I am interested in the smartNAV product, but I'm not sure what mouse clicking features are supported by the various models.
I'm interested in using the product mostly for CAD applications -- AutoCAD and SketchUp (a 3D modeling program). I need to have all the functions of a three-button mouse, including left click, left click hold and drag, and middle button hold and drag. Are these supported by the basic model with the keyboard hotkeys?
I see something about "dwell" functions in the AT model -- is that where you hold the mouse button down or is it something else?
Also, what if I get a cheapo mouse, disable the ball (so that it won't move the pointer) and use just the buttons? Will that work? Can I hold down a button the mouse and control movement with my head?
If this doesn't work, do the hotkeys work in this way? If I'm holding down the left-button hotkey, can I move my head and do a drag function on the screen? Same with the middle button also?
Finally, is there any sort of evalaution/money back policy? I am interested in this product, but I would need to be sure that it really will increase my productivity.
Thanks.
Mouse click questions - potential new user
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mach888888
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Sun May 04, 2003 5:00 am
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
As a long time 3d studio max user and smartnav user, i would not buy natural point primarily for any 3d aplications. moving verticies by head acuratly is next to impossble. I have tryed. I also use http://www.polital.com/pnc/ for dwell clicking(free), realize voice recognition(80$) also, TypeItinPro(20$) I can enter number values, do some particle systems, operate interface and do some simple primitive modeling, but good professional modeling? no way.
Smartnav is great for web-better than if you had hands , file management. Also forget painting in photoshop with head movement. IF hand relief is what you need, in my opinion, the less expensive one is good for money. and used with other free or cheap programs like i mentioned would be good.for many things but not elaborate modeling.
Smartnav is great for web-better than if you had hands , file management. Also forget painting in photoshop with head movement. IF hand relief is what you need, in my opinion, the less expensive one is good for money. and used with other free or cheap programs like i mentioned would be good.for many things but not elaborate modeling.
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
There have actually been quite a few advances in the software and hardware with the SmartNAV3 so while most of mach888888's advice is valid and much appreciated; his comments regarding precision are not completely accurate.
The SmartNAV3 (just released in August) features a precision mode, which can be toggled via a hotkey and instantly decreases the speed and sensitivity of the mouse making it very precise while it is toggled. The hardware has also been enhanced with a faster sampling rate which allows for more data points and smoother cursor control. I have spoken with several professionals who use AutoCAD and are very satisfied. Also, all of your clicking needs (including middle button) can be accomplished via the hot keys.
The dwell function is for total hands free use and allows you to hover over an icon and then the program performs a predetermined type of click(right,left,scroll), which you can select from the software.
Your idea for getting a 'cheapo' mouse would work, we have had users go so far as to disassemble a mouse and make their own custom clickers. Though the hot keys can do this for you, the goal is to make sure you are in the most natural position possible when using the device, so go with whatever works best for your needs.
To answer your last question we have a 30 day money back policy, where you can buy the unit, try it for 30 days and if you are not completely satisfied return the unit.
Please give us a call at our toll free number 1-888-865-5535 if you have any further questions or would like to place an order.
Cheers,
Kevin
The SmartNAV3 (just released in August) features a precision mode, which can be toggled via a hotkey and instantly decreases the speed and sensitivity of the mouse making it very precise while it is toggled. The hardware has also been enhanced with a faster sampling rate which allows for more data points and smoother cursor control. I have spoken with several professionals who use AutoCAD and are very satisfied. Also, all of your clicking needs (including middle button) can be accomplished via the hot keys.
The dwell function is for total hands free use and allows you to hover over an icon and then the program performs a predetermined type of click(right,left,scroll), which you can select from the software.
Your idea for getting a 'cheapo' mouse would work, we have had users go so far as to disassemble a mouse and make their own custom clickers. Though the hot keys can do this for you, the goal is to make sure you are in the most natural position possible when using the device, so go with whatever works best for your needs.
To answer your last question we have a 30 day money back policy, where you can buy the unit, try it for 30 days and if you are not completely satisfied return the unit.
Please give us a call at our toll free number 1-888-865-5535 if you have any further questions or would like to place an order.
Cheers,
Kevin
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
Thanks to both of you for the comments!
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mach888888
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Sun May 04, 2003 5:00 am
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
I would be interested to know if those cad users were using dwell clicking? were 100 percent hands fee? Also wondering if those hotkeys you mention can be activated by your dwell clicking or you have to use keyboard for hot keys.?
Is the latest naturalpoint 3 going to be at any conventions in southern california any time soon.?
ps.I wish you sold your dwell clicker seperatly so i could try it out. .
Is the latest naturalpoint 3 going to be at any conventions in southern california any time soon.?
ps.I wish you sold your dwell clicker seperatly so i could try it out. .
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
Greetings,
Sorry for the delay in response, I have been on vacation.
The cad users I mentioned were using the SmartNAV3 EG and using hotkeys or foot/hand switches. The hot keys can not be activated through the dwell clicking software as it is just for determining what kind of mouse click you would like to perform. Dwell clicking allows you to perform right/left/double/scroll mouse functions by hovering over an icon.
You can use a virtual keyboard though and click on and activate the desired F keys from within the virtual keyboard.
We will not be at any conventions in your area any time in the next few months. We are working on setting up a map of demo centers and hopefully will have one in your area very soon. We do have a 30 day money back guarantee though if you are interested in trying out a new SmartNAV3.
Sorry for the delay in response, I have been on vacation.
The cad users I mentioned were using the SmartNAV3 EG and using hotkeys or foot/hand switches. The hot keys can not be activated through the dwell clicking software as it is just for determining what kind of mouse click you would like to perform. Dwell clicking allows you to perform right/left/double/scroll mouse functions by hovering over an icon.
You can use a virtual keyboard though and click on and activate the desired F keys from within the virtual keyboard.
We will not be at any conventions in your area any time in the next few months. We are working on setting up a map of demo centers and hopefully will have one in your area very soon. We do have a 30 day money back guarantee though if you are interested in trying out a new SmartNAV3.
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
Hi!
I�m working a lot with CAD and graphics and I�m looking for a substitute for the mouse. I don�t want to use my hands too much (or at all).
I read about the headmouse and I find it very interesting!!!
What speed can an experienced headmouse user then reach, compared with the normal mouse?
Do I need foot pedals to get the best result? (to do left and right clicking)
What is your suggestion? A combination seems good?
It would be great to talk to a designer or CAD engineer who uses this system today.
Talk to you soon!
I�m working a lot with CAD and graphics and I�m looking for a substitute for the mouse. I don�t want to use my hands too much (or at all).
I read about the headmouse and I find it very interesting!!!
What speed can an experienced headmouse user then reach, compared with the normal mouse?
Do I need foot pedals to get the best result? (to do left and right clicking)
What is your suggestion? A combination seems good?
It would be great to talk to a designer or CAD engineer who uses this system today.
Talk to you soon!
Re: Mouse click questions - potential new user
Greetings,
An experienced headmouse user can reach the same speed and cursor control proficiency as a normal mouse user. The SmartNAV actually has a higher sampling rate than your average mouse and could be faster with the right head.
The use of foot pedals vs. hand clickers is generally a personal preference. Foot pedals are not needed to get the best result, though if you are interested in not using your hands then some sort of external click switch would be recommended.
We have a 30 day money back guarantee so if you purchased a SmartNAV3 EG w/ foot pedals and then did not like the foot pedals you could always return them,
I am not a CAD user, though hopefully one of them will post and share their experiences.
You can always give us a call toll free at 1-888-865-5535 if you have any further questions.
Cheers,
Kevin
An experienced headmouse user can reach the same speed and cursor control proficiency as a normal mouse user. The SmartNAV actually has a higher sampling rate than your average mouse and could be faster with the right head.
The use of foot pedals vs. hand clickers is generally a personal preference. Foot pedals are not needed to get the best result, though if you are interested in not using your hands then some sort of external click switch would be recommended.
We have a 30 day money back guarantee so if you purchased a SmartNAV3 EG w/ foot pedals and then did not like the foot pedals you could always return them,
I am not a CAD user, though hopefully one of them will post and share their experiences.
You can always give us a call toll free at 1-888-865-5535 if you have any further questions.
Cheers,
Kevin