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Logitech NuLOOQ April 2008
The Navigator is knob-like device measuring just under 3" across by 1.5" tall with an iPod-like touch-sensitive touch wheel on the top and with a .75" tall band around the outside than can twist like a jog wheel as well as "hula" in any direction. This "navring" offers a surprising degree of precision, boasting 1,000 levels of resolution. In its most elementary setup, the controls can make it easy to zoom in and out, to glide around within a highly zoomed window and adjust audio volume. Considering the popularity of multiple monitor setups, the ability to easily shoot across a couple thousand pixels of screen real estate makes the Navigator particularly worthwhile. Going beyond the basics, this nifty tool also supports user customizable buttons beneath the touchwheel-style "tooltuner" dial on the top of the unit. The dial also provides access to a range of user defined virtual buttons via the NULOOQ Tooldial software. It comes with factory setups for a variety of popular applications, but where it really shines is within Adobe CS 2 / CS 3. Thanks to a specialized plug-ins within CS 2 and higher, the Navigator can access various tools directly, displaying them onscreen in a dartboard-like arrangement that bears a distinct resemblance to the controls in Alias/Autodesk Sketcher. Tap a button to call up the tool dial then nudge the ring in the direction of the desired tool. Spin the tooltuner to adjust a value while receiving visual feedback from a small slider overlay that appears on screen and vahished when you're done. It is fast and very easy. No need to hunt for a key command or take your mouse away from the work at hand. With all of the twisting and other movements (minimal as they may be) one might wonder what keeps the Navigator from sliding all over the desk. Weighing in at a hefty one pound the Navigator is designed to stay put on most surfaces, but heavy-handed users might want to pop on a snippet of high-cling rubberized kitchen shelf liner. This, combined with the weight of the unit, will have it clinging to your work surface like an octopus. It should be noted that the OS X-only Tooldial software bundle is no longer available but the software can be downloaded from Logitech's Web site as a trial with an option to buy. Development of the software has been put on hold and there is no word about compatibility with OS X 10.5. One might wonder what's up but considering the lack of a Windows version of the Tooldial bundle, it appears to be a platform issue. Not to worry, however, as the Tooldial software is specifically for customizing the dartboard-style virtual tool menu, and is completely separate from the software used to customize the buttons on the Navigator. The driver, which includes the slick and compelling menu access for Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, is very much alive and adds greatly to the allure of this very appealing device. Conclusions The NuLOOQ Navigator is a great little gizmo that is functional, flexible and fun. If you suffer from a shortage of onscreen real estate or if you are a CS2 guru in need of a faster way of doing business the Navigator is well worth a closer look.
NuLOOQ Navigator |
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There seems to be no shortage of intriguing gizmos for pointing, selecting, adjusting and general futzing around: trackballs, keyboard alternatives and futuristic jog/shuttle controllers Ð a never-ending supply. Most of these cutting edge devices occupy a position of honor on your desktop for only a few weeks before going into a drawer. An exception to this short-lived novelty-strewn herd is the $79.99 NuLOOQ (as in "new look") Navigator from Logitech. Billed as "your mouse's best friend," the Navigator (a little brother to the 3-D oriented SpaceNavigator) is a handy little device that makes it easy to select tools, dial in settings and navigate around an oversize document with one hand while leaving your dominant hand free to control a mouse or tablet.