Popular Science has given a 3d mouse an award in its inaugural PopSci Invention Awards:

The MagicMouse is a true 3D mouse. Users can move the cursor about the screen simply by pointing and moving their index finger. Zooming is achieved by moving the hand nearer to or farther from the screen. Since both actions can be done simultaneously, the mouse makes it possible to work easily in three dimensions to pan and zoom through 3D maps, for example, or manipulate objects in computer-aided design (CAD) drawing packages. The mouse could also make game play more realistic and interactive, much as the novel 3D remote on the new Nintendo Wii game console has done. For more routine applications, like word processing and web surfing, the WPI students note that controlling a computer with hand gestures should make computer use more intuitive and less intimidating.

(emphasis mine)

Not really sure how this will pan out for PC owners - given that you're generally sitting centimeters from your screen you're a little restricted in your freedom of movement. The press release has some more technical details.

The press release link is borked.. also haven't gyro mice been available for ages now?

jeremy pwns with that remote. i could so pwn MS Office with this mouse.

/imagines CS kiddies being able to just stick there finger point blank on the screen with AWP, megazoom/aim :(

that would be awesome for CAD

pics or lying!

why not just use a Space Orb?

wouldn't you get sick of holding your arm out

ahh beat me to the space orb...

i think if the average nurd had to hold his arm out for 5 mins.. he would quickly tire and want to get some cheezles and coke and maby a lil nana nap

i think anyone holding their arm out in front of them for 5 minutes is going to get pretty sick of it