3D Connexion has a new input device out called the “SpacePilot Pro”, which keeps all the usual 3D mouse bits, but adds alot of additional input buttons and a color LCD display called the “LCD Workflow Assistant”.  They’ve also released an SDK to allow application developers to write custom applications that manipulate the display.

“Handing out a software development kit will allow third-party developers to produce professional applications to give you access to even more information, on your workstation, on your network or on the Internet,” he says. “For example, it’s conceivable that SolidWorks could create an applet that connects the model you are working on with PDMWorks to gives you supply chain information, inventory information or whatever at the push of a button.”

You can read a full review over at Design Engineering News.