I managed to get in touch with the sales folks at 3Dconnexion about purchasing in some SpaceNavigators for Australia, it looks like this can go ahead by shipping direct from China (rather than USA) and getting it at the Standard or Personal Edition costs. If you’ve forgotten, the SpaceNavigator is 3Dconnexion’s basic 6DOF controller with 2 buttons that runs over USB for Windows and Mac OS X. The 6DOF lets you navigate freely through a 3D space intuitively rather than using the mouse with extra keys to take care of business. At the moment everyone seems keen on using it for Google Earth and SketchUp but you can use it for numerous 2D and 3D applications like Maya, Alias Studio, 3D Studio Max and AutoCAD.
Here’s a picture:
Anyhow, costs are $59 US (~$75 Au) for the Personal Edition (no commercial use, online support only) and $99 US (~$125 Au) for the Standard Edition which does let you use it for commercial use and you get more support. Apparently the more we purchase hopefully the less expensive it will get. There’s probably going to be about 10% GST + 5% customs on import, so hopefully less than $25 Au per SpaceNavigator. Get the specs and other information from 3Dconnexion here.
If you’re interested in getting in on the group purchase please leave a comment with which model (PE or SE), how many and your (hidden) email address and I’ll get back to you to confirm when I’m about to put an order in (maybe a week or two).
Put me down for at least 1x the Standard Edition. This gives me the option to use it in the office for “official” company business. If the response from others is good, I would probably add an additional PE unit for my home “hobby” modelling work.
Thanks,
Count me in for 1x Standard Edition
I’ll take one personal edition.
Please put me down for one Personal Edition
I’ll go in for 1 x Personal addition. (I assume the hardware is identical and only ‘use’ and support differ?
It’s as you say - hardware is the same, support and legal use is what differs. Apparently you can upgrade later on if need be. Anyhow, will contact the 3dConnexion guys to get this order through (think enough are in, 6 so far but maybe more in another group purchase later on).
Is it too late to add myself to the group purchase? I’d like a SE version. cheers.
If it is not too late (I just came across this post), I would have the PE version (depending how long before you can get it). Thank you.
Have I missed the first purchase?
Put me down for 2 PE.
If not too late, I’d be intersted in one PE version.
OK emailed everyone, the current group purchase is closed as we can order only 10x in at a time, if people are reading this (and wish to order) best to wait for me to update on how this first batch is going, then I’ll probably start up another group order.
Hi Philip
I want to buy one of these SpaceNavigators (PE or SE not important), and I really wanted one asap - so question is how long till next order/delivery and approx how much total cost shipped to NSW 2428.
And if its not a rude question do you know if there is a company that I can buy one off the shelf in Australia?
Thanks for your help
Brian Medlock
My stupid mouse hand is so sore. Put me down for a PE in the next batch please.
Sorry about the late response - currently I’ve ordered the initial 10 in, for Brian and Mick if people haven’t confirmed on their order (a few people haven’t, so I will have to chase them up) I’ll allocate any spares left over to you.
Hello,
Am I to late to purchase one of these?
Cheers
Phil Jonker
At present you’ve missed out on the first shipment, I’m seeing how that goes, if there’s 3 people who’ve pulled out I’ll be able to fit you in, otherwise I may order another shipment in of 10 to keep a few in stock once this first shipment is out of the way in a week or so (they’re in Australia, just waiting for customs to free it up for UPS).
I would love one please - (SE) - just one please
Can I have a (PE) one also
Hi I would love to get hold of one PE edition navigator.
Please notify me when you do your next group order.
Cheers
Harry
OK the first batch of SpaceNavigators have arrived. Everyone who was on the first list should have an email from me (back to myself) detailing the costs.
I’ll order another batch in since counting up the posts there’s another 9 so that’s enough for a batch of 10. Just need to get the first lot out to everyone and make sure everyone is happy.
Costs ended up being about approx $115 for the PE’s minus postage inside Australia and tax, but I’ll see if I can wrangle the price down further.
Hi Philip,
Under $150 for a PE navigator sounds great,
I’ll buy one if there’s any left from the second batch eh?
Thanks…
Hi Phillip, Just came across your site. How do you find the spacenavigator? I’d be happy to buy a personal edition also in your next batch. Many thanks, Mick
I’ve just received mine and on first impressions, it’s a very cool little device.
Can’t wait to really play around with it in different applications, but in Google Earth it works a treat.
Thank you Philip!
I find the SpaceNavigator to be a pretty useful tool for 3D space manipulations in programs that support it like Google SketchUp and Earth - plain head and shoulders above using the mouse and keyboard alone. I haven’t tried it with Maya or other programs like Alias or AutoCAD but I’d imagine with the correct plugins it’d work like a treat.
Currently I’m investigating whether I can extend the API’s to support other programs with basic keyboard/mouse motions which would vastly expand the number of programs that can be used under Mac OS X (which I use most of the time). Things like Final Cut Express/Pro can be easily used to skip through footage and other motions jump tracks etc. At the moment until this is done the SpaceNavigator has limited application support but what it does support it does support extremely well.
Hardware wise it’s probably one of the best made controllers I’ve seen so far, nothing cheap/nasty about it. Definitely for fine engineering and needs to be handled gently so if you’re thinking about using it for games I can’t recommend it (I have a SpaceOrb 360 for that sort of punishment).
I’ll get a 2nd batch organised, just waiting for a few people to take care of payments and this first one is all out the way. If I can get at least maybe 5 people keen on a 3rd batch I’ll probably hang onto the remaining 5 to sell to people who are interested later on. (Looking likely).
Got it home now and am playing around with drivers and things.
Try the RBC9 drivers - they’re floating around in the 3dconnexion forums.
They let you bind the SpaceNavigator to keyboard, joystick or mouse functions.
OK not a problem, will give a go under Windows when I next get a chance. I’ve put a new separate review page here where people can post up their thoughts about the SpaceNavigators.
Hi Philip
If it’s not to late I’d love to get a PE version.
Thanks
I’d be keen for a personal edition if you do another purchase. Can highly recommend them for CAD. I use a SpacePilot at work, and would like a spacenavigator at home to use with games and blender (once its supported). I’ll be using the RBC9 drivers.
Please put me down for 1 Personal Edition
Hi Pillip
I would like to get my hands on an SE Version ASAP. Do you have any spares from previous orders? When would your next order be?
Many Thanks
Lee
Hello,
I’m arranging another set however quite a few people are after them so not sure how fast I can process them. If you are after a SE version urgently, I recommend buying from here:
http://www.rand.com/imaginit/3/technology/hardware_3dconnexion.htm?sc=3
Who do handle the SE versions only for $212 GST. Our PE versions end up at about $115 ex-GST however since we do group purchases, I can’t guarantee immediate delivery.
Hope this helps,
Philip
Why 115 net, if they are just 75 in the US and you do group purchase?
Steffen
Phil,
If you are in the process of placing an order, then I’d appreciate the chance to get a single SE unit. Very frustrating trying to undertake 3D modelling work with a standard mouse. And for anyone frustrated with the pricing, the local pricing is more around the AUD$300 mark.
Steffen - it’s about $30 US for shipping but I’m trying to cut that back to about $20, so about $100 US total = $120 Aud so far. I may have to become an official PE model reseller, having issues getting more out unfortunately (but I’ll keep on trying).
Hi Phil,
Put me down for a SE if you’re still ordering these things.
-Mario
Hi Philip, let me know if you are still ordering these, probably the SE version, thanks
Hi Philip.
If you are planing another order I would like to add a “me too” to the list.
Thanks
Hi Philip
If you are planning to order any SpaceNavigator SE I would be most interested
Many Thanks
I’d like an SE please if you’re still ordering.
If u r, do u know when / how long for next batch?
thanks
Hi Philip.
I would be interest in an SE if you do another order,
Cheers
Hi Phillip,
Sounds like a good price. I’m interested in the Standard Edition.
Pretty keen to get my hands on one. I was quoted $220 GST in Australia. Any idea when/if you are doing another order?
Cheers
Richard
Phil,
Any further news on ability to get further batches out of 3D Connexion? Still itching to get my hands on one.
was wondring if you are still working with the spacenavigators? cos i am interested if you are!
I’d like a Persanal Edition x 2 (QTY TWO) ASAP when you next order please.
Sounds like there’s at least one batch worth since the last reply.
Thank you for doing this and posting up.
I’m in for at least 1 (PE), possibly 2.
Hi,
I’m trying to get a spacepilot at a good price in Australia…any thoughts.
Richard Oakley
I’m after a Space Navigator if you’re still ordering them. How long until ordering/receiving the next batch??
Cheers, Brett.
Brett:
I’m trying to deal with 3dConnexion direct however comms always seems to trickle off on their end. (I get the feeling they don’t really want me doing this…) but I’ll get plugging away at it.
Richard:
The only official location to buy the SpacePilot is from IMAGINiT here for $620 inc. (Also the cheapest, check http://www.staticice.com.au out) The cheapest I’ve seen them is about $272 from USA, however the shipping out of USA is difficult, but can be done.
FYI: Here for $285 and here for $290, these will ship outside USA (according to their policies).
Thanks Philip for your helpful information.
The first lik you’ve posted ihtn e post above now says no shipping outside USA. I suspect the local distributor of these is monitoring this poge and attempting to force its monopoly on these devices at high prices in Australia.
3Dconnexion themselves may also have some sort of contractual obligations to segregate the different markets from each other.
Nevertheless they are available around if you do the proper Google search.
I found two places shipping to Australia and I won’t post them up here since it would be counterproductive to let the local distributor know. But one place had the PE for $55 and $40 shipping, and $20 bank wire fee = $115 USD and for two $170 US.
The second place only had the SE (full version) for $89 $25 shipping = $114 USD and $203 for two.
So very similar prices; out by $33 but you get the full version with one though I think there are no differences in actual hardware between the two.
When I checked for reviews of the vendors, the first one had a sketchy record of taking people’s money and then leaving people on backorder for long periods.
So I just took the plunge and went with the second people. Two full versions for almost the same price as one from the Australian distributor which is a joke really. It was put in the post the next day and I’m really happy with the service.
hi i will like you to keep 5 of PE within next week you can contact me too my EMAIL
I’ll be in for a PE if you’re ordering another batch anytime soon.
Please inform me if you intend to import another batch. I’m interested in the SpaceNavigator PE. I’m about 70% sure. I wonder if you intend to purchase more soon to take advantage of the weak US dollar.
I’m looking to bring in about 10 of the PE version of
these, I expect I could have them landed here for around
$110 odd AUD. I would like to find about 10 others in
the Melbourne area. Post replies here, and if we get
close to 10 I will go a head and order them.
Regards,
Darren
Did you sell all the Space Navigators? if you did are you planning to get some more because the Oz price to the US price is a rip off……..1 will take 2 please if poss.
Hi David,
I haven’t ordered any yet as I have only found a few
people interested in taking them. I was planing to
order about 10 to keep the shipping costs down.
If I get about 6 firm orders I will go ahead.
Cheers
Greetings, put me in for two please, just let me know how much…………..Christmas if pos, one is a gift?
Hi,
Please put me down for two ( PE ) for the next shipment. Any time will do.
Thanks.
Hey there, please put me down for 1x PE if you order again.
Hello everyone,
I have recently been appointed the local Australian / New Zealand distributer for all the 3DConnexion 3D Navigation devices.
Having the same difficulties in sourcing these 3D USB input items for design software tools, I have made great effort in bringing to you all these devices at very reasonable prices for everyone to purchase easily online via secure SSL website.
We will ship all items overnight from our warehouse in Brisbane Queensland Australia and should reach you in a day or so depending on when you order.
Also warranty is covered under Australian sales.
If you are interested in becoming a reseller, or just general sales information, visit our website or email our sales team.
Please take advantage of the low starting price for the SpaceNavigator PE online.
http://cadsearch.com.au
CADSearch Australia
Great to see a reseller in Oz - pity the Space Navigator SE is sold out!
Can you still do a group purchase thru China - and if so do you have enough No.s to order the SE ed? - I’m after 2-off.
Cheers, Mick
Hello Mick, I have a large shipment of both the SE SpaceNavigator model as well as the new SpaceNavigator for notebook series due for delivery in around two weeks. Please check back the website around this time. Thanks Mick for your comments.
Jun Lee
Managing Director
CADSearch Australia
http://cadsearch.com.au