3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE - 3DX-700029 - Navigate Google Earth like you never thought possible.

My old spaceball bit the dust recently and when it left I was not to sad as I had intended to replace it with a Space Navigator after reading many times about it. I use it for Solid Edge and VX Cadcam where the function it provides is nearly irreplaceable for working on parts. The old Spaceball did not work as smoothly as the Navigator does and I never used all the buttons that came with the much larger Spaceball anyway prefering to use keyboard shortcuts, nor do I know anyone who did personally. So now I have a much smaller footprint on my desk and ease of use is better with a significantly smaller price tag. I recommmend this without resrvation.
 
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Excellent product used with SolidWorks, ProE Wildfire, and Google earth. The 3D mouse will not replace you 3 button standard mouse, but it will give you the ability to interact with your model or assembly in a more natural manner. For the price is a good investment.
 
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This 3D mouse is very easy to use. Once you set it up for the way you want it to operate, you will wonder how you functioned wihtout one.
 
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at under $50, this is a no-brainer. The SpaceNavigator makes your life so much easier (assuming you have complex 3-D models you need to manipulate on a daily basis). It works out of the box, it's easy to use, and has all the functionality I need. If you have never used one of these devices... it gets you to a new level of being able to zip-zoom around complex 3-D worlds. Yes, the original SpaceBall has more button and functions, but I don't miss those.
 
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Great deal. Works great with Catia, SolidWorks, MasterCam etc...My kids love it with Google Earth too! I'll buy another to have at home and at the office!
 
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I've been working with solid modeling software for a few years and I can imagine how much more efficient I would have been if I had this product then. Now, all I need to do is convince IT dept to get me one for work. Also, flying around in Google Earth is a breeze with this thing too.
 
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I bought this for doing 2D graphics and the like. I believe it would be great for 3D but it is still missing software to REALLY make it awesome for 2D. That said, it's AMAZING in Photoshop but why can't I use it in illustrator, dreamweaver, inDesign, word, pages, or heck... Firefox! :)
 
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After being disappointed that the 3D Space Navigator didn't work for "normal" programs, I was able to get a tip from 3DConnexion. Now I can use the controller to scroll and pan webpages, scroll pan and zoom office documents, and some other functions. Just download and save the 3DxOffice plugin (you will find it under SpaceNavigator PE -> Archive (Legacy Software) in the Downloads section of the 3DConnexion site). Then install it. I have had NO problems from this software, but it is no longer supported by 3DConnexion, so use at your own risk. Enjoy!
 
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This is a high quality device, and is pretty intuitive to use. For the applications it officially supports, it works excellently. For other software, you are pretty much out of luck. Moreover configuration for the existing software is limited. Being that 3dconnexion is owned by Logitech, it'd be nice if they had included a profiler or macro manager so that the user could program the devices functionality. Fortunately there is a 3rd party (unsupported) solution. You should be able to find it if you search for "RBC9".
 
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I've been using a 3dconnexion spaceball 4000 for more than 6 years now and would not even think of trying to do my job (mechanical designer, pro-engineer / inventor) without one now. The older version is clunky and has lots of slop in the control ball. I just got the space navigator PE for use at home with solid edge and have to say thank goodness logitech got involved and updated the design. The force required to operate it is far less than the old version, and there is zero free-play; it just feels much smoother. On the downside the speed level is maxed out in the driver and I could still use more. Overall I'm very happy with the product, and the personal edition is an exceptional value compared to the $500 plus price of the original spaceball. I'll be ordering the space explorer for work soon. -Chris
 
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There is little/no support for Mac apps. A scan on the product Web site brings a table showing supported apps, which is an impressively long list. Until you notice you have to click on the "Mac" tab at the top of the table...which changes the list to a very, very short list. Not only are hardly any apps supported, but even some apps that *are* supported on the PC are not supported on the Mac. It might be super awesome for PC users, but it's a waste of money for Mac users (unless you really like flying around in Google Earth).
 
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Cheapter than standard edition, stylish design, 3D control for your decent application. The application it supported major focus on CAD/CAM except some software such as Acrobat. If its driver can support any application just like Logitech mouse driver and customize by user, it would be wonderful and worth the "FIVE".
 
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This works great with SketchUp. Maybe I am missing something but it would be great to get rid of my mouse and just use this.
 
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I use it on Navis works to view 3D models and its makes navigating the 3D world so easy that I am sure that my daughter could learn it in 3 minutes, and she is 7 years old. I love it.
 
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Works great with every 3D application I have (NX, Solidworks, Google Earth and AutoDesk Inventor) -- and simple to use. Great price as well!!
 
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I bought this to use with 3D CAD software, but it's harder to use than I care to admit. The videos made it seem so intuitive, but in actual implementation, I'm more productive with a good scroll mouse with side-scroll buttons. That said, I'm optimistic that I'll get the hang of it soon enough. It's a beautiful piece of hardware that's well built. I have no regrets. Last note, I suspected as much from the design & colors and was confirmed upon arrival: 3Dconnexion is a Logitech company.
 
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When using any 3D apps, this thing is amazing.
 
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A very good instrument. Slightly over priced but a very good value. I use it with Inventor and makes viewing much simpler and quicker. It does take some practice in learning to 'fly' the instrument. A hint - keep the cord facing away from you when using it. The two button version is the best for me. Buying the 8 button version would be a wast for most people. Very few people would want to keep up with more than two buttons. Seems to be well made and durable. (Made by Logitec, I would expect it to be well made.) With the discounted price, free shipping and a 30 dollar reduction for signing up for the credit card, I was able to get it for 20 bucks. A resonable price. I would like to see a cordless version in the future.
 
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Others were correct in saying this is a well built product! The setup involves tweaking the way the device handles X,Y,Z. It took a while to get everything working the way it felt it should. Having an assignable button to return you to a default view is a blessing and necessary for beginners... Google Sketch is now so nice to use, I wonder how Ive lived without this for so long.
 
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At $39 I consider this to be a justifiable purchase for anyone that dabbles in 3D on AutoCAD 2007 or later. It's left hand operated so it takes a little getting used to the controls if you are right handed. It's a nice heavy sturdy device and the controls are ultra sensitive. You can adjust the sensitivity to your liking. It is not necessary to exhert a great deal of force to get a response. Many of the reviewers are complaining about the device lifting off of the table when used, I say that they need to ease up and relax on the controls and use it like a normal human. I bet they are the same people that bang away on their keyboards while typing. So far it seams that you must manually activate the driver every time you restart the computer or wish to use it. This seemed cumbersome at first, but now I actually like it. The blue illuminated ring can be a distraction on your desk when you are not using the device, so turning off the driver also turns off the light. I'm not a heavy 3D user in AutoCAD, but for the casual 3D user I think this is a great product at $39. I'd probably pay as much as $60 but not more. Also, if you are buying this for personal use, just buy the PE version NOT the SE version. They are exactly the same. The SE version supposedly gives you the "license" to use it in a profit making environment. How they would know, i'm not sure.
 
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Awesome device! I bought "space mice" for my CAD group years ago when they cost $400 to $500 and it was a must have then. Now that they only cost $50?? Well, that's a no brainer. And this one's compact but has a heavy base so that it doesn't slide around. Once you use a space mouse, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. You'll almost double your 3D modeling speed. 3D modeling without this SpaceNavigator is almost like trying to use a computer without a mouse. Buy it. You won't regret it.
 
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For the same hardware should be capable to perform with more options or programmable buttons etc. Why is it not programmable buttons or extra functions? With more functions I would recommend this product to my friends but as it is I won't.
 
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I spent the last five years working on a CAD tube using a full-sized Magellan Space Mouse. After changing companies, I now only use CAD sparingly and was not supplied a 3D navigation device. I was very excited to find this reasonably-priced device available with good reviews from people, so I ended up buying one myself for work use. I'm very happy I did. Anyone familiar with space pucks will instantly feel at home with this version. The 3D navigation is very similar to the Magellan device I used previously. The device stays put very nicely for its size. There are many customizations available for movement, so you should be able to work out something with which you're comfortable. You can program your own macros for the two buttons on the device. I haven't tried this yet, but you should be able to map keyboard shortcuts and such. There are a number of good applications so far, but hopefully Logitech/3DConnexion will continue to develop functionality for additional programs. Simple navigation in web browsers would be a big plus. Don't bother loading the Picture Viewer software provided. It is just a knock-off of Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, but lots of the features of the original are lost. The only thing gained is a zoom and pan functionality. All in all, this is a great product, especially for the price. If you're like me and really miss the 3D functionality of a space mouse, I highly recommend this device. If you're new to the concept, there will likely be a learning curve. I am very happy with my purchase.
 
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Cheap and makes navigating 3D environments so much easier, that is if you do navigate 3D environments... You can download the SDK from product website to integrate it into your own program.
 
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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, among other things. 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! I don't know exactly how heavy, but once you pick it up, you'll know it isn't intended to be used like a mouse. It's intended to sit stationary on a surface, and it's got a nice rubbery ring on the bottom to keep it from slipping around. 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 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. The driver software is really easy to install and the little control panel application for the SpaceNavigator makes configuring & customizing it for use with the supported applications a piece of cake! 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. I really am quite impressed with every aspect 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. 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!
 
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I don't own this, but my favorite controller of all time was the Cyberman2. It looks like the SpaceNavigator has taken the Cyberman2 and shrunk the design.
 
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Got this for Pro/E Wildfire 3 and this is my best application for the SpaceNavigator too. Unfortunately, the program needs to support the Navigator natively for 3D and currently my other 3D programs like Lightwave 9 and Vue 6 are not supported. Apparently due to those not implementing 3Dconnexion's SDK, but not working nevertheless. Photoshop CS3 support is surprisingly good, and almost eliminates my Logitech NuLOOQ though either provides functionality the other doesn't. (Oddly enough, 3Dconnexion is apparently a Logitech company.) The overall use is great in Pro/e tough it depends on your table surface. Glass works great, but "non-stick' coatings easily overcome the weight and you may end up pushing the navigator around when using it a bit more vigorously. In the end, the price is right, and the design is quite easy to the eyes too.
 
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The 3D Spacenavigator worked great on Solid Edge and totaly avoids having to use menu picks to navigate as before. It also works equally well with Ideas and Inventor. The only thing to realize is that it takes a little bit if time to acclimate your left hand to the device. I first was too agressive with my movements. Once you seattle down to small controlled movements the screen responds to very subtile movements of the controller for all pan, zoom and rotatations. It also makes Solid Edge 2D a great deal more responsive as well as compared to the menu commands. Don't pay extra for faster shipping from Buy.com. I selected the std. free shipping and had it the next day.
 
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