SpaceNavigator- A New Way to Interact
We’re tried and reviewed several types of mice and keyboards. And we’ve even seen some interesting peripherals. But we haven’t seen anything quite like the SpaceNavigator from 3DConnexion, which is related to the SpaceBall, and other robot controllers used by NASA, etc.
It looks essentially like a sexy knob, with a slightly-less-sexy USB cable. Nice, solid rubber and a pretty sturdy, heavy base provide a good tactile feel. Interior blue lights add a nice glow. Installation is pretty simple- generally, plug and play, with Vista, XP, and Mac support, even Linux (untested). But you’ll want to use an application that supports the device, and not everything does. When they do, though, it’s an absolute pleasure to use.
So, what is the SpaceNavigator for? Think of it kind of like a new way to interact with your computer- kind of like a mouse or trackball, or console controller, but different and distinct from others. Most useful for dealing with 3D apps, the SpaceNavigator doesn’t seem suited for conventional gaming or general-purpose programs (though it does support Second Life!) Instead, it makes software like Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth more engaging, allowing easy zooming in and out, and panning around.
At first, it feels a bit awkward, as the device is really sensitive. But with just a couple of minutes, you’ll easily get used to moving through layers in PS3, or working around CAD designs in Autodesk or SolidWorks. Compatible with over 100 applications, the software is also fairly configurable, and an SDK is available for those wanting to held develop for it. As an interface tool, it is unique- fun, intuitive, and attention-grabbing. And it’s hard to beat the price- $60 for the Personal Edition, which offers online support only and is meant for non-commercial use. $100 buys you the same device, but with full support, and the ability to use commercially. There is also a notebook version, and 3DConnexion has expanded into other similar devices as well.
