Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (Black)
by Logitech
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List Price: Our Price: $138.99 You Save: $41.00 (23%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $65.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (Black)
Customer Review: The Touchpad Disk
Summary: 5 Stars
To clear up any confusion on the touchpad disc ... it took me a little while to figure it out - but it's completely different than any other touchpad you've used. It needs the Logitech Setpoint software to work properly, but once it's going - and you understand how to use it - you'll wonder why Logitech isn't selling this incredible technology to laptop manufacturers. I wold pay extra for this pad to be on my laptop.
In short: it's intended to work more like a scrolling knob or shuttlecock than a pad. You scroll up or down, left or right, by starting a circular motion along the outer edge of the pad. Keep that circular motion going, and the scroll continues as long or short and fast or slow as you move your finger. Move your finger in a clockwise motion, the scroll goes downward on a page (or to the right) ... in a counterclockwise motion and it scrolls up (or to the left). This is genius. Square touchpads require that you lift your finger over and over to "pull" a page down or over ... with the circular touchpad on the Edge, you never have to do that ... just keep swirling your finger around, and the scroll keeps going.
Beyond that -- the Dinovo Edge is a fantastic product as well. The battery does indeed last for months. I don't know how they do it -- but they do. Pictures don't do justice to the piano-black glossy finish -- or the way the orange specialty key indicators fade up from total blackness. You don't see them at all if you're not pressing the function key ... and when you do press it, they have a warm glow that's not garish at all, which is how it comes off in the photos.
If you're a numberpad user as I am - you'll definitely miss the pad on the right for inputting any numbers. But this isn't really intended as a desktop or data-entry keyboard. It's a media-center keyboard, intended to be shown off in a living room, near your piano-black glossy LCD or plasma TV. It's meant to be the media-center keyboard your wife won't mind seeing on the coffee table, because it's wireless and combines the keyboard and mouse into one unit. It's slick, pretty, and very functional (visually, it would match a PlayStation 3).
But it's not without a few caveats: the bluetooth is, well ... bluetooth. And every once in a while, it drops the signal, and you have to flip the board on and off again to re-establish. For some odd reason, mine seems to re-establish if I hold it upside down and shake it like I'm clearing an etch-a-sketch. Maybe it's just odd coincidence and the signal would have come back anyway. Weird, but whatever. Also - after it finishes charging on the stand, sometimes the volume touch-slide (which is an awesome touch -- slide your finger along the glassy surface to increase or decrease the volume) sometimes that goes a little haywire at the end of the charge, and your volume will increase and decrease on its own until you take the Edge off the charging station. Not sure why, but it happens. And every once in a while the charging base seems to hum very slightly. So low you'd only notice it in an absolutely silent room, but it's there sometimes. I've had the Edge ever since it was first available, and none of this has caused more than a moment of question -- so none of them are critical concerns. Oh, and you'll fret a little at keeping it nice and glossy -- plan on wiping it off a lot.
I first bought this keyboard when it still cost $200 ... and I can honestly say it was money well spent. I know that's a lot for a keyboard, but it's been worth it. It's tougher than you might think -- I've dropped it several times and it's still working and never scratched. It doesn't cost you anything in batteries (although at some point that non-replaceable, rechargeable battery has to die -- but it's been going for over 3 years now). Now that they're available for $50 to $75 less it feels like a steal to me. But I've had the enjoyment for using it years longer than I would have if I had been put off by the price. Pick up the MX Air Mouse from Logitech if you must have a physical mouse to go along with it. It matches the Dinovo Edge 100% in overall looks, style, and ingenuity.
Customer Review: Really liking it a lot
Summary: 5 Stars
Linux/Ubuntu user (10.10 as of now).
With Linux, getting full support of all features is tough. I only care about the keyboard basic and touchpad functions. I am having some trouble with my right arm, and holding it in a right desk mouse position for a day really wears it out. Its actually easier to type on my laptop's keyboard for long periods of time because I have grown accustomed to its touch pad and my right arm stays in a close in position all the time. But my lap top cannot touch my workstation for function and power (I am a web developer and run a full LAMP stack as well as two large monitors on my desktop).
I use the gnome desktop (for the benefit of Linux users). This keyboard was instantly recognized. I didn't have to do any more than charge the keyboard and plug in the bluetooth usb receiver.
The keys are responsive and well located for touch typing. I don't have a high error rate with this keyboard, it fact it is slightly better in this regard than my Logitech Wave (ergo) normal keyboard for my desktop. Very happy with the typing keys, and I really don't need a numeric pad. Top rank for standard keyboard functions overall.
The touchpad is REALLY good for me contrary to what others may have reported. I was expecting to not like that part. But to be fair, I keep a normal trackball for when I need to do detail oriented work (like graphics). For most general usage I am using the touchpad. Initially I thought I was going to agree with others had posted about the touchpad, but spent some time reading the instructions and found that when I use it as instructed I really like it. The normal touch for mouse movement is very good, and sensitivity is right where I need it to be. I did make some small adjustments to the acceleration in my window manager. That made it better, but it was good to begin with. I would suggest this part is definitely not a week point. My only complaint would be that the touch area is a little small, but I making the adjustment.
Scroll functionality seems to be what most have posted complaints about. I was frustrated initially, but now am really liking it. The instructions say to set your finger on the little nubbin for the direction want to scroll, then draw circles in the direction you want to scroll. Im glad I read it. I was really getting tired of running out of touchpad when I wanted to scroll up and down through tall pages in any of my tools. The cool part on that is that once you are underway the circular motion does not have to trace the outside edges of the touchpad. I pull in toward the middle and circle away. Long pages are not a challenge anymore at all. But it is a new skill I have to get better at doing.
Under my OS, double taps allow me to highlight and move objects, fully emulating a left click + move cursor. Really glad that worked as I use it a lot.
I am really liking the mouse left button that is on the left side of the keyboard too. So over all would say that the touchpad functionality works well if you use it as Logitech intended.
The sleep button actually does put my workstation to sleep (which I don't want) so am going to remap that key to do something else.
The volume control works very well with my desktop volume control. No issues there at all. I like it better than using my mouse.
I have not found any programs that will recognize the +-% keys on the left, so may have to remap those as well. Quite frankly I don't see that as an issue since I am already accustomed to doing this other ways.
This keyboard fits well in my lap, I like the key feel, it is working very well under my Linux, the touchpad works well (with a little retraining of the hands), and no problems with the bluetooth (but my computer is only 4 to 5 feet away).
If I like this much a week or two down the road, will most likely buy a couple more for some of the other folks in the office.
Customer Review: 24 hours after meeting and I'm already in love!
Summary: 5 Stars
Last week I realized that there was a down side to how I'd hooked up my laptop to my HDTV. The laptop ended up connected to the TV and on top of my stereo cabinet, forcing me to stand at the computer to use it, or in my lap on my sofa, but not connected to the TV. So, I started poking around for wireless keyboards and mice. Thinking that a mouse wasn't going to work all that well, and that would just be one more "remote" in my livingroom, I shopped for a wireless keyboard with a built in trackpad. What I found was the Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard.
At $149 this keyboard is a smidge on the pricey side but it's worth every penny. It's light, it's thin, it doesn't need AA or AAA batteries due to the built in Li-Ion batteries and charging station, and it's on board "touch disc". The batteries are quoted as being able to last a month or more on a single charge and based on other reviews I have no reason to doubt that. The "touch disc" is a round touchpad but with two special spots on the disc that allow for both vertical and horizontal scrolling once you get the hang of it.
Stylistically, this is a gorgeous piece of equipment. It's sleek and black, and had many backlit icons for special functions. (For example, the ring around the touch disc lights up when your using it and slowly fades out when you stop.) And, as other reviewers have said, it even looks great when sitting in the charging station.
The wireless connection runs on Bluetooth and this is where I ran into some problems. My Vista Ultimate laptop has built in Bluetooth but I'd not used it in the past as this is my first Bluetooth device for a computer. So, I went into the Bluetooth configuration settings and instructed the computer to find the device. I'd pressed all the right buttons and read all the instructions a dozen times but computer continually failed to find the keyboard. So, as a test, I plugged in the USB dongle for computers that didn't have Bluetooth and everything connected almost instantly. Therefore, the problem was with my computer, not the keyboard.
An hour later, having read many a support document, it seemed that Bluetooth was "running" (at least there was a Bluetooth icon in my system tray) but it was "turned off". Using the function keys to turn it on didn't work since, ultimately, the laptop was refusing to recognize the built in Bluetooth hardware. My guess is that something happened in the upgrade to Vista.
I found updated drivers from Gateway, downloaded them, and ran the install program. The install program informed me that I had to first uninstall the old version. Off to Add/Remove Programs to uninstall Bluetooth. Upon reboot, Vista found the hardware, reinstalled the (original) drivers, and before trying to install new drivers, I tried again. This time, the keyborad connected as it should.
(I don't blame the keyboard or Logitech for this at all. I mention it since others might have a similar problem.)
I then installed the Logitech software which seems to give me some additional options and customizations but I'm in no hurry to investigate those since so far I've been able to do everything I've needed to do.
The only other odd thing I've noticed is the keyboard's volume control. Using the keyboard to raise and lower the volume seems only to work within a small range, not silent-to-blearing like you'd expect. I'm sure this again has something to do with the OS' volume settings and not a problem with the keyboard itself. This is also something I'm not all that worried about as I'll probably use the TV remote's volume control more than anything else.
For those interested, a slideshow of the unpacking, Bluetooth installation(sans screenshots of the hour of troubleshooting) and Logitech software installation, can be found in my [..]
Customer Review: Great HTPC keyboard and trackpad combination
Summary: 5 Stars
As mentioned this keyboard works wonderfully in HTPC use. It is very light and sturdy. Its weight is comparable to a full size ceramic dinner plate that I have. When you pick it up from the corner or edge it does not seem to bend or twist. Very thin and stylish in my opinion although the black gloss finish attracts many fingerprints (so I kept the thin plastic protective film on that part as long as possible - almost a year before the corner started coming up).
It's bluetooth capabilities claim 30' and I can attest to 22' - 25' of hiccup-less operation (2 floors, 3 - 4 walls) before I ran out of house. Keyboard will plug right in and work on a Wii, Windows PC, and Mac using the included bluetooth adapter. I haven't yet tested on Linux. Bluetooth is definitely the way to go in a wireless keyboard or mouse. Way better than IR and other wireless technologies. Haven't had a single wireless connection problem or hiccup in over a year. I got frustrated with other Microsoft and Logitech (IR) wireless keyboards within a week and will never use another again. Bluetooth works well and even better than RF remotes that I own as well.
Some of the dedicated buttons are configurable with Logitech's software (on Mac and Windows). The Sleep button will only sleep, restart, shutdown, log off, or do nothing. Zoom only has speed and acceleration sliders. The Media Center key can be configured to do just about anything you want including custom keystroke and menu assignments and launching programs. All of the function keys serve double duty as media keys (when you use the Fn key similar to a shift button to change their output). The F1 - F4 media keys can only be set to launch applications. F5 - F8 media keys cannot be customized and are set to previous track (F5), stop (F6), play/pause (F7), and next track (F8). F9 - F12 are customizable media keys. Only the media keys are backlit when you press the Fn key. I wish the whole keyboard was backlit. The volume control is not sensitive enough. It sometimes takes two or three swipes to get it to register and there is no way to configure acceleration and sensitivity so it can sometimes take something like 4 swipes to go from 100% volume to 0% when every swipe actually works.
The touchpad/trackpad works well in a similar way to any laptop touchpad. Sadly touchpad tapping cannot be turned on and off. I actually like the dedicated scroll better on this trackpad because of its circular nature. Continuous and extended scrolling is way better. You just keep going in a circle if you want to scroll further instead of having to pick up your finger and start at the top again after getting to the bottom. Both the horizontal and vertical scrolling seem to work well and are configurable.
The zoom capabilities work in most cases I've tried on Windows XP MCE and XP Pro but sometimes are dependent on the program you are using. I like the left mouse button both beneath the trackpad (for your right hand) and on the left edge (for your left hand). Keyboard is definitely not designed for left handed people.
My plant leaked water onto the keyboard from above while in the charger and it still works perfectly. Great product and the most important addition to my Media Center, HTPC. If you do anything more than just select which video or song you're going to play on your HTPC a wireless keyboard and mouse control are a must and this fits the bill perfectly for me. Highly recommend it. Because of its size being comparable to a full size keyboard you may want to check out the new Logitech diNovo Mini at Logitech diNovo Mini or http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-000594-diNovo-Mini/dp/B0011FOOI2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221328822&sr=8-2 if you want something smaller (with a lid).
Customer Review: Superior Keyboard with a Few Flaws
Summary: 5 Stars
With keyboards costing as little as $10 these days, it is quite interesting that Logitech would market a $200 device. When first considering this purchase, I began to wonder if consumers were merely running out of computer accessories to buy and needed an outlet by acquiring superfluous peripherals. Yet, I was willing to take a chance as I spend 10+ hours per day in front of a computer. For me, any productivity enhancement is worth the investment. And that is exactly what I got with the diNovo Edge.
Like most users, I have grown accustomed to notebook keyboards as their keys have a much smaller travel than those on desktop keyboards. For me, I am simply able to type faster. The shallow keys were initially what attracted me to the diNovo Edge. As such, I have been very happy with the keyboard's feel. Moreover, it is probably the fastest desktop keyboard I have ever used.
Another feature of importance is its Bluetooth connectivity. My notebook has integrated Bluetooth, making setup in the morning a rather brief activity. Nine of ten times, my Dell XPS notebook recognized the keyboard without a hitch. In fact, even the initial setup was relatively easy. However, I would recommend *NOT* using the CD included as Logitech has made several revisions to the Setpoint software. Download the latest version from the Logitech web site. Even if you don't care about the additional features, Logitech tech support will always tell you to install the latest version of the software if they can't figure out what is wrong with your setup.
This leads to one of my biggest irritations with my user experience. When pressing the Caps Lock key there is beep. Disengaging the Caps Lock key creates another beep with a different tone. The Setpoint software has a setting to toggle this audible alert on or off. However, it doesn't work with this particular keyboard. After installing and uninstalling different versions of Setpoint four times, I contacted Logitech tech support. What was really irritating is the representative wanted me to reinstall it again in safe mode. I finally gave up when someone on the Logitech user forum, who appeared to be an employee, said that the toggle did not work - for now.
There are some other shortcomings with the diNovo Edge that the buyer should be cognizant of before purchase. Most obviously, it lacks a number pad. This can be issue for some users. As I am accustomed to notebook keyboards, this isn't a big problem for me personally. What is a daily irritation, however, is the mirror surface of keyboard shell. It attracts fingerprints more easily than any opaque surface I have even seen. It requires constant polishing with the enclosed cloth or with tissue - if you care about its appearance. Clearly, Logitech engineers knew this was going to be a problem given they included a piece of velvety material to remove smudge marks.
Despite the price and shortcomings, the diNovo Edge was a worthwhile purchase. Additionally, I consider it a good value from both an overall quality standpoint as well as in a return on my investment through productivity gains. If you spend a great deal of time typing and are looking for an extra "edge", I would suggest acquiring this keyboard.
Pros
Precision keys
Built in lithium-ion battery
Charging cradle
Aesthetics (sans fingerprints)
Cons
No keypad
Mirror surface easily attracts fingerprints
Uncontrollable beeping when depressing the Caps Lock key