SpacePilot Pro 3D Mouse

Review posted October 15, 2010

I've never used anything like this, so wasn't even looking for it. When I attended an Inventor Simulation and Stress Analysis class, a Space Explorer was there at my station, and I was truly amazed at how much it simplified 3D design work.

This Space Pilot is even better, not only because it has more customization capabilities, but also due to the superior location of several of the keys, especially the "Fit" button. It is an amazing device, especially in it's seamless functionality with other input devices. For example, I can zoom with the wheel of my standard mouse at the same time as I rotate with the Space Pilot. Not that I often need to do that; it is just a good example of how well it works at the same time as other devices. Now if I could just get some of my colleages to work as well together.....

My primary reason for buying this device--which I was ready to do with my own money if my boss hadn't insisted on paying for it--is the reduced wear and tear on my right hand and wrist. Most 3D designers spend the majority of their productive time moving and rotating their dominant-hand and wrist. A product that splits that motion between 2 hands and allows overlap in time makes a tremendous difference in how long you will be able to be productive and feel comfortable doing so. To combine old and modern colloquialisms, it's like, "Look Ma, two hands!"

So while nearly $400 seems like a steep price for something I never knew I needed, it has already paid for itself in productivity gains for me. Consider as well the fact that Novedge has it in stock and for less than anyplace else, and you have a winning combination of price and availability.

Thank you, Novedge and 3D Connexion, for providing me with a truly superior product and service!

John