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SpaceExplorer
3D-controller from 3DConnexion
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Intro
Last year we reviewed a 3D controller from 3DConnexion that was an
entry level device - the SpaceNavigator
PE. This time we will take a look at bit more higher end model that
still offers the same intuitive 3D control that can be found on the
more basic SpaceNavigator.
The SpaceExplorer offers more function buttons and installs
the 3D Control Cap on to a wider base. Everything seems more "professional" but
how does it compare to its little brother in the end?
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3D Navigation
3D Navigation, like the name says, adds a new dimension to the regular
2D navigation. With a mouse, one can pan but that is pretty much it. With
an input device that allows 3D navigation, user gets more intuitive
control over the objects and items on the screen. For example, if you have
a game where you can control the camera. Usually you need to press for
example the scroll wheel down and then pan the mouse to move the camera.
With 3D controller you just rotate, pan, zoom and tilt the camera like you
were holding it in your hand. Better yet, all this happens
simultaneously.
When I was trying to get my wife to master the SpaceExplorer, I found
that the best analog was to make her think that she were holding a
spherical webcam on her hand. When one pushes the "camera" towards the
table, the virtual camera on the screen goes closer to the ground. Rotate
the "camera" and the view on the screen rotates. Easy and intuitive for
most users but for others like her, 3D may feel bit confusing at first.
SpaceExplorer
Yes, it is a box...
Bundle
...that contains the SpaceExplorer 3D Controller, two brief quick start
guides and a driver CD. Interestingly the SpaceExplorer is supported by
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Unix. Most of these specialized controllers
have very limited cross-platform support but 3DConnexion stepped up and
even offers free SDKs for their products so that one can build-in the support
for these controllers inside their own programs.
Currently there are tons of programs that have cerified support for the
3D Controllers from 3DConnexion. List can be seen on the Supported Applications page.
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In English
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