[b-kandor]

I use the space pilot and all I have to say about it is that if it breaks or 3dconnexion goes out of business or if it catches on fire or something.... then I'm screwed!

I'm so used to it.............

http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/3a4b.php

[superbad]

Looks like the extra 40 bucks pays for phone support. Stupid. At $59 I'll just buy a new one if it breaks. Ordering now- my old Space Mouse needed replacing, and I only use two buttons anyway.

[Fernando Tella]

Is it very sensitive? Is the base heavy? Looking at the Navigator it seems that when pulling or pushing you will move the whole thing instead. Is it comfortable?

[superbad]

It says the base is weighted. I'll do a review when I get it. Should be tomorrow or the next day depending on when they ship.

[Miles]

Is it very sensitive? Is the base heavy? Looking at the Navigator it seems that when pulling or pushing you will move the whole thing instead. Is it comfortable?

You can adjust the sensitivity in the software. The force needed is quite modest - I don't think you'll have a problem with it sliding around....

[superbad]

Mine just showed up. Very cute. Weighs a ton- looks like the base is a big turned chunk of stainless. Has blue glowing lights around the base of the cap which I could do without. The controller itself has a tighter, better feel than my old Space Mouse (and it takes up much less space of course). Seems easier to control. Really nice rubbery coating on the cap, and little ridges at the X,Y axis positions so you can find your orientation by touch.

If your app supports one, I highly recommend it- especially at the price. If it were Bluetooth it would be perfect. I beg NL to write a driver.

EDIT: You can turn the LEDs off in the config software. Nice touch.

[Mihai]

So movement is smooth? I mean if you happen to move your hand a little faster by mistake, the view doesn't fly off your screen? I guess this is adjustable. What are you using it with?

[superbad]

It's very smooth. Hard to describe if you've never used one, but it's got some static inertia to the movement. If you bump it, the model just moves a little. You have to apply a sustained force to move it off screen. Very intuitive, but I've been using one for about 7 years now. I do remember it taking about a week to really get used to it, but it becomes as essential as a mouse. I'm on Solidworks.

[John Layne]

Very intuitive, but I've been using one for about 7 years now. I do remember it taking about a week to really get used to it, but it becomes as essential as a mouse. I'm on Solidworks.

Ditto have a Spacemouse Plus-- with bits broken off from dropping it from a great height.

The first week I had it I nearly threw it out the window, it was very difficult to get used to (but since I'd spent $1,300 NZ on it, I persisted). Now when I use a clients seat of SolidWorks I feel as if my left hand has been cut off. The Spacemouse has 10 buttons, I could probably live with just two but would prefer more.

I know of someone who was given one, by his company, he didn't persist and it has sat in a drawer for several years.

[Fernando Tella]

I was trying to buy it from the web and found that they charge me 22,5€ for the shipping to Madrid Almost half its price. I'll try to find a reseller here.

[Tyrone Marshall]

I have a space ball 5000 and I must say having one of these is great for concise movement of 3d objects that is nearly almost difficult to do by mouse or using key commands or any combination.

[bjorn.syse]

Damn, seems like they've changed their pricing policy. Can' find anything about educational licences anymore.

[Fernando Tella]

Hey, it's still there (called something like personal edition).

[bjorn.syse]

ah, yes, but only for the new "navigator" right? I was looking for the explorer. But anyway, how can they prevent me license-wise from using a physical device for commercial projects? that's kinda silly..

[Fernando Tella]

The same way Microsoft hopes you will buy Windows: if you are a good guy you'll buy it but if you download it with emule you'll obviously go to hell or something worse.

At least microsoft sets a key-code but this guys just hope you'll do it:

-"If you are a good guy give me 40€ more."