány of SpaceNavigator significant easing of control. The combination of SpaceNavigatoru a classic mouse is great.

The manufacturer offered to all developers SDK, which can add support of SpaceNavigator to any application.

3Dconnexion Control Panel

To set the parameters of SpaceNavigator and its functionality is intended the control program 3Dconnexion Control Panel, which is running at the background, is located in the tray bar. Its opening is also a standard set at one of the buttons on the controller. Settings can be configured for all applications, or choose a specific application, you can have, for example, different speed or other function buttons in the Google Earth and the other in Blender. Setting the parameters is divided into four tabs:

Device configuration

In this tab you set the global speed of SpaceNavigator, it can calibrated, and choose whether you zoom by moving up and down or back and forth.

App configuration

Here you enable / disable functions of SpaceNavigator that you do not want to use in applications.

Button Configuration

Each of the two buttons on SpaceNavigatoru can assign a function. You can select action from the drop-down box, or through a click Custom Functions (macros).

Advanced settings

Advanced settings control guidelines SpaceNavigator. You choose the speed here, reversing direction and activating / deactivating a control.

Out of these bookmarks are still some other settings available from the application menu, such as on / off circular blue light.

Conclusion

SpaceNavigator finds application on each work table. I tis suitable for all, who work on a PC with graphics programs, or with others aplication, such as Google Earth.Compared with the traditional computer mouse, SpaceNavigator in specialized 3D applications save a lot of unnecessary movements of hands, and most will streamline your work. Support for SpaceNavigator pointing device is implemented in more than a hundred applications, and further added. Aminy them there is 3D game too, which is Second Life. If you do not have SpaceNavigator, then we strongly recommend its purchase.

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