3DConnexion SpaceExplorer 3D Mouse None Specified   Page 1

Reviewer: RWL Staff Article Publish Date: 5/15/2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 If you happen to work in a 3D environment you need to rotate, pan and zoom quite a lot with your mouse or your keyboards arrow keys. Most programs provide alternate methods for these functions but none of those seem to be quite accurate not to mention uncomfortable. A few months ago we had the chance to review an entry level 3D controller from 3DConnexion the SpaceNavigator PE which proved to be quite a good solution when using programs such as CAD and 3D Studio Max. This time we will take a look at the next model in their inventory which also happens to be quite more expensive and quite larger as well, the 3D SpaceExplorer.

 

 

 

                 3Dconnexion is a Logitech company that designs, manufactures and markets an award-winning line of navigation input devices (also called "motion controllers") for accelerating user productivity. As the worldwide leader in navigation input devices, 3Dconnexion serves the distinct needs of a diverse set of industries and creative professionals including those in Product Design (CAD/CAM/CAE), Animation, Modeling and Digital Content Creation. Any design professional using 2D or 3D software can revolutionize the way they work with a navigation input device from 3Dconnexion. Designed to be used in tandem with a traditional mouse, a navigation input device conveniently streamlines all on-screen navigation. It completely eliminates the tedious shuffle between mouse and keyboard required to position models or objects on the screen in 3D software applications. Over 120 popular software applications are supported. Because of these relationships, 3Dconnexion devices are able to unlock hidden power within these applications; power and functionality that cannot be accessed with a mouse alone. 3Dconnexion’s corporate headquarters is located in Silicon Valley, California, with regional offices in Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Munich, Paris, Shanghai, Stockholm, Tokyo and Wroclaw. 3Dconnexion is revolutionizing the way product designers and digital artists work. From aerospace to automotive, consumer goods to electronics, machine tools to game development, their navigation input devices accelerate productivity to a new level.

 

 

 

                 In comparison with the small SpaceNavigator the SpaceExplorer offers 13 function buttons more and has the 3D Control Cap on to a sculpted hand rest device which is almost 3 times the size of the SpaceNavigator. In whole everything about the SpaceExplorer seems more professional oriented from the build quality and feeling up to the extra buttons and hand comfort but in the end how does it compare with its younger brother?