Sandio Game O' 6DOF Laser Gaming Mouse
Home : Hardware : Reviews : Sandio Game O' 6DOF Laser Gaming Mouse
While there are several games in this list, I still had to program it for most of the games and applications that I use frequently. The major downside to the pre-programmed settings was that they only included games. While Sandio insists that the mouse is great for 3D modeling applications not a single one was programmed for even the most basic functions found in that type of program. Even a basic setting profile would have been helpful for such a situation. Also users will have to load profiles manually for every program as there's no automatic profile launch as has been seen in some 6DOF devices.
Once everything has been configured, getting used to the controls is pretty easy and intuitive. The included software came with a few practice 3D programs intended to ease you into 3D controls. One application was a simple multi-colored cube. The goal of the application is to rotate the cube in many directions, move it up and down, rotate it, and zoom in and out, using the joysticks on the mouse of course. After a few moments of practice with the cube I was ready to try this little beauty in some games. First person shooters were the first on the list as they seemed like the perfect candidate for the mouse.
I programmed the main, center joystick to replicate the WASD on the keyboard. Moving the joystick front and back moved the character forward and backward, while moving over to the sides would allow me to strafe. Since you'll want to have your finger on the left mouse trigger at all times, you'll have to use your middle finger for the joystick. This introduces a learning curve which took a few moments to get used to but before long I was playing like normal. Other 3D games such as MMO's operated in the same way but seemed easier to adjust to. Playing games in this manner didn't really win me over at first since I've been using a keyboard my entire life to do the same operations but it's definately a feasible way to play as long as you take the time to re-learn your ways.
Despite the few flaws that were found, the Game O' is a nice device, but to truly make this a consumer device Sandio will have to invest in making it compatible with more 3D applications out on the market. Currently the Sandio Game O' 3D mouse has price tag of $79.99, which is high for a mouse, but not so bad for a 6DOF input device, which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars. So if the learning curve doesn't send you running for the hills, you might really enjoy using this nifty device for everyday computer use as well as your favorite games, though we can't see it replacing the standard mouse just yet.
Highs
Up to 2000 DPI; on-the-fly DPI switching; comfortable; ambidextrous design; once configured it's pretty easy to use; cheap for a 6DOF device.
Lows
Steep learning curve; cumbersome configuration; a larger set of pre-loaded profiles would be nice; Windows users only (sorry Linux and Mac users).
Final verdict
An interesting device that shows the potential of 6DOF mice, but won't replace the standard mouse just yet.
60%
Jan 10, 2007
Review by Christopher Burkett.
Send this review to a friend.
Home : Hardware : Reviews : Sandio Game O' 6DOF Laser Gaming Mouse
Configuration of the device was slightly frustrating and combersome at first. Sandio's included software is used to edit, load, and create different profiles for games and other applications. There's no mouse tweaking options such as cursor and scroll wheel sensitivity settings. You'll have to go straight to XP's control panel if you want to tune the mouse to your liking. The menu system is simple and there's a small pre-programmed list of games and profiles to choose from. 
While there are several games in this list, I still had to program it for most of the games and applications that I use frequently. The major downside to the pre-programmed settings was that they only included games. While Sandio insists that the mouse is great for 3D modeling applications not a single one was programmed for even the most basic functions found in that type of program. Even a basic setting profile would have been helpful for such a situation. Also users will have to load profiles manually for every program as there's no automatic profile launch as has been seen in some 6DOF devices.
Once everything has been configured, getting used to the controls is pretty easy and intuitive. The included software came with a few practice 3D programs intended to ease you into 3D controls. One application was a simple multi-colored cube. The goal of the application is to rotate the cube in many directions, move it up and down, rotate it, and zoom in and out, using the joysticks on the mouse of course. After a few moments of practice with the cube I was ready to try this little beauty in some games. First person shooters were the first on the list as they seemed like the perfect candidate for the mouse.
I programmed the main, center joystick to replicate the WASD on the keyboard. Moving the joystick front and back moved the character forward and backward, while moving over to the sides would allow me to strafe. Since you'll want to have your finger on the left mouse trigger at all times, you'll have to use your middle finger for the joystick. This introduces a learning curve which took a few moments to get used to but before long I was playing like normal. Other 3D games such as MMO's operated in the same way but seemed easier to adjust to. Playing games in this manner didn't really win me over at first since I've been using a keyboard my entire life to do the same operations but it's definately a feasible way to play as long as you take the time to re-learn your ways.
Despite the few flaws that were found, the Game O' is a nice device, but to truly make this a consumer device Sandio will have to invest in making it compatible with more 3D applications out on the market. Currently the Sandio Game O' 3D mouse has price tag of $79.99, which is high for a mouse, but not so bad for a 6DOF input device, which can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars. So if the learning curve doesn't send you running for the hills, you might really enjoy using this nifty device for everyday computer use as well as your favorite games, though we can't see it replacing the standard mouse just yet.
Highs
Up to 2000 DPI; on-the-fly DPI switching; comfortable; ambidextrous design; once configured it's pretty easy to use; cheap for a 6DOF device.
Lows
Steep learning curve; cumbersome configuration; a larger set of pre-loaded profiles would be nice; Windows users only (sorry Linux and Mac users).
Final verdict
An interesting device that shows the potential of 6DOF mice, but won't replace the standard mouse just yet.
60%
Jan 10, 2007
Review by Christopher Burkett.
Send this review to a friend.
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