How can I make a 3D mouse act the same as in other programs? I can't seem to get my 3D mouse (3DConnexion SpaceNavigator) to work 'right' in Blender.

The intended functionality is that rotations should be orbiting the object and the mouse should be able to pan/zoom. This is the functionality in all the other major 3D programs I've used (eg C4D, Modo, Rhino, NX).

However, in Blender, it seems that you can either set 3D mice to orbit around the object and lose the ability to pan, or the motions are completely decoupled from the object you've chosen, resulting in the object tending to move off screen.

Any clues on a way to work this out?
Just change navigation style of NDOF device to one which you like - orbit around selection or free. Trackball lets you bank the camera There isn't any other option I'm afraid there's no way to arbit around selected with ability to pan in 3d connexion mouse