Ok, so now there’s a run on the 3D scanner from NextEngine. I mean, seriously, my blog is supposed to be about hardware and software for SolidWorks! You other three goombahs actually are engineers and are supposed to write intelligent pieces about the wonders of SolidWorks itself! But, nooooo, you three have to jump on …

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I walked into my office…ok fine, my cubicle this morning and about killed myself on this box that was on the floor. I’d been told that my demo scanner from NextEngine was on its way but, I wasn’t holding my breath. Other vendors have promised me this or that and I haven’t seen squat. But, …

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Ok, I know you’ve all been anxiously waiting for this. I really like the SpaceExplorer, 3dConnexion’s mid-range offering. While not as feature laden as the SpacePilot, this unit still provides increased productivity. It has a nice ergonomic shape, feels good in your hand and performs excellently. It has the typical programmable buttons and easy-to-use controller …

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To my loyal readers: I made a mistake. I know, I know, I had trouble believing it myself but it’s true. I erroneously referred to the SpaceNavigator as a SpaceExplorer in my review of said SpaceNavigator. Please forgive my oversight. I got confused. The SpaceNavigator is what I was reviewing, the SpaceExplorer review is a …

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Is the SpaceNavigator worth the money? I’d say so. Its compactness makes it great for travelling (I’m presently on the east coast…supposedly on vacation), yet it’s tough enough to endure the trip. When you pick it up, you can feel its robustness. It has what appears to be a stainless steel base with gives it …

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First, for those of you who don’t live in western Washington/Northern Oregon, the news had it all wrong, we didn’t have a windstorm, it was a nor’ easter. I grew up on the east coast and I know what was is. I’d even argue that it was a category 1 hurricane. Granted, it was a …

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Rick Lando is teasing me, so I figured I’d pass it on. He sent me an email verifying my shipping address. I can only assume it’s because he’s shipping me something. What they’re shipping I don’t know, and that just doesn’t seem right. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll graciously accept whatever they send me. Being …

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Rick Lando, from 3Dconnexion, emailed me the other day to let me know that they’ve improved their product line. Naturally, the first thing I though of was "can I get one to try out?" Rick assures me that I can. So, as soon as I get my greasy hands (ok, that was a lie. I …

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Ok, I know you’ve all been waiting for this. Forgive me if it runs a little long, I want to make sure I cover everything… I’ve been using the Astroid for just over a week and I do like it. Will it replace my SpacePilot? Not at work (I am going to use it at …

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Ok, let’s get into it. My initial impression was that the ball was rather cheap looking. While it felt robust enough, I got the impression that if I squeezed too hard it might break. I didn’t care for the fact that it didn’t come with an installation CD. You have to go to spatial freedom’s …

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