"Designed by Japanese ID designers and manufactured by Primax, a top tier mouse OEM, Sandio 3D Game O2 is an integration of a full 3D 6DOF motion controller onto a top-of-the-line traditional 2D mouse. It is designed for 3D Internet lovers and PC gamers, especially to play on RTS and MMORPG games."

This mouse comes with the device software and two pamphlets to explain how to use the buttons. One explains the buttons, and the other explains their movements.

The software that comes with it offers you the following options:

- 3D Internet: Google Earth, and Microsoft Virtual Earth
- 3D CAD: Google SketchUp (both camera mode and object mode)
- 3D Virtual World: the Second Life
- 3D application: Microsoft Photosynth

 

 

It is pre-programmed with over 40 PC game configurations, and can be programmed by the user as well.

It is very easy to install, and is connected via USB. It is fairly easy on the hand, though a little confusing with all the knobs.

When I started to check this mouse out it was a little touchy to say the least, so it took me a little while to get used to it. I set it up to use in my Bryce 6 as it can be used in 3D graphics programs. It does take a little while to get used to using it, but it does work well, and with decent response.

I feel though that this mouse would be better used for gaming verses the 3D graphic environment. It is more like a gaming joystick with all the buttons on it than a regular mouse. It is a great asset though and very well thought out. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it a 9.

List Price: $79.99 (USD)

For more information, please visit: www.sandiotech.com.

About Sandiotech

Sandio Technologies is a 3D input technologies solutions provider. Our objective is to support our clients through the process equipping their 2D-enabled devices (such as mice, keyboards, joysticks...etc) with 3D capabilities. Sandio's 3D input chip enables these 2D devices to experience transition and rotation along the x, y and z axes. The device can now access both 2D and 3D functions, allowing for six degrees of freedom (6DOF) operations. More...

Castle Views is a featured column with Staff Columnist Sandra Castle [SndCastie]. Wherein, she reveals interesting books, artists, and software dealing with 3d graphics, through reviews, interviews, and general articles.