Any 3D Spaceball users?

[rcase]

I've read a lot about the 3D Sapceball input device and was wondering if any of you have used the device? Is it worth it, does it help productivity?

[mwhite]

Personally I don't use one. I am still looking for something to minimize finger movement which is what creates the tendon movement throught the carpal tunnel and subsequent damage if your wrist is bent.

 

From playing a bit with the spaceballs in the stores, it seems that there is as much or more finger movement required. At least with a mouse you can use your arm to move it around for the most part and finger movement is reduced to button clicking and scroll wheel use.

 

I would do a search as I believe there have been past 'debates' on this subject.

 

Good luck.

[derijones]

Just taken delivery of a Space Pilot yesterday - much better to use than the spaceball 5000 that I had on loan before. The main reason I got it was as part of the 3D CAD software I use - it's really crap with mouse control, but I've found that I'm a big convert - it's a lot simpler having the same system of movement across all 3D programmes (Solidworks, VX, Rhino, Maya) and it does take some load off your mouse arm.

It's frustrating until you get used to the controller (I'm strongly left handed and trying to train my right hand up has resulted in the spaceball almost going through the window on a few occasions!).

I'd put it in the useful extra, but not essential field as it's expensive - the space pilot has more buttons and is more friendly to use - the controller feels better and the keyboard modifier keys mean that you raerly have to use the keyboard for a lot of stuff.

Hope it helps

Deri

[BobM]

Hi

 

I bought one several years ago for £100's but with new software comimng out every year it quickly became a door stop.

 

So think about the amount of use before you purchase.

[Hazdaz]

I have the 5000 model. I think it is pretty cool - not worth the $500 that they were going for new (I didn't pay nearly that much), but pretty cool none the less.

 

Like was mentioned above, you will get frustrated with it at first, but after you use it for a while it does seem very nice.

 

It's actually kinda weird, cuz unless you have it on all your computers, it is tough to get used to using it. Like I have one on my home PC, but I do most of my work at work (with no Spaceball), so I almost forget to use it when I do do 3D work at home.

[rcase]

I agree, $500 is pretty steep. I'm looking at the student price of $199 or eBay for even less.

[SimonA]

Personally I don't use one. I am still looking for something to minimize finger movement which is what creates the tendon movement throught the carpal tunnel and subsequent damage if your wrist is bent.

 

I've never used on of these myself so I can't comment on them, but if your looking for something to help with RSI I can highly recommend using a Wacom tablet! I know if sounds daft and everybody who works in any 3D package always looks at me as if I'm mad, but they are much quick to model with than a mouse! Honest.....ands its a much more natural to hold than a mouse! I've used one for about 12 years now with out a problem. Every time I excessively use the mouse for something like gaming I always end up with a sore wrist.....

 

SimonA

[dbarc]

I was lent one for a while - I didn't get on with it. It seemed overly complicated for modelling buildings. Also, something where you physically move a device seems more natural to me for modelling (mouse or tablet.)

 

I could see it might be useful for some complex VR navigation though.

 

Now the attached is more like it!