7 June 2007 0:00 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Google Earth is great isn't it? I mean you can spend hours moving around the globe looking at where you live, where your friends live, where you went on holiday, where you are planning on going on holiday; the list is endless.

Trouble is navigating around Google Earth is a bit of a non-fluid experience especially if you just want to roam around rather than visit an address you've typed in.

Originally designed for working with 3D visualisation packages, the Space Navigator from 3D connexions has found its calling for the Google Earth and SketchUp fans among us.

Once plugged in, the £39.99 secondary mouse that works with Windows, Mac and Linux, allows you to glide over the terrain or your models with ease.

Working in a virtually identical way to the Logitech NuLOOQ (3D connexions is even a Logitech company) the device gives you the ability to control six axis of movement including zoom, tilt, pan and scroll and thus gives you the impression that you are flying over your chosen destination without having to get your regular mouse involved.

Of course if you want to do some work, the unit supports Adobe's Creative Suite 3 packages as well as others such as Autodesk, SolidWorks, and a couple of other more serious CAD looking packages, and you can use the Space Navigator to scroll and zoom quickly around images while you work on them with the mouse.

Verdict

For viewing Google Earth the Space Navigator is excellent, however you've got to question how much you use the package to warrant spending £40 on an accessory for it. Of course if you are heavily into your Photoshop editing then you can get better use of out it.

If you are looking for an even more professional offering with dedicated software that you can customise even further give the Logitech NuLOOQ a look.

Score

Review Recap

Made by

3D

Price as reviewed

£40

The good

Easy to use and install, works on Mac, Windows and Linux

The bad

Limited appeal

Quick verdict

For viewing Google Earth the Space Navigator is excellent, however you've got to question whether you really need it

Score

• Reviewed - Logitech NuLOOQ Review

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