SpaceNavigator: Beta Driver for OS X

You are correct -- the device is meant to work in conjunction with your mouse. 3Dconnexion provides the ability to navigate naturally and effortlessly with one hand, while you select or edit with the mouse. We are not trying to be an all-in-one device -- the comfort lies in the combo.

Update from 3Dconnexion: We are working on SpaceNavigator Mac OS X drivers for Google Earth which we expect will be ready in the next few months. What was shown at MacWorld was a technology demonstration of the device working in GE on the Mac.

Please check our forum at www.3dconnexion.com/forum for updates or to post feedback on our Mac OS X Beta. As soon as we have news of Google Earth or any other applications available with our device support on Mac OS X or other platforms, you can be sure we will bring the news to you through our forum, website and other postings.

Sincerely,

Ziva Nissan
Sr. Product Marketing Manager
3Dconnexion, Inc.

I'm a bit confused by the lack of Google Earth Support. Google's booth has a SpaceNavigator demo station that is running Google Earth 4, and GE 4 is listed as a supported app on 3DConnexion's promotional material. Maybe they're just waiting until after the show to release the driver publicly.

i understand this device is supposed to be used lefthanded with your ordinary mouse in your right hand. (or vice versa)

but how usable is it as a point-and-click replacement?
(i'm looking for a more comfortable replaccement than my trackball...)

I agree with the last post - this thing is really amazing. After a brief but weird learning curve, this interface is so comfortable. I can't wait until a proper OSX driver comes out so I can also use mine with my laptop (a macbook).

I have one of these, and it's amazing. It completely transforms the experience of using Google Earth. After half an hour of using it, you can simply move, fly, and rotate any which way in 3space without thinking about it. I'm eagerly awaiting the update that will allow me to use it with my MBP...

I am waiting and hoping that it will support Blender on OS X. I have read on the 3dConnexion forum that the are working on it. Drool.

#1 - I don 't think the wii remote would be suitable for modeling in a 3D app.

Mat Lu - It is 3dconnexion, not 3DConnection

seems like a wiimote could do just as good a job at navigating 3d space via its accelerometer...