OMG Space Navigator ROCKS!

I was hoping some one would answer the last few entries questions. I'm also considering buying one.

From what I've read, you still need the mouse for some functions,, correct?

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Update.

I visited the site and watched the video with the unit being used in SL.

Just ordered one.

Space Navigator is one of a number of 3D controller devices made by 3DConnexxion. (Now owned by Logitech.) There are two models of Space Navigator, the "PE" and "SE" versions. They are phylically, and functionally identical. The difference is, the "SE" version is intended for professional applications. (I have no idea what that means, or how it applies to software other than Second Life.)

3DConnexxion makes a number of other cotrollers, most of which are considerably more expensive.

You don't have to apply much pressure, but you DO have to apply constant pressure.

The only time I need the keyboard is when I'm chatting, (not at all in voice chat.) or when building. The SN seems pretty useless for building.

Google Earth is another program that utilizes the SN nicely. VERY nicely. Better than SL in my opinion.

From reading their website, I believe that the difference is that the Personal Edition can't be used for commercial purposes. Simple as that, or so it seems from their website.

If you earn money in SL, for example.... that's a commercial purpose.

If I buy it [and I'll only buy it if it works great on the Mac SL client], I'll buy the Standard Edition. I'm not only optimistic about the possibility of earning money in SL -- it is my ambition to make my mark on the Second Life world as a designer or creator of some kind -- but I'm also optimistic about using the Space Navigator for other apps that I already use professionally.

Thank you for the feedback about "constant pressure". If anyone else has more feedback or opinions about the feel of the thing -- does it make your hand or arm tired, for example -- please, do let us know.

-- do you feel like you must apply lots of pressure?

No, except to the two little auxiliary buttons on the sides.

-- do you feel like you must apply constant pressure?

Yes.

-- does your hand or arm get sore or tired from using it?

No. It's much more comfortable than a mouse (of course, you still do use the mouse...the typical configuration is SN with the left hand, mouse with the right). It's also a more comfortable hand position than keeping the left hand close to the WASD keys.

It is a bit hard getting used to reaching for the SN instead of the ALT key and the mouse to cam around...habit dies hard.

Cannot...resist...shiny...button.

Geek factor....Too high.

I give up. I ordered one.

Can you have both the space navigator and a mouse plugged in and switch back and forth between them?

I've known about these things for over a year, but always resisted because SL never had native support. In the mean time I've used an XBox360 controller for making movies and it totally rocks over using the keyboard.

And to answer Imagin, in SL the controller serves as a keyboard replacement rather than a mouse replacement. You can (and actually have to) use both the mouse and the controller.

Uhhh, Wildfire,,,,, from what I've seen on the Navigator web site and in the video regarding it's use with SL, the keyboard is still used for chat so the navigator really doesn't take the place of the keyboard. It works in unison with it.

Correct me if I'm mistaken.

Yes. In fact you have to. The SN is just for movement. You still need the mouse to point at menu items and select them.

The typical arrangement is SN on the left, keyboard, mouse on the right. User with both hands full of controls, leaning slightly forward with a glassy stare fixed on the monitor...

I just got mine, think it is great.
Yes on most functions both work at same time.

The PE is for home.
The SE is for work.
As I read it both physically the same difference is in the Support from the maker to the proffesionals.

The right hand button what have others re-set it to do?
Also have you used the Custom settings for it, and how did you do it?

In UK the PE looks as if twice the USA price, Europe looks 3 times USA price.
(Was going to buy on internet from USA but they doubled the price by adding very expensive shipping charges, and then on arrival no doubt I would get Duty/Tax to pay to the UK customs.)

Love, June

You're still not "hardcore geek" till you get one of these:

http://www.daskeyboard.com/

Sure, for chat and some commands- but you don't need the keyboard for movement when you have the navigator or a gamepad. That's what I'm talking about.

Heck I thought it was a joke at first, but it makes sense, I'm going to grab a spare keybord, grind the f & J keys a little and hit it with a can of black spray paint

Grr, I have the beast = but still can't use it!

Please, can someone tell me how to get the viewer that works with it? I can't see it on the downloads page and googling for it hasn't helped.

Pretty please, want to play with my glowing blue bobble-thing

Heh, and as for the daskeyboard - I have worn half the letters off of my keyboard on my own, hehe. I guess I should cut my finger nails

It is the test downloads, RC 1.20 you need.

http://secondlife.com/community/downloads-optional.php

Love june

I could type on that. I've been typing Dvorak for years. (Great for keeping people off your computer.) Every time I got a new keyboard, I'd have to spend another $20 on plastic stick on letters to re-label it.

Finally I just stopped looking at the keys.

Hmm I just imagine the new typos I would do if I had to see the where things were on keyboard.
Wonders why blank keyboards are better?

I was lucky & learned to touch-type in High School. Best advice my mother ever gave me- "Take typing lessons".

I could easily type on that keyboard......except after several beers then I have to look at the keyboard (usually with one eye open)

Thank you June *hugs*

*dashes off to download and give it a test flight*

Hmm. Stopped working all of a sudden. I wonder if it has anything to do with all the crashes I've been getting with the latest client.

Works ok with Google Earth.

Hmm.

Check your preferences. Mine stopped working too. Turned out the latest RC (5) had unchecked the "use space navigator" box.

Mine arrived yesterday.... plugged it in, installed software, checked the joystick box in SL and hey presto all worked (RC 1.2 and VIsta)!

It's sooooo cool! Wonder how I ever managed without one..

Better half took one look at it and said did you need to buy that!
I think she thinks by its looks and the blue light its cost lots of money.

I'm getting used to it but just can't keep control of forward walking, the angle of view moves as well.
I believe the right switch can be made to do things. Any ideas? If yes tell me simplely how to do it, LOL
Love
June

I had a bit of trouble with this at first, as well. I found that pressing more towards the bottom of the dial, where it flares out, solved that problem.