New 3D mouse, the Game O'

[LoTekK]

According to the Arstechnica article (http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2006/5/11/3936) linked in the above article, apparently it's not so much a "3D Mouse" (market-speak) as a mouse with a couple thumb/finger sticks slapped on. Underwhelming, to say the least, though if they're customisable in terms of keystroke-assignment, the thing could definitely be useful in a 3D app.

[Peddy]

a 3d mouse in new RPGs or RTS games (think Spore and Supreme Commander) would be cool to control the zoom in or out or the viewing angle.

for FPS, not sure. maybe zoom depending on the game, maybe walk speed relative to the 3rd axis' zero. think maybe splinter cell where move speeds are more important.

[Neox]

http://news.com.com/2061-10801_3-6086367.html?part=rss&tag=6086367&subj=news

This article is very short, I would love to hear more about it. How does a 3D mouse make me a better gamer in a FPS or an RPG?

I think it's best suited for the 3d apps.

If you want a new and very original device for 3d then use the omni device from sensable, with haptik feedback and real 3d handling...

[dunkelzahn]

Well, it´s not revolutionary. 6D devices with the ability for 3 dimensions of translation/rotation have been around for years for the CAD and VR people, like the notorious Spaceball (http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/3a2.php). But the price drop is certainly worth noticing, as nobody would invest 500 bucks for a Spaceball only supported by one or two games. 79$ certainly make a difference. Let´s see if it´s another hyped fad or if the technology stays around for longer.

Chris

[gurubvin]

I putted a post in the nevercenter forums about this. 3d input would be really useful in 3d apps I think. I pictured something like the "wiimote" for the pc. Imagine what tweaking would be like. I think it would add much more to the intuitiveness of an app.

[MasonDoran]

for Gamers i would recommend a Nostromo+ normal mouse combo.

Nostromo is basically an ergodynamic number pad + d pad for the left land with macro capabilities. If you combine this with a mouse with 6+ buttons you wont need to use the keyboard any more because all hotkeys are available to your fingers.


Its important to remember that to much of one thing can be counterproductive. A mouse with a dpad and joystick has little use because you will not able to use the joystick while you use the mouse buttons. The dpad by the thumb would take some getting used to because I know my thumb is not that dextrous while my other fingers are consumed with movements.

Its important ro remember that the accuracy of the dpad/joystick movements will also be diminished because of the rapid mouse movements in an intense FPS battle.

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.