3dconnexion mouse space navigator

TIGER280E · 14 Sept 2008, 21:45

can someone giving me opinion about using 3dconnexion space navigator mouse by logitech,for 3d modelling ,,,i think this gadget more usefull for 3d modeling than the pen tablet like Wacom,,,am i wrong ?,,,,sorry for my english,,,,is it the right forum for this topic ?,,,sorry if i'm wrong,,,thanks guys,,,,

Chris Fullmer · 15 Sept 2008, 01:21

My personal take on it is that it is very very helpful in some other 3d softwares I've used (3ds max and Maya). But I can't get used to it in SketchUp. It takes my left hand off the keyboard, which I like to have on the keyboard for shortcut keys. I find the SU navigation with just a mouse is so perfect that it is not improved by using the 3d space navigator.

Chris

plot-paris · 15 Sept 2008, 06:48

I had the same experience with a space navigator. you really need one hand on the keyboard for all the shortcuts and modifier keys.

for just exploring or presenting a model however, the space navigator is huge fun! you can fly smoothly through a big model but at the same time do very precise and small movements when you explore the interior of a building.
I allways felt slightly sick after 13 minutes of usage, because it resembles too much a helicopter flight

Gaieus · 15 Sept 2008, 06:52

I also have one but do not use it too much for the reason Chris mentioned (and I keep the ash tray at my left hand, not a navigation device ).
űIt's great fun in GE though

@tiger280e said:

is it the right forum for this topic ?

I've moved it to the "Hardware, Software & Gadgets" subforum in the Corner Bar.

chango70 · 15 Sept 2008, 08:26

Well I mainly use space navigator to get in and out of surfaces when you get 'stuck'. You can also use it to zoom in better. Fact is you save something like 1 sec of scrolling time when you accidentally get stuck behind a surface which happens often. That alone is enough for me to use it. However, I don't keep my hand on the Navigator when modelling. Keyboard shortcuts is just plain faster.

Dave R · 15 Sept 2008, 16:54

I also have one. There's a pretty blue circle when it's on.

I thought I'd use it more than I do but as everyone says, it takes your hand away from the key board. The center mouse wheel is so convenient for navigating around SketchUp that I end up using it instead. Perhaps someone could come up with a foot controlled navigator.

remus · 15 Sept 2008, 17:28

Perhaps a brain implant while theyre at it.

More seriously, ive been tempted by these a few times, although as everyone's mentioned, i don't think id use it enough to make it worth it. Perhaps if i worked in more 3d apps, where navigation was more fo a problem, or google earth perhaps, but in SU its just too convenient to work tablet (or mouse) and keyboard.

boofredlay · 15 Sept 2008, 17:30

I have had one for about 6-8 months now. I have used it for a total of about 20 min and the last time I touched it was to move it out of the way.

mirjman · 15 Sept 2008, 18:15

i'd have to second everyone's opinion here.. its not that useful for sketchup, but great for presentations and especially google earth

TIGER280E · 15 Sept 2008, 18:51

thaaaaanks....guys for your opinion,,,,,

cornel · 30 Oct 2008, 14:34

Besides advantages (using 3dconnexion space navigator) that were already explained above by others, I want to add other two:

Meanwhile building or editing (w/ the mouse), I navigate (w/ space navigator), especialy in large models: simultaneous actions.
‘Space navigator’ is much more useful than the mouse for screen capturing (using a program such as Camtasia Studio) a walk-thruogh or fly-by animation.

Cornel