3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator and SpaceExplorer
Three dimensional environments have become common in computing technology. Video games, architectural/industrial design software and even new social environments like Second Life are nearly all explored in 3D. While the environments have evolved, the control technologies have not. Planar control systems, like the mouse in your hand, cannot pitch, yaw, climb and descend in three dimensional space. As a result, the people at Logitech’s 3Dconnexion set out to update the hand control of a mouse with full maneuverability through space. Lift your palm, the cursor follows. Push it forward, the cursor moves. Twist your palm, the cursor rotates… This physical control by 3Dconnexion is set to revolutionize the way immersive 3D environments are explored. Continue reading for our full review of the 3Dconnexion products which we’ve tested, and check back later today– we’re giving away three 3D Connexion systems to GearCrave readers.
[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/8RO7apSWt18" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Now that’s an exciting voice over. PR aside, you can see why the 3Dconnexion gear is gaining quite a bit of interest in design/gaming circles. All of the current 3Dconnexion models feature the control cap in that video, the centerpiece of their technology. The 3Dconnexion cap provides six degrees of movement, with adjustable sensitivity to respond correctly to your commands. If you lift, push, twist or shift the control cap, the cursor or character in your 3D environment responds accordingly.
Using the 3Dconnexion gear is not easy at first. It feels a little awkward, might be frustrating to some, but I was able to pick it up after a few tests with Google Earth. The 3Dconnexion software includes a practice game, where you can operate basic drills that make the SpaceNavigator and others feel like second nature. Like other Logitech products, these are solid, hefty products. The SpaceNavigator is light, weighing just over a pound, but it feels like it can take plenty of abuse and still operate as it should. I did some due diligence looking for users who reported broken devices, yet turned up nothing.
The 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator
3D Connexion’s base model, the Space Navigator, features the full functionality of the control cap without the bells and whistles of the other models. It has two assignable buttons, which you can set to mouse controls or otherwise. If you’re looking to use 3Dconnexion technology for exploring Second Life, Google Earth, video games or other recreational uses, the SpaceNavigator is a solid fit. If you’re hungry for more features and functionality, upgrade to the SpaceExplorer or SpacePilot. For most uses, however, the SpaceNavigator works like a charm. Use it in conjunction with your keyboard or alongside your mouse, you’ll have fully immersive control within your favorite 3D environment.
The 3Dconnexion SpaceExplorer
For those who crave a little more control or have more professional demands, the SpaceExplorer is just the ticket. The SpaceExplorer includes the control cap plus an array of assignable buttons and an ergonomic hand rest. If you’re using AutoCAD or other architectural/industrial design software, this will give you much better control over the environment. For those who are avid builders in Second Life, this is the ultimate masonry tool. The SpaceExplorer is set up to integrate directly with many 3D applications, so that the function keys are auto-mapped to your software of choice.
The SpaceExplorer is slightly heavier than the SpaceNavigator, as most of the weight is in the control cap. Like the SpaceNavigator, this piece has the solid Logitech feel to it, like you can bang it around and it’ll still tick. I should admit that I am not well versed with 3D software other than Google Earth and I’ve taken a few spins on Second Life. So the expanded functionality was a little lost on me. I’ll have this one on my desk for another week or so before giving it away to a GearCrave reader. Should I crack Pandora’s box here, GearCrave readers will be the first to know about it.
GearCrave Giveaway: 3Dconnexion was nice enough to give GearCrave two SpaceNavigators and one SpaceExplorer to review and to give away to our readers. Later today, we’ll announce the latest GearCrave giveaway, and how you can win your very own 3Dconnexion control system. Stay tuned, GearCravers!