Anyone Using a 3D Mouse?
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I use a Space Navigator. I really struggle to use Sketchup or any 3D modelling program without it these days. One nice benefit is that of you use a number of 3D programs, you have a consistent interface for manipulating views rather than trying to remember all the variations like middle mouse button, right click, ctrl-middle button etc etc that different apps use.
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I tried using SketchUp with my Wacom Intuous 4 but I didn't like it as well as using a simple mouse. Then I tried it on the Cintiq 21UX. I still like using the mouse better.
I've got two Space Navigators sitting in their boxes. Tried one for SketchUp but I didn't like switching back and forth between the keyboard and SN with my left hand.
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Do you need my address?
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Why? Do you have some whisky for me?
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I use Space Pilot pro the, legacy version. I went out of my way to get that type because I like the button arrangement better than on the new one. After using it for a while, I had difficulty modeling without it in any application, so I was kinda' forced to get Space Navigator for out of house work.
For me the main benefit is that you can very quickly see your work from angles that would otherwise be hard to reach. You can also move in 3d space along all the axis simultaneously which is clunky without the 6axis mouse.
I've tried using Wacom and 3d mouse combo and there are also several applications for iPad to use with CadControl and Keypad for GS. But I'm a shortcut monkey and teamed my Space Pilot with Razor Naga mouse (Extra 12 buttons) and with that I can have all my tools at my fingertips (add to it Logitech G510 just to go overboard).
I agree with Solo, you greatly improve your workflow and shorten project duration, but in my opinion the work is also more enjoyable.
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I don't drink whisky I drink whiskEy....big difference
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I got a space navigator and I love it.
What mode are you using it with? It seems that I am using the "Helicopter mode" although I can't remember why I choose this instead of one of the camera modes.
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For those questioning the tablet. For me, it is far superior. You need to use it and give it a chance. I am much faster with it over a mouse now. The pen is far more comfortable than the mouse as your wrist is not twisted. The quick clicks, and customization of the pen, pen buttons and tablet buttons make it far superior to a mouse for graphic applications. I can access so much more control with it quickly over any mouse. I can't imagine going back. If you use photo shop, there is no comparison with the brush tools and sensitivity. You can apply pressure like a real brush, pen, charcoal etc.
If yours is just collecting dust, I'll take it!
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Don't get me wrong, I love my Cintiq 21UX and wouldn't trade it. Well, I'd trade it for the new 24" HD version. I still find it easier with SketchUp using the mouse but it's probably due to years of use with it.
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A major aspect of the tablet I like, is the relationship to the screen. There is no random placing of the device to find your location on the screen. The upper right corner of the tablet is the upper right corner of the screen and so on - not just some random placement like a mouse. The reduced fatigue and ease of programming specific actions to specific programs is so far ahead of the little rodent, that I can't imagine going back. It's all personal preference though. Whatever works best is best.
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I found this helpful: http://youtu.be/2sTyJki96Ec
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@cotty said:
I found this helpful: http://youtu.be/2sTyJki96Ec
Thanks for that. I really like that interface of the space navigator and the wacom tablet. The tablet and pen are extremely comfortable. He doesn't seem to use any of the tablet keys which can be programed to just about any key command. I use them primarily for selection, pan, and orbit. However after seeing this device used with the tablet, I'm getting one today!
While the tablet can orbit and zoom simoltaneously like this device, I really like how smooth this operates.
Anyone have a good source to purchase?
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Wow! I am surprised about the tablet users. I have a tablet, as well, but only use it for drawing.painting (illustrator, photoshop, etc...). I tried to use it with SketchUp, but found that for line drawing, the mouse was easier. I do like the idea of programmable shortcut keys that a tablet provides. To the 3D mouse users, do you program buttons on your 3D mouse for different commands in SketchUp?
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@unknownuser said:
Wow! I am surprised about the tablet users. I have a tablet, as well, but only use it for drawing.painting (illustrator, photoshop, etc...). I tried to use it with SketchUp, but found that for line drawing, the mouse was easier. I do like the idea of programmable shortcut keys that a tablet provides. To the 3D mouse users, do you program buttons on your 3D mouse for different commands in SketchUp?
Once you get use to the tablet, it makes much more sense for line drawing than a mouse - even for CAD work. It is a pen afterall.
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I have a space navigator on the way from NewEgg. The young fella in the video that is linked a couple posts up sure did a good review, and sold me on it.
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Maybe I should put mine up for sale. One of them is NIB.
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Well I got the space navigator this morning, have got to play with it a little. I think I am really gonna like it. It will take a little while to get the hang of, but when I do it will for sure be faster for me navigating around models.
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I was lucky enough to win a Navigator about 2 years ago and find it very nice. The fidelity of movement along with the ability to control Sketchup and hardly move the cap allows me to model for hours with almost no fatigue.
The only caveat I would have for anyone considering one is it takes many hours to get proficient with it, as I am sure your muscle memory is adapted to a mouse, and the Navigator is an entirely different animal.
One bit of "icing on the cake" is Connexion has released a broad spectrum driver which allows you to use it in almost any software or game of your choosing. Here I am driving in Dirt3 with it.
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If I get the 3DConnexion, it'll be a fight whether I use it left or right handed. I draw with a pencil left handed and use the mouse with my right hand.
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@mitcorb said:
If I get the 3DConnexion, it'll be a fight whether I use it left or right handed. I draw with a pencil left handed and use the mouse with my right hand.
So this brings up an issue! If I have my pen in my right hand and the navigator with my left, I guess I'll need a straw for the beer!
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