This Fabulous tool is used for 3D modeling on your computer. You grasp the joystick-like grip and twist, lift up or down, nudge from side to side, back or forth, or tilt in any direction to move the model you are working on. It is almost as if you are holding the model in your hand. A heavy base and thick no-slip rubber footing help keep the unit firmly planted.

The Software is pretty unobtrusive. There is an icon in your tray that tells you which profile the SpaceNav is in, and lets you quickly access the SpaceNav control panel. The software switches between profiles as you switch between programs. Preset profiles are already loaded for all the programs you could think of, and you can tweak them to taste. Calibrations for sensitivity and inversion are quick and easy.

Here are a few snaps of the control panel. I had Photoshop running at the time, so that profile is automatically selected.

There are two buttons, one on each side, which are programmable to system functions as well as application specific functions. You can also program them to run your custom macros.

The following pictures are designed to give you an idea of the size of the thing. Of course with my big mits... it is all relative.

My only modeling experience with this gadget is in Rhinoceros. It was a bit dissorienting at first, but after some inversion and sensitivity adjustments it felt very natural. I can say using this tool to fly around in Google Earth and Virtual Earth is very unique and fun. I am excited to use this when I get Solidworks 2009 and start doing school projects. You will see some of my models appear in 3D format in the "Portfolio" section of this website.

I got mine from Newegg for about $50 + S&H. If you are seven times spendier, you can get the seven times cooler $350 SpacePilot.