Product Reviews

SpaceNavigator for Notebooks is the latest version of 3D Connexion's excellent navigation tool for 3D applications. Although it's not much smaller than the original SpaceNavigator, this version is about 250g lighter, which when you're going to be lugging it about is probably more important.

Like the original, this version has a solid metal base with a rubber foot underneath and so grips your desk tightly as you use it. The unique control mechanism means that panning, zooming, and rotating can be done simultaneously and two small buttons on either side of the device can be configured to do whatever you like. Speaking of configuration, the System Preferences

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pane is extensive and allows you to tweak every nuance of the SpaceNavigator's movement at a global level or per application.

The cap has changed slightly since the original version - it now features a couple of small indentations, which make it easier to rest your fingers on top while you use it. And this mobile version comes with a travel case to protect it when you chuck it in your laptop bag. This is just as well as we'd be worried about the SpaceNavigator breaking if it didn't have protection.

The number of supported applications has increased considerably in the year since we reviewed the original SpaceNavigator and now includes Poser, although Bryce, the other omission we noted at the time, is still absent from the list.

Our only real complaint about this notebook version of the SpaceNavigator is its price. The slightly bigger and heavier version costs £39 if you opt for the Personal Edition (which comes without support), yet this version will set you back £106. That's a very hefty premium to pay for a reduction in weight of 250g and slight decrease in size. If you intend carrying it around every day, you may be prepared to pay the extra, otherwise go for the Personal Edition which is still excellent.