Thread: KNOB WAR : Owners/Users of 3DConnexion vs. Griffin Powermate

I have used both and I only use a touchpad and remote now.

The 3dconnexion was just to touchy. Good for volume and that's about all IMO.

The griffin is good for volume but it didn't do enough.

Using a remote is just better for me. It's what I use all the time in my house and it's what I'm used to so it feels best to me.

right now here's my input devices:

touchscreen
touchpad
wireless keyboard

i've looked into those knobs and if i ever decide i need one, it'll definately be the spacenavigator (3Dconnexion). it has many more control features. i'll do a quick overview to show you why.

Spacenavigator
Slide Left, Right, Up Down
Push Down, Pull up
Turn right, Turn left


Powermate
Push Down
Turn right, Turn left



The spacenavigator has the extra axis where you can push it left, right, up or down as well as pull it up. This allows you to add many more features.

Originally Posted by tigergibb

i've looked into those knobs and if i ever decide i need one, it'll definately be the spacenavigator (3Dconnexion). it has many more control features. i'll do a quick overview to show you why.

Spacenavigator
Slide Left, Right, Up Down
Push Down, Pull up
Turn right, Turn left


The spacenavigator has the extra axis where you can push it left, right, up or down as well as pull it up. This allows you to add many more features.

Unfortunately it is better on paper than in real life.

Even after a lot of calibration it doesn't work good. It's as if the different axises are to close. Sometimes when pushing left/right you accidentally turn it to much or push it down a little activating those commands.

It becomes a nuisance REAL quickly.

I've got both and right now the Powermate works best. The 3dConnexion is too mushy. Like it is suspended on rubber bands.

before i upgraded my system to touchscreen, i tried several input devices:

first i tried an MS wireless keyboard + mouse set. that was horrible, the cold always killed their batteries, and the reception was weak. then i bought a cheap silicone keyboard, but i realized very fast that its unusable - roll up, roll down. then i found the best: a ps/2 based laptop keyboard-sized one only for $12

from the other side, after the MS set i found an wired mini optical mouse - but it needs space. than i tried touchpad - unusable while driving. a gamepad - good for multimedia remote, but unusable too as mouse. then i found a very good trackball in a broken HP 1U keyboard. it has optical reception, so its very accurate and not dust-sensitive. i think this is the best while driving! then i bought a touch kit for my LCD, but i will keep the trackball for regular use (for example right click tasks are easier with it)

then i started a project to use my cars built-in steering wheel remote buttons with the carpc...

Originally Posted by Machinehead

I'm using a cut down Logitech Nulooq Navigator. I took the the lower dial off for a flush mount. I have it set to control volume, FF, RW & Play/Pause. One nice thing is the ability to set up different commands for different programs.

Isn't that working like an ipod click wheel? how much is it?

When it comes to look, I guess 3Dconnexion products are good looking and Griffin Powermate is also gorgeous. lets not forget it's not all about functionality.

i LOVE my spacenavigator. I dont get why people say its too sensitive using the driver on this board makes it so you can control its sensitivity. All programs i use on the carputer have functionality with the spacenavigator.. that was 26 bucks well spent.

that is an excellent price you paid for that. real bargain.
actually it's a gorgeous piece of gadget. but i am told that there is no mac osx driver.

how does it work in iTunes when you change the view from list to album arts. can you dial through the albums.?