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Two-Fisted Computing

Posted by michael on from the kudos-to-submitter-for-spelling-complement-correctly dept.

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.

3 of 236 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Pointless by Amiga+Lover · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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

  2. Now they just need to make ambidexterous people by RalphBNumbers · · Score: 3, Insightful

    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.

    --
    "The worst tyrannies were the ones where a governance required its own logic on every embedded node." - Vernor Vinge
  3. Hmm... so this is what happened to the SpaceOrb! by Yosho_Katsuhito · · Score: 4, Insightful

    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 :)