3DConnexion's SpacePilot Pro 3D mouse

[Pugsly]

3DConnexion has always had a place in our heart for their reasonably priced and smartly designed three dimensional controllers. Now the company is back on the scene with the SpacePilot Pro, which ups the ante -- and the price point -- considerably. This bad boy sports an LCD screen and lots (and lots) of buttons, including controls for various isometric views and navigation settings (pan and zoom, rotation, speed). If that weren't enough, there are function keys for various apps and an applet for checking your MS Outlook mail. Ships with drivers for Windows XP and Vista, Solaris 8 and 10, and Linux - as always seems to be the case with this company, Mac users are stuck without for the time being.

3Dconnexion 6DoF Technology

The key to SpacePilot PRO's smooth and intuitive 3D navigation is the patented six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) sensor. With four times the precision of previous sensors it can detect input as small as 4 micrometers (that's about 1/25 of a human hair!).

3Dconnexion Cap

Simply push, pull, twist or tilt the 3Dconnexion Cap to pan, zoom and rotate. It's like reaching into the screen and holding the model in your hand. This unparalleled level of control encourages model exploration leading to improvements in error detection and design quality.

[Pugsly]

QuickView Navigation Keys

The second generation QuickView Navigation Keys extend the power of the controller cap by providing one-touch access to 32 standard views enabling users to instantly view models from any angle for improved error detection, design review and design presentation.

Intelligent Function Keys

Each MCAD application environment, such as sketch, part or assembly has its own set of tools and processes. SpacePilot PRO automatically recognizes the active application and environment and assigns 10 relevant application commands to its dual-function Intelligent Function Keys. Visual feedback on function key assignment is provided by the color LCD. This seamless process ensures the right tools are available at the right time and as there's no need to use the standard mouse or keyboard to select the commands, users experience a significantly streamlined workflow.

Keyboard Modifiers

The convenient Ctrl, Shift, Alt and Esc keys allow users to simultaneously navigate their 3D model while accessing special application functionality or editing capabilities. This significantly reduces the need to move the hand from SpacePilot PRO to the keyboard, resulting in a more optimized workflow.

Advanced Wrist Rest Design

The soft coated, sculpted wrist rest guides the hand into a natural, comfortable position, while the symmetrical design means SpacePilot PRO is equally suitable for left or right handed users.

[Pugsly]

The Function Key Applet

The function key applet displays the commands that are assigned to the Intelligent Function Keys.

SpacePilot PRO includes out-of-the-box function key profiles for leading 3D applications including: CATIA V5/V6, NX, SolidWorks, Inventor, Pro/ENGINEER, Solid Edge, 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage and SketchUp.

The Mail Applet

The mail applet retrieves information from Microsoft Outlook and displays the most recently received e-mails including the sender's name and the e-mail subject line. Pressing the LCD OK key on a selected e-mail opens the e-mail in Outlook on your main computer screen. You can also view information on tasks and calendar entries.

[Pugsly]

Dominant key

Dominant mode filters out all motion except for data coming from the axis that is being actuated the most.

Pan and zoom key

Turn off translation motion along the three primary axes so the model can only be rotated.

Rotation key

By turning rotation off, users can focus on smooth, simultaneous pan-and-zoom navigation only. This is ideal for work modes such as sketching or for quickly inspecting standard views of your model.

Speed Key

Adjusting the SpacePilot PRO navigation speed, changes the amount of force or torque that needs to be applied to the controller to move a model or environment. Lower the speed for detailed, close-up work and increase the speed for design reviews and presentations.

[Pugsly]

Technical Specification

• 3Dconnexion patented six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) sensor
• Color LCD Workflow Assistant
• Viewing area (WxH): 49.96mm x 37.72mm / 1.96" x 1.48"
• Resolution / color depth: 320x240 / 262,144
• Second Generation QuickView Navigation (32 standard views)
• 4 Navigation Setting Keys (Speed, Rotation, Pan/Zoom, Dominant)
• 5 dual-function Intelligent Function Keys (access to 10 commands)
• Keyboard Modifiers (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Esc)
• 21 programmable keys in total (access to 31 commands)
• Full size advanced wrist rest design
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 231mm x 150mm x 58mm / 9.1" x 5.9" x 2.3"
• Weight: 880g / 1.94lb
• 3 year warranty