Product Description

3D Connexion SpaceExplorer

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5871 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: 3D Connexion
• Model: 3DX-700026
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 6.00" w x 8.00" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

• Intuitive 3D navigation
• Six degrees of freedom via a controller cap designed to flex in all directions
• 15 pre-configured keys
• Support for 3D applications from Autodesk, SolidWorks, Dassault Systemes, PTC, UGS and Google
• Ergonomic and stylish design

From the manufacturer
Ergonomically Advanced 3D Navigation

Boasting 3Dconnexion's patented optical sensor technology, plus an advanced ergonomic design, SpaceExplorer offers effortless navigation for more than 100 of today's most powerful 3D design and visualization applications.

High-end performance. Mid-range price.

Simply push, pull, tilt or twist the SpaceExplorer's controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects and environments. SpaceExplorer features an array of easy-to-reach function keys labeled and pre-programmed with commands from leading design applications. Keys automatically map as you move between applications for unified navigation.

50% fewer mouse clicks. 30% greater productivity.

Gone are the days when 3D navigation meant endless mouse clicks to move around an object or to fly through space and remembering how to change views and control objects within the X, Y, Z axes...one tedious step at a time. Plus, it is no longer necessary to remember different application's unique commands for manipulating 3D objects or scenes.

Using SpaceExplorer together with a mouse engages both your hands in a natural, intuitive work style. One hand drives the SpaceExplorer, positioning your model, then rotating, panning and zooming in one single, fluid motion. Your mouse hand can simultaneously edit the model or select menu items.

The SpaceExplorer button array includes two numbered buttons for programmability of the user's favorite application commands, plus keys for Speed, Views, 2D only, Fit, Control Panel and keyboard modifiers. This enables you to master any supported 3D application without having to leave the device to reach for the keyboard.

The new SpaceExplorer 3D navigation device

• Boosts productivity by over 30%, while reducing mouse usage by 50%
• Automatically maps functions on keys as you change applications
• Enables no-look access to modifier keys on device
• Provides instant positioning of models and scenes with Fit and View keys
• Reduces fatigue with its ergonomic design and soft, sculpted palm rest

Preconfigured. Easy to customize.

SpaceExplorer's software automatically recognizes the programs already loaded on your computer-such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire, Solid Edge, UGS NX, and a host of other CAD and DCC applications-and installs default configurations that predefine the functions assigned to programmable buttons.

Earn your wings in no time at all.

3Dconexion's Configuration Wizard is an interactive tool that uses animation and imagery to guide you through controller cap movement and configuring your preferences. The Configuration Wizard also provides demonstration applications so you can practice or start using the device right away.

Plus, your 3DxSoftware will never be out of date, because 3Dconnexion's Update Wizard keeps you up-to-date on the latest OS and application versions and new features.

Customer Reviews

3D connexion SpaceExplorer
I love this thing! For years I've been using the mouse and keyboard. Now I can't work without the 3D connexion SpaceExplorer. Very intuitive navigation and programmable button capability reduces the time it takes me to design with Pro/E and Inventor. I highly recommend this device for anyone working in 3-D.

SpaceBall User Review
Product functions well. It would be nice to have more indents on some of the buttons so your fingers don't get lost. One major complaint I have is with the protective rubber coating around joystick. The coating is thin and made of rubber and started coming off whithin a month of use.

awesome concept; some reliability issues
The hype is true. This mouse does make SolidWorks faster and more pleasant. The learning curve (adjustment period) is about 15 minutes. Some fiddling with the setup may be required, but this is relatively painless. In short, I love it. But...

It has an annoying habit of not working from time to time. If you look long enough, an internet search will reveal a "reboot" procedure where you hold the 1 and 2 buttons down while plugging it into the USB port. You'll want to make a note of this, because I have to do it fairly often. Without the reboot, the mouse occasionally will not work. As in completely dead. I had to find this little secret reboot tidbit on the internet after an hour of frustrated fiddling around. I called tech support and received decent help, but only after answering a dozen marketing survey questions that I found to be invasive and annoying. My mouse was dead and they wanted to know my number of employees etc before they'd answer anything.

That said, I'd buy another one if this one died. I just wish the company spent some of their marketing/data harvesting budget on fixing the reliability issue.