I know what you're thinking, and I have been thinking the same: My mouse already does 3D. But 3Dconnexion has a unique way of controlling interfaces and drawing programs.
With the unrelenting march of technological advancement forever causing nausea in some, and companies' ever determined efforts to discover and market 'the next big thing' we undoubtedly get left with an exponentially growing mountain of what can only be regarded as techno-garbage. It is with some cynicism therefore, that I embrace any new technology these days. However, it is almost daily that I hear the exasperated cries of "RSI" from those using 3D software, so perhaps we have before us the opportunity to create some peace.
I can hardly comment from the RSI camp as my $15 logitech notebook mouse serves me, at times for 10 hour+ drawing marathons, without the slightest hint of geek's wrist, AKA computer user's repetitive strain injury . Have my genes just become more desirable?
3Dconnexion are actually an arm of Logitech and this is their latest contribution to the world of mousing: the SpaceNavigator. It has actually been on the market for around three years but having no need to switch drawing systems/tools I obviously haven't been paying enough attention.
They have also decided to dress Darth Vader's mothership up as a human-computer interface device and fittingly called it the SpacePilot Pro:
You can check out the full range of 3Dconnexion's high end CAD and computer animation products here
Also check out this brief video from 3Dconnexion showing how the device works.
Personally I get by fine without such high falutin paraphernalia. My personal system utilizes keyboard shortcuts as much as possible, allowing my mouse hand to stay within the drawing area and my left hand to control tool and function changes. This saves a lot of unnecessary mouse movement and if you aren't already utilizing keyboard shortcuts I suggest you test whether it alleviates RSI before switching to an unfamiliar system.
Therein lies the issue, 3Dconnexion's interface is completely different to what our muscles and minds are used to so I'm sure there is at least some sort of learning curve involved when switching to their hardware. I find the switch in interface between Skethup and Alibre a hard enough adaptation let alone changing the entire way my hand interacts with the machine. But to some, who have tried everything else, this may be a major improvement to the way they work. If you have had a go with any of 3Dconnexion's devices let me know your thoughts and I can put them up here.
A good review is available from trustedreviews.com by clicking here. They give the device 7 out of 10 overall.
Personally I am going to stick with my arcaic device that serves me well and actually resembles a live mouse. But if you must, you can pick up one of 3dconnexion's baseline models, the SpaceNavigator, yourself from Amazon.com for around the $100US mark.
As is always the case, direct all comments and abuse to ash@coastalconcepts.org