3D Mice, who uses them?

[memedex:pollid#489615] So, I really don’t know when to stop beating a dead horse.  I’m going to talk about 3D mice again.  However, this time, I’ve created a poll to see how many people are even using them with their 3D CAD application.  The reason for this is two-fold.  First, I’m experimenting with the use of polls here at SolidWorks Legion.  Second, I’m curious to see the kind of response this poll will get.  (Note to fellow bloggers, if you have recommendations for WordPress polling plug-ins, please let me know.  For now, I’m using memedex.)

[memedex:pollid#489616] Anyway, back to the topic at hand.  This poll is open to anyone that uses 3D CAD software.  It is not limited to SolidWorks users.  Please respond to this poll.  Also, post any comments you might have about 3d mice or any other peripherals you use frequently.

Also, I have a second poll for those of us who have a 3D Connexion 3D mouse regarding how we obtained said 3D mouse.  For this poll, I’m interested in see the ratio of people who’ve purchased one (for themself or via their company) versus those who have received one through various other means.  Have fun with the polls!

Author: fcsuper

As a drafter, mechanical designer and CAD engineer, I've been in the mechanical design field since 1991. For the first 8 years of my career, I was an AutoCAD professional. I utilized AutoLISP and many other AutoCAD customization features to streamline drafting activities for 6+ drafters and designers. I authored several custom functions, one of which was published in the March 1997 issue of Cadalyst Magazine. Since 1998, I've been used SolidWorks non-stop. I've worked to utilize the SolidWorks' user environment to simplify drafting and design activities for 20+ engineers. I've created this website to provide current information about SolidWorks from a variety of contributors. More recently, I am now employed by Dassault Systemes as SOLIDWORKS Sr. Product Definition Manager to improve drawing, annotation and MBD related areas.

12 thoughts on “3D Mice, who uses them?”

  1. Honestly, I love my 3D mouse. I find it much easier to manipulate what’s on my screen and the function/view buttons speed things up. Plus, being able to “fly” around the Earth in GoogleEarth is awesome.

    Jeff

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  3. Well I was really happy when I received one (Space Navigator), and while using it in Google Earth I felt as if I am in a flight simulator, but soon I found loop holes, it could not replace the mouse for CAD, nor it could be used as joystick for latest games, I searched a lot for related software, but non were good enough.

    I think they should provide options, so that it could replace the mouse & joystick as well ( http://www.3dconnexion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=336 )

  4. I have a Space Pilot I bought, a SP I won, a Space explorer I won and a Space Navigator for notebooks that I carry on my company laptop. I can’t work without one as I am conditioned to reach for that knob with my left hand even on co-workers computers. I would love to get my hands on a SP Pro and test the new screen functionality. Once you get used to moving and clicking at the same time things go really fast during design.

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  6. I’ve had a SpacePilot for a couple of years. I used it with a laptop. I was never really all that excited about it.

    one day, i switched out my keyboard and mouse on my workstation for a wireless set. multi-function mouse and etc.

    i was too lazy to configure the multi-function mouse. soooo many functions and directions on the mouse wheel that Solidworks became a little unruly. So, i broke out the SapcePilot.

    Now, I’m finding it’s working really well to have a mouse in each hand.

  7. I am a SolidWorks & 3DMaya user I love my 3D mouse, I used SpaceExplore. I set up two engineer departments two companies both love the set up.

    The one really hate it are the Autocad user.

  8. I’m currently running my SpacePilot with Solidworks premium 2009. I honestly have to say that I feel stymied without it. On the very RARE ,^) occasion that I need to work at home, I feel as though my produvtivity is cut by at least 20-30%. Almost not worth working at home! And I’m not even using it to its full capability, yet…

  10. I like my space pilot with solidworks 2009 sp1.
    I like the way I can manipulate the drawing and the context sensitive short cuts on the screen are cool. I bought it at solidworks world. I heard a rumor about there being a space pilot pro at sww2009 but 3dconnexion wouldnt comment about it. The new pro model is cool too but I wish the original space pilot could be used as a joystick and work with other applications. There is a 3rd party software update for the space explorer to extend its capability mentioned on their support forum but none for the space pilot model.
    I like the space pilot but they need to make it work with other programs like ms office 2007 and and if it were a small application where you could assign key stroke strings it would kick ass in games.

  11. Mike,

    You actually can assign keystroke strings. It has a traditional macro feature (not API, but an actual small macro function, like the old days). The buttons will work with games. I have a feeling some games may actually already support SP usage.

    Additionally, I found that Fraps (as gaming screen capture utility) works with the SP PRO somehow (I haven’t tried that functionality yet).

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