The Axsotic 3D Spherical Mouse could be considered more than a 3D mouse, if you consider movement to be an additional dimension to 3D rotation space – but this is more of an issue for physics than 3D artists.
Watch the video and witness someone rotating perspective in all directions around a 3D model, by rotating the Axsotic’s ball, all the while painting directly on the model using a touchscreen. Then, by nudging the ball this direction or that, the model is moved through space.
Just the time saved is an extra dimension in itself. The mouse is both Mac and Windows compatible, no drivers needed, and for compatibility with 3D software there are plug-ins to be downloaded, or you could even make your own.
No price or release date has been announced, but you can check the ‘Read’ link and register on their site to be notified of updates.