3D navigation devices cover all levels of design

A 3D Connexion product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 1, 2006

3Dconnexion has revamped its range of 3D navigation devices with new products, new software and new pricing.

3Dconnexion has revamped its range of 3D navigation devices with new products, new software and new pricing.

3Dconnexion has introduced two new 3D navigation devices: the SpaceNavigator and the SpaceExplorer.

This completes a product line refresh, which began with the introduction of the SpacePilot in 2005.

The SpaceNavigator is an entry-level 3D navigation device ideal for professionals, students and 3D enthusiasts.

The SpaceExplorer is a fully featured mid-range device.

Both devices offer exceptional and intuitive control of 3D objects and environments.

SpaceExplorer's suggested retail price is GBP 199.

The suggested retail price of the personal edition of the SpaceNavigator is GBP 39.

The suggested retail price of the standard edition of the SpaceNavigator is GBP 69 and includes a commercial-use licence.

To add greater usability and compatibility to the entire product line, 3Dconnexion has released 3DxSoftware version 3.0, which features a new Configuration Wizard and added support for Autodesk Design Review, Autodesk DWF Viewer, Google Earth and Google SketchUp.

In addition, 3Dconnexion has announced that the SpaceBall and the SpaceMouse will be discontinued as of 31st December 2006, although support for both products will continue until the end of 2009.

3Dconnexion has reduced the price of its award-winning SpacePilot high-end 3D navigation device to a suggested retail price of GBP 271.

SpacePilot features Adaptive Sensing technology that works with an LCD to display commands that update dynamically when users switch applications or change modes within an application.

The price of the SpaceTraveler, a lightweight, portable device for mobile 3D designers remains at GBP 127 suggested retail price.

3Dconnexion's product line features a variety of 3D navigation devices that range in price from GBP 39 to GBP 271 to meet the needs and budgets of all users.

"The expanding universe of 3D design and visualisation applications is driving the need for intuitive, easy to use 3D navigation", say Rory Dooley, President of 3Dconnexion.

"3Dconnexion's product line offers solutions for people of all expertise levels and needs".

The 3Dconnexion Configuration Wizard is an interactive tool, which runs during installation and demonstrates to the user through animations and imagery how to use the navigation device and easily configure it to user-preferred settings.

It will help beginners as well as expert users of 3D applications to understand quickly how to use 3Dconnexion devices.

All 3Dconnexion devices feature a controller cap that enables users to fly through three-dimensional worlds without stopping to use the keyboard or mouse to change directions.

Designers can use the cap to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects, something that is not possible with a mouse and keyboard.

Used in conjunction with a conventional mouse, 3Dconnexion devices reduce the clicks necessary to complete common tasks, because users do not have to switch tools to manipulate 3D imagery, increasing productivity within the application.