3Dconnexion has announced Unix and Linux support for SpacePilot. The new USB driver supports HP-UX 11.0 or higher, IBM AIX 5.2 or higher, Solaris 9/04 or higher (SPARC-based systems), as well as Red Hat EL WS 3 and SuSE 9.2 and applications including CATIA versions 4 and 5, UGS NX versions 2, 3 and 4, I-DEAS and Pro/E Wildfire and Maya.

“Early customers and testers have given us great feedback about our new Unix driver. We are delighted to be able to offer a standard high-end controller to companies with mixed environments who use Windows and Unix machines in the design process,” comments Andy Parnell-Hopkinson, Sales Director Northern Europe at 3Dconnexion. “No matter whether our customers continue to use Unix or change to Windows or Linux, their investment in SpacePilot controllers is always safe since the device supports all three operating systems.”

As part of an ongoing service initiative, users of any of 3Dconnexion’s range of controllers including all versions of SpaceBall, SpaceMouse and SpaceTraveler can upgrade to a SpacePilot for just £219. The SpacePilot upgrade program applies to all old serial controllers, so when customers update their Unix/Linux workstation they can upgrade their controller at the same time.

Using the SpacePilot’s adaptive sensing technology users can execute their most common key commands with a single click on one of the SpacePilot controller’s many intelligent speed keys. The intuitive, easy-to-use interface of the new driver allows for easy customization of the controller settings according to the user’s needs and easy programming of frequently used functions to the SpeedKeys. In addition, the SpacePilot provides an improved pan, zoom and rotate capability, using a light fingertip touch that leads to superior precision and control of objects and scenes on the screen.