SpaceNavigator
November 30, 2007The first time I saw it, I had no idea what it was, but it was so ergonomically compelling that I had to touch it. It is not a mouse, a trackball or a pointer—rather, it is a … well, the term "SpaceNavigator" works, I guess. The bottom line is, now that I've tried it, I can't imagine using my computer for any GNSS (GPS, GIS, mapping, or navigation) functions without it.
3Dconnexion, a Logitech company, which makes the SpaceNavigator, calls it a "3D mouse." I think that's really selling it short, however, because you can and should use the SpaceNavigator and your mouse in concert; the amount and preciseness of control you gain is incredible (and difficult to explain, but I will of course give it a shot).
The SpaceNavigator allows you to push, pull, tilt and twist the controller cap to fly through three-dimensional scenes with a freedom I have never experienced before. It fits the user's hand exceptionally well, and you will want to immediately go to Google Maps, Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth or some similar program just to put the SpaceNavigator through its paces. If you are a pilot or a game junkie, that experience may help you grasp the concept, because the SpaceNavigator is closer to a joystick than any other description I can give it. However, it has even more precise control; you can't pull a joystick up, push it down or twist it.
Yes, initially the device baffled me, because there is literally nothing else
like it for control, but once you master it, you will wonder how you ever navigated
in three dimensions without it. To make learning easier, the SpaceNavigator
comes with a configuration disc that includes a Configuration Wizard, an interactive
tool that uses animation and imagery to guide you through controller cap movement
and configuring your preferences. If you are like me, the device will become
a permanent part of your computing experience, and if you have more than one
computer you will want more than one SpaceNavigator.
Operation of the device is fairly straightforward. Basically, the SpaceNavigator
icon appears to stay in one place while the subject matter rotates, turns,
climbs and descends beneath it. So you navigate your way through space with
the SpaceNavigator as if you were flying through it, and you use your mouse
for pointing and clicking.
The SpaceNavigator features a rounded cap that fits nicely into the palm; it rotates easily in six directions to perform very precise 3D navigation. You can simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate models and objects on your screen, without using your mouse. Great, you say—it's a toy! And it certainly can be, but if you stop there you have missed the message. This is a serious 3D navigation tool for serious users, but you can have fun with it too.
SpaceNavigator works with the programs I mentioned earlier, plus 100 more (and counting), including AutoCAD, AutoDesk, Inventor, CATIA, Google SketchUp, Pro/ENGINEER, NX, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, ArchiCAD and ADOBE Photoshop. The really interesting thing is that it also works for some huge spreadsheets, but not all, in Microsoft Excel, but that is not a documented feature and it is not currently certified by 3Dconnexion. However, the folks at the company assure me they are finding new programs and uses for it every day and I believe that, because I use it for more purposes all the time.
The SpaceNavigator now goes with me everywhere I take my computer, and I even use it on airplanes. The only downside is that I spend half my time telling the folks around me exactly what it is and how it works. It draws a lot of attention. The flight attendants get upset because people stand in the aisle and watch me or want information on how they can find one.
3Dconnexion should include handouts or business cards in their products with contact and ordering information. It would sure make it easier on those of us that are already sold on the product and just want to be able to use it without explaining it to everybody in a three-row radius! No, I am not a curmudgeon, I just can't seem to get any work done lately, because I spend all my time explaining exactly what these products do. Oh well—Christmas is getting close, and in the spirit of the season I guess I will persevere and keep explaining.
The SpaceNavigator works on Windows, Mac and Linux systems, so it will probably work on whatever you are using. It also has two programmable buttons that you can use for whatever functions you use the most, and the speed of motion is also programmable. Since it works in conjunction with your mouse, you can still use the mouse for drop-down menus, etc.
I installed the SpaceNavigator on my iMac, and on my laptop running Windows XP. Both installs were flawless, with no unexpected glitches. On the iMac, it runs on USB ports on the keyboard or the screen, and on the Windows-based laptop it hooks up via the USB ports directly or from a USB expander. I saw no difference in performance. All my USB ports are 2.0, but the literature says it will work on USB version 1.1 and higher.
The folks at 3Dconnexion also sent me the SpaceExplorer, which is a big brother to the SpaceNavigator. It has all the functions of its smaller sibling, but takes up three to four times the real estate, and has many more preset and programmable functions. So the SpaceNavigator travels with me, and the SpaceExplorer stays at home, hooked to the computer with the big screen.
For my money, I would start with the Personal Edition of the SpaceNavigator; at less than $60, it's in most everyone's price range, and once you're hooked you can move up to the Standard Edition (for another $40) or the SpaceExplorer (for around $299), or another product in 3Dconnexion's 3D maneuvering lineup. You'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
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