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Introduction

More and more 3D software is being developed and so the production of 3D peripherals seems only inevitable. However, who actually needs a 3D mouse: the casual PC user? The hardcore gamer? The office PC user? In truth none of these fit the bill and it’s only really the more creative of careers that can fully tap into these features – architects, artists and so on. Despite this, 3D devices are key to certain users and 3Dconnexion – a subsidiary of Logitech – have come up with the Space Navigator – a true UFO peripheral – let’s take it for a spin…

3DConnexion’s Take on the Space Navigator

Pressure sensing technology allows the controller cap to become a virtual extension of you. Push, pull, twist or tilt the cap a fraction of inch to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D imagery. Increase pressure to go fast or decrease pressure to make intricate adjustments.

Space Navigator Specifications

• Advanced 6 degrees-of-freedom optical sensor
• Speed adjustable to preference
• 2 programmable function keys
• 479g
• 2-year warranty

System Requirements

Windows

• Intel Pentium 4/III or AMD/Athlon processor based system
• 140 Megabytes free disk space for driver and plug-in installation
• USB 1.1 or 2.0
• Windows XP SP2, x86 or x64
• Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit
• Windows 2000

Macintosh

• Dual-Core or Core Duo processor based system, 512MB RAM
  or 1Ghz G4 or higher, 512MB RAM
• 10 Megabytes free disk space for driver and plug-in installation
• USB 1.1 or 2.0
• Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later

Linux

• Linux (Redhat Enterprise Linux WS 3, SuSE 9.0 or greater)