Logitech 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator Review - Navigate Google Earth and 3D Apps

SpaceNavigator - Beyond Google Earth

I also tried SpaceNavigator with Autodesk Maya, and it performed well. With Maya, I'm used to navigating with just a three-button mouse, so it took a bit to get used to navigating with my other hand. The results were more precise, and I liked being able to mix motions and pan while zooming or tilting.

If I were buying a 3D mouse for use with Maya or other high end 3D applications, I would probably upgrade to a model like the SpaceExplorer with more buttons for more macros. However, for a student, the SpaceNavigator is much more affordable.

SpaceNavigator is compatible with a long list of other 3D applications, mostly for Windows users.

The SpaceNavigator has a suggested retail price of $59 for personal use and $99 for commercial use. The commercial "SE" edition also comes with more technical support.

There also a more compact version of the SpaceNavigator, called the SpaceTraveler. I'd suggest sticking with the SpaceNavigator unless you already own one and are looking for something more compact for travel.

The Bottom Line

The 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator gives you a lot of control at a reasonable price. It does come with a learning curve to physically master the controls, but the control panel and tutorials take away the mystery. The only improvement I could suggest would be to make it easier to physically differentiate between a rolling motion and a sliding motion.

If you regularly use 3D applications like Google Earth and SketchUp, the SpaceNavigator may become your new best friend.

As is customary, I was sent a sample SpaceNavigator to test for this review.