Two-Fisted Computing

whiterat writes "3Dconnexion is selling a variety of input devices that provide a left-hand complement to the traditional computer mouse. The devices control the position of on-screen objects in design programs such as Adobe Systems' Photoshop and its 3D modeling application, Maya. That enables designers to work without constantly togging between 'view' and 'create' modes." Smash TV veterans need no extra training.

Adobe Maya?

[hendridm]

design programs such as Adobe Systems' Photoshop and its 3D modeling application, Maya.

Does Adobe own Alias?

Re:Pointless

[Amiga Lover]

I remember back in the early 80s your response was the same one that many people used when the Mouse first appeared. It was pointless, applications would need extra more complex code to support it, and nobody would end up buying one because there was no application support.

Now they're ubiquitous.

On another point, I once worked as a computer operator for landscaping data. We had tablets with large areas for digitizing maps where the 22 button tablet (yes, as large as a mouse) was used for tracing outlines, a 5-key chorded keyboard used on the left for other functions, and key pedals used for switching context. It didn't take long to get used to, and for the purpose it was needed for saved a great deal of time on a keyboard+mouse only. Everything has its uses

Now they just need to make ambidexterous people

[RalphBNumbers]

I don't know about you guys, but I can't move my left hand anywhere near as quickly and precisely as my right.

On a digital device like a keyboard, where I either do, or do not, hit a target I can get away with this, but an analogue pointing device like a mouse is another question. And I expect using two similar pointing devices in different hands will add some disorientating effects on top of that.

The device is an interesting idea, now they just need to engineer the people who can use it efficiently.

Hmm... so this is what happened to the SpaceOrb!

[Yosho_Katsuhito]

the $499 price tag is definately just silly. for about $35, I bought the serial version in a slightly different piece of plastic, called the SpaceTec SpaceOrb.

1. Find awesome concept company about to go under and buy.

2. Change design a little, and sell for 5-6 times the price.

3. PROFIT!

I am sorry, but I still stand behind modifying a PS2 AsciiSphere (the console version of the same hardware! check the insides! identical parts!), or just simply getting a ps2 - usb adapter. cheaper cost, same quality.

http://www.planethardware.com/spaceorb/asciisphe re .html

6 axis of awesome. Serious Sam was never quite the same after this toy :)

Learn the hotkeys.

[Jonas the Bold]

Almost every tool has a key attached to it, so you can switch to it. In 3d programs, learning the hotkeys is necesarry to do anything in a reasonable ammount of time. In photoshop it's less necessary, but still a tremendous time saver.

Pressing "m" for marquee would be faster than moving a mouse to the toolbox and click the tool. Also, you'd need AMAZING hand eye coordination to use two mice at once. Just try using one with your left hand (or right, if you're a lefty).

Lefties unite!

[SFBwian]

"3Dconnexion is selling a variety of input devices that provide a left-hand complement to the traditional computer mouse...."

I already use my mouse with my left hand, you insensitive clods!

Re:why can't i just use a second mouse?

[phoebus1553]

You may have worked in CAD a lot, but not in 3D space like Pro/E or SolidWorks. People who use these, and I know a lot of them swear by them once they learn them.

The device allows you true 3d manipulation. You use the ball by twisting, pushing/pulling to the left/right/front back, and then by lifting and depressing the entire ball/puck/whatever this thing uses. When you add a couple buttons at the fingertips around the ball you've got a hella powerful interface.

It's crazy how useful these are, I'm only a sysadmin, but after seeing one on an engineers desk I loaded up a model and began spinning it around like crazy. When you see how much time these guys spend getting something into a position so they can see something or hit a part, it shows why it's worth $600.

You get 4 directions with a mouse, you get 8 with the ball. And more buttons than you can shake a stylus at.

Re:Two handed computing is nothint new

[theparanoidcynic]

Hey, it's only bad manners to eat with your left hand because you righties are the majoirity. Table manners are stupid anyway.

Arise my left-handed nerds! Throw off the oppression of the right! Make them shut up about table manners and give us power tools that we can use without cutting our fingers off!