The SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse from 3Dconnexion is a mouse designed to facilitate work with 3D software applications. Unlike a conventional mouse, which is limited to movement on two flat planes, this unit supports effortless motion in all directions. Simply push, pull, tilt, or twist the controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom, and rotate 3D imagery on X, Y, and Z axes. This is the personal edition (PE) of the SpaceNavigator mouse and is intended for non-commercial use. Support for this model is limited to 3Dconnexion online forums.
Increasing or decreasing pressure with the controller determines the speed with which the mouse responds. Its small footprint is well suited for studio or mobile work.
It is compatible with most standard 3D applications and automatically recognizes such programs already loaded on your computer, including but not limited to Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire, Solid Edge, UGS NX, and a host of other CAD and DCC applications.
This model includes (2) programmable function keys. When applications are pre-installed on your computer, the mouse will revert to default function configurations associated with each program. It is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows (2000, XP, Vista), UNIX/Linux, and Mac OS X (10.4.6 and later).
| Interface | USB |
| Wireless Support | No |
| Buttons | (2) programmable buttons |
| Scroll Wheel | No |
| Power Requirements | Powered via USB connection |
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Comments about 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse:
I use it for 3D modeling and it takes some time to get use to but it works as expected. It's nice and heavy which keeps it from sliding around when using. It does one function at a time such as pan, rotate, or tilt. Not simultaneously which is not a problem, but just something you have to think about while using. Simple GUI which allows change of functions. I preferred zoom in and out pushing and pulling instead of up and down. Nice customization. Buttons on the sides take some getting use to as I accidently kept pressing them. Overall a great product. Need some getting use to and is definitely a good efficiency tool. It is perfectly round so you need to make sure you grab it correctly with the logo towards your wrist which will become second nature after getting use to it.
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Comments about 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse:
I use the Space Navigator with Maya and Photoshop.
Works great with maya, Photoshop and works well for either right or left handers.
Although Space Navigator comes with Drivers for Cinema 4-D it doesn't work.
Pros
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Comments about 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse:
I´ve been using the SpaceNavigator by 3Dconnexion for the last 2 months on softwares like 3DS Max, Maya, Vue 7 xStream and Cinema 4D. It´s a very powerfull tool, except on Cinema 4D. On Cinema 4D it doesn´t work with the 3DxWare Control Panel. Cinema 4D has a native 3D Mouse Aplication, wich is a little bit hard to use, since you used to work with 3DxWare Control Panel. On 3DS Max, since the last drive update, about 3 weeks ago, the SPIN command is loosing direction... you never know wich direction it´s gona spin... when you stop spining and start again it changes direction!
Another thing that´s been happening is when you have opened 2 applications that use SpaceNavigator, like 3DS Max and Adobe Photoshop at the same time, it just works on the 1st application you have opened.
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Comments about 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse:
Product works as described, feels solid to the touch. However do not expect it to work like a mouse, since it does not work with all applications.
Pros
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Comments about 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse:
Definitely consider buying this model before any of the more expensive 3dConnexion versions. Why buy SE when PE version does the same thing.
Beautiful heavy alloy base means it wont move around on your desk. Just two configurable function buttons - which is where the expensive models earn their price with increased functionality, switching viewpoints etc.
Only improvement would be the software/drivers - if they could be configured to behave like a pointing or shuttle device in other programs this would make it a must have for anyone from gamers to video editing - as it stands it only works with the major 3D programs. Would be fantastic if you could use it as a gaming device.
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Comments about 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE 3D Mouse:
its great to explore 3ds assemblies
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