http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Mouse-Logitech-SpacePilot-LCD,news-30916.html

For $500, consumers can buy a cool Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 bundle. However, there's apparently a need for a mouse that can display e-mail on its LCD screen.

Talk about crazy! Who in their right mind would shell out $500 for a mouse? Apparently, there's a consumer base that will do just that, especially when the device delivers advance control of 3D models and the ability to provide at-a-glance access to Microsoft Outlook e-mail via a built-in color LCD screen. 3Dconnexion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Logitech, revealed a mouse that actually offers both features. Called the SpacePilot PRO, the 3D mouse provides a color LCD Workflow Assistant, Intelligent Function keys, QuickView Navigation technology, and an improved design over the earlier non-Pro model.

So why exactly does a mouse need an LCD screen? As mentioned earlier, the device can actually display e-mail received via Microsoft Outlook, and can even display a calendar, tasks lists, and more. However, 3Dconnexion designed the Workflow Assistant to meet everyone's needs, providing end-users the ability to customize the software and display whatever information is needed. To make workflow even more fluid, the company implemented five fully customizable (dual-function) Intelligent Function keys, offering one-touch access to ten frequently used commands within any supported 3D application.

At the heart of the SpacePilot PRO is its support for 3D applications, whether its 3DS Max or Maya. The mouse can actually move in all three dimensions (X,Y,Z) simultaneously, using 3Dconnexion's "six-degrees-of-freedom" technology. By lifting, pressing, and turning the controller cap, designers can easily pan, zoom and rotate without stopping to select commands. The device's QuickView Navigation keys even helps to improve design workflow by providing quick, one-touch access to specific views, whether its top and bottom, left and right, or front and back, offering 32 possible views. Navigation Setting keys also offer simplified and customized control, allowing the end-user to turn pan-and-zoom, rotation and one-axis control on or off.

“3Dconnexion’s 3D mice have rewritten the rules on the way design engineers and professionals interact with 3D environments,” said Dieter Neujahr, president of 3Dconnexion. “Our new SpacePilot PRO builds on our market-leading industry experience, delivering the most powerful 3D mouse we’ve ever made. It enables increased performance that ultimately results in better designs, created in less time.”

According to the company, its $500 SpacePilot PRO comes with a three-year warranty, and is supported by Windows XP, Windows Vista, Sun Solaris 8 (SPARC), Sun Solaris 10 (x86), and Linux (Redhat Enterprise Linux WS 4, SuSE 9.3 or later). Linux and Solaris support workflow assistant function key assignments only. Consumers interested in purchasing the SpacePilot PRO via 3Dconnexion can head here. Otherwise, online retail outlets such as Amazon, Dell, and CDW will begin to offer the 3D mouse soon.
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Seriously why would you?!!?!! ... I'd be firing the person who came up with this ridiculous proposal.

On that note, can someone tell me what's the leetest gaming mouse for $100 - $150 (maybe up to $200 if it's really worth it).

My 10yo MS optical died (was SOOO used to it for FPS) and this new MS wireless has RUINED my TF2 gameplay, can't do s***, getting like 50 points per map.

Price != Quality, decent basic MS Opticals can be found under $50.

I picked up a Logitech MX Revolution that was supposed to be the bees knees, and it is for work tasks. Absolutely average for gaming. Price: (at the time) $85

Next, I got a Logitech MX518. It's much smoother, the grip isn't as awkward and is mostly symmetrical so it can be flicked around. Price: $41

The el-cheapo dell ones suck. Many times at work I watched my cursor slowly wander across my screen while nothing was touching the mouse.

I agree, don't go for crazy leet sell-your-kids models, but also don't buy the cheapest you can find.

I'm using a Logitech MX 400 $39 @ umart and it's great for general use and some pew pew action.

I loved my Logitech G7, but alas shes gone now :~(

IMO the older mouses are better for gaming.

I originally used microsoft V3 and changed to microsoft v1.1a years ago.

Never have problems with them, just pick a mouse that you like the shape of.

The latest shiz with 2billion DPI etc just complicates things imo (for fps games).

I got the old mouse here.

On the underside: IntelliMouse Optical USB and PS/2Compatible

Looks like this pretty much

http://content.etilize.com/images/240/240/10039354.jpg

Got it back in 98 or so before USB was the set standard.

Whats the most similar model I can get these days?

But that mouse doesn't have 12 buttons and a mousewheel that works in 5 different axis.

The el-cheapo dell ones suck. Many times at work I watched my cursor slowly wander across my screen while nothing was touching the mouse.

Sounds like my Belkin. Cursor wanders all the time.

I can't live without two thumb buttons on a mouse - for navigating back and forward while browsing online or looking at folders in windows explorer.

Chub, if you want to move into the 21st century, get the one I've got. It's a great mouse.

Sounds like my Belkin. Cursor wanders all the time.

Yeah, the belkin cheapos do it as well.

CHUB: logi G5 or G9 or mx518.

I've had my G5 since 2005 and it is still going good.

If you want that exact model CHUB, they're as cheap as chips. I bought the same one for the Mrs a few months back because she was sad when hers from 1998 died as well.

I used bidbox and it arrived on the doorstep in a week or so.

:D:D:D

Much appreciated!

I have 10 years of muscle memory on that mouse, seems like the easier option.

Does that mouse have an antennae, or is that some sort of tubing that keeps it attached to your computer???

I'm still using my old Logitech MX518, and I feel little need to upgrade. Plenty of buttons, comfy, and never skips a beat. Cost me about $70 four or so years back.

I'm looking at buying a new mousey too.. my MX 620 is starting to go s*** with double clicking by itself and bad tracking. I think I'll go the MX518 as my other trusty Logitech (on work PC) is an MX500 which has been going for years and years without a problem.

my old g5 died so i had to buy a new g5. i liked the old one better :(

Logi G5 hasn't done me wrong.

Logitech are s***. The software just refused to install on my computer and judging by the amount of threads with the same problem on their forum and other forums it's a common issue. f*** logitech and the horse they rode in on. Microsoft mice/keyboards for life.

Actually, a couple of engineers I know use them and swear by them (the Spacepilot Pros, that is).

I've seen them in action and I was pretty impressed with its performance. Can't think of ANY practical application for it outside of a fairly specialised* range of activities, but when your livelihood is based on it, it's worth looking into.


*3D modelling/CAD etc

Protip: Don't install logitech's drivers, just use the default microsoft drivers windows provides and you will have the best of both worlds.

I've been using the Microsoft Sidewinder mouse for over a year now. I like it, optional weights to add and the different glide surfaces that you can attach to it are nice to use. Extra buttons are awesome for games as I can bind my "ohs***" buttons to them for WoW PVP :].
Rarely use the buttons that change sensitivty as I'm not playing many FPS anymore. I've played without needing to change sensitivity for years and don't see the need to do it now (but i can see the use when I'm messing around in 3dsmax or so). Not too expensive, $100 from umart.

V3 or 1.1

Go pro

Intellimouse 3.0 here..been using it for years and using the mouserate program to hack it up to 500hz

The software just refused to install on my computer and judging by the amount of threads with the same problem on their forum and other forums it's a common issue.

Just don't install the software, problem solved. It's not particularly useful anyway.

Intellimouse 3.0 here..been using it for years and using the mouserate program to hack it up to 500hz

haha, you think you are a pro-gamer or something. lolz

lol whoop you actually install mouse drivers. Default that s***.

Protip: Don't install logitech's drivers, just use the default microsoft drivers windows provides and you will have the best of both worlds.

Unfortunately the side scrolling on my g5 didn't work with default MS drivers, oddly enough it works fine under ubuntu. I needs me some side scroll akshun.

Logitech G5 cheap and solid.

I got 1 of them Sidewinder mice for like $50 brand new and it works great. Why pay like $200 for the new logitech G9x or whatever it is?

Intellimouse 3.0 here..been using it for years and using the mouserate program to hack it up to 500hz

Same but no hacks...dirty hacker :P

it will be a sad day when it departs, but i'm sure you can get these still somewhere.

$500 for a mouse ..... tell em he's dreaming God's Mouse

Looks & sounds more like a large, button loaded, 6-axis version of the nipple cursor that was once popular on laptops.

Why pay like $200 for the new logitech G9x or whatever it is?

200? Thats even stretching harvey normans markup.

It's clearly a mouse for a very specific purpose and not an everyday mouse like you're all blathering on about. Who would pay for that? Oh probably just the target market which is not you morons.