3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 )

by 3D Connexion

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 2 inches ; 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000LB5IXC
• Item model number: 3DX-700026
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #91 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Keyboards, Mice & Input Devices > Graphics Tablets
  • #97 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Game Hardware > PC Game Hardware > Controllers
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

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.

Product Description

3Dconnexion SpaceExplorer USB 3DX-700026 Trackballs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars awesome concept; some reliability issues, April 28, 2008

By 

Righteous dude in PA - See all my reviews

This review is from: 3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 ) (Personal Computers)

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible Tool for CAD, May 6, 2007

By 

M. Reedy "Designer" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 ) (Personal Computers)

I've been using a spaceball for over 10 years. This is a big improvement over previous models and I'm happy the price has finally come down. I've so thoroughly integrated this into my workflow than I am handicapped without it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CAD product for SolidWorks, December 13, 2007

By 

T. Hights - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 ) (Personal Computers)

The advanced ergonomic design, offers effortless navigation when I'm using SolidWorks. This is a great time saving CAD tool. As the product description states; "Simply push, pull, tilt or twist the controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects and environments." It is really is that easy. The only negative, the price.