Spaceball/Trackball should I get one?

[Splint]

Hi Guys,

I'm using Rhino 3 and I was thinking of getting a spaceball or trackball, I've never used one before and I'm not sure if they're really worth it.

Do they replace the mouse or are they an add on to work with the mouse? Anyone reccomend a brand or model?

Cheers
Splint

[Me2]

G'Day Splint,
I use one with Inventor. Takes a little bit to get used to but its fantastic. Commands with the mouse in the right hand and zoom, pan, rotate with the left. With inventor I would visit the screen rotate button 90%of the time of all commands, the space ball negates this time of constantly using the mouse for the rotate funtions.
3D Connexion
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/3Dconnexion-S...QQcmdZViewItem

Cam

[Splint]

Thanks Cam,
do you think running a Space Navigator is better than a Spaceball like this? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/IBM-3Dconnexi...sid=p1638.m122
Does the Spaceball negate the need for a mouse or are they used together?

Cheers
Splint

[Me2]

G'Day again Splint,
I can only comment on the SpaceNavigator. Never used the space ball but at that price its worth a try. The two are used together. I use the mouse in the right hand to carry out the commands while the Navigator allows me to rotate, zoom and pan using the left.

Cam

[Me2]

One thing to check on is the port connection. The SpaceNavigators plug into the USB port. The Space Ball you are looking at is a D-sub 9 pin connector.
I don't know if that plugs into a serial port or if there is an adaptor to suit.

Cam