Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (Black)
by Logitech
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (Black)
Customer Review: I love this keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I should probably confess up front that I have become totally accustomed to keyboards in the Dell Inspiron line because of the light action and short key travel. I'm also quite fond of the touch-tying keyboards that I used heavily in the late 1980s and 1990s, although these types of keyboards are extremely rare and nearly impossible to find today.
Instead, manufacturers like Microsoft, Logitech, and others have used cheap, clumsy key switch mechanisms with a single pole and center-loaded spring to house the key cap that are ill suited for hours of use by touch typists.
The biggest problem with these keyboards is that the cheap plastic key switch is directly centered under the key cap and lack adequate balance so the keys must be pressed straight down from the center of the key cap. If your finger moves even slightly off center or moves at a slight angle, the weight of the key press increases dramatically and may make it nearly impossible to activate the key switch.
The long travel and heavy weight required to activate the key switch exacerbates the problem and usually results in hand fatigue after a few hours of use.
Yes, I am extremely finicky (and opinionated) when it comes to keyboards.
To me, the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard feels nearly perfect. The keys have a relatively short travel and are easily pressed from just about any angle without requiring a lot of weight thanks to the scissor action between the key switch and the key cap. This scissor action allows the keys to have nearly the same action when pressed in the center, along the edges, or anywhere in between. This makes it easy to touch type for hours without feeling any significant fatigue in my hands and wrists.
The Logitech diNovo Edge is nearly perfect. Although it is true the keyboards lacks the context menu key (or what some refer to as the "right click key"), I found this to be less of a problem than I initially anticipated. I use the context menu key a lot in Visual Studio (perhaps even too much), so I assigned shortcut keys to the most used items in the context menu. For those items used less often, I use the right mouse button provided right on the keyboard.
The keyboard itself feels very solid as if it is made of one piece of material and I like the round mouse pad on the Logitech diNovo Edge much better than the Synaptics touch pad provided on the Dell Inspiron... but I have to say I despise the Synaptics touch pad because it rubs my finger raw whereas the Logitech diNovo Edge touch pad has somewhat of a textured feel that results in less friction. Even so, I don't recommend using the touch pad for extended periods because even it results in some amount of friction->heat transfer to the finger over time.
Overall, I think this one of the best keyboards I have used in the past 10 years as far as keyboards go. I use the touch pad occasionally as a light-duty mouse and I really like the touch-sensitive "slider" to adjust the speaker volume.
I haven't really found much use for the specialized keys, though. I experimented with the magnification keys and immediately decided those keys are... well... less than desirable. Instead of actually magnifying a portion of the screen as I had expected, it seems to adjust the DPI setting in Windows in a funky way... that is, text and icons increase or decrease in size as if changing from 96 to 120 DPI but I couldn't find a way to return to the default setting.
Customer Review: Edgy Keyboard for Work and Play
Summary: 5 Stars
Now look here. Disregard all those one- and two- (and three- and four-) star reviews. If you immediately order anything shiny that scrolls past your screen, you might not know what you're getting with this keyboard. If you did your research, however, you will not be disappointed once you make the decision to buy Logitech's latest wireless solution. As a professional writer, I can tell you that the diNovo Edge is a well-organized, well-designed unit tailor-made for those interested in their keyboards as an extension of themselves and as a primary (and indispensable) tool for the expression of thought. Writing is serious business, and the Edge is a serious keyboard.
The key layout is fairly standard, and will be comfortably accessible to anyone already used to the mini-/laptop-keyboard size and response. The keys depress silently and fluidly, and everything works seamlessly on XP. The programmable second-echelon F-keys are a nice touch, and their orange backlighting is eye-catching and practical. In all, you get 14 modifiable keys out the box; and F5 through F8 have the secondary function as media controls (back, stop, play/pause, forward). These will default to whatever media player you have open at the moment (or whichever you are using primarily in the foreground).
The trackpad makes the unit a very good all-in-one for any situation where you want to relax and type with the unit in your lap. Indeed, it takes some getting used to, but the vertical and horizontal scrolling functions are intuitive enough and work as expected (which is quite well). Intensive browsers and application-switchers will undoubtedly want a traditional wireless mouse to go with the set, but such is not actually necessary to get full mouse functionality. The volume slider is extremely responsive, and -- as one reviewer pointed out -- indeed makes you feel like Scotty working the transporter console.
Bluetooth's 30-foot range makes it viable for nearly any spot around your home-theatre, and charges last as advertised. That means that one full charge gets you two months of semi-continuous use, while quick-charging wiill give you one day for every five minutes in the cradle. However, you'll likely keep the thing in its dock a lot more than is actually necessary, because it looks so slick standing up for all to see.
Aesthetically, there are complaints of fingerprints being detrimentally noticeable. This is true, because the unit is cut from plexiglass and is black, giving it a slight mirror-effect. It comes with a cleaning cloth, though; and a quick wipe will tidy the keyboard right up. You know -- if you're having company or somehting.
After some study, I decided to switch from my old EluminX to the diNovo Edge, and I am pleased with every aspect of the change. Except that the Edge does not light up in the manner to which I've grown accustomed. Still, that's a moot point, because the Logitech's not an illuminated keyboard nor ever claimed to be. Perhaps future iterations will have that functionality, but as a "next-generation" keyboard, the Edge is the best I've seen anywhere to date.
I have so far put about 5000 words per day (for two weeks, roughly)through the thing and have had no problems.
And if you like orange, the entire back panel is that delightful color.
You will not be disappointed if you do your homework and decide the thing is right for you.
Hope this helps.
Customer Review: Slim and Stylish
Summary: 5 Stars
So who spends almost $200 on a keyboard that doesn't even have a number pad? Well, I do...
If you are in the market for a good utilitarian cordless keyboard to use, this might not be the best choice. But if you like unique, stylish computer gear, that still works well, then this makes a nice addition to your desktop. Even if you don't get a chance to show it off to your friends, you'll enjoy looking at it sitting in its charging stand, or on your desk. It must hold a pretty good charge, because I've only charged it once in the month that I've had it. So if you're thinking the charger is too cumbersome to take with you on a trip, you don't have to worry about it; you won't need it. And at about 1/2" thick, it won't take up much space in your bag.
You could hook it up using the built-in bluetooth in your computer, but unless you're starved for USB ports, the receiver is about the size of a small flash drive (unlike the previous DiNovo Desktop). It connects instantly too, so you won't spend ages trying to figure out why it's not connected.
The trackpad is a small circlular affair, positioned off to the right, so you won't be constantly hitting it like the pads on most laptops. Only southpaw mousers will suffer from this layout. And scrolling with the pad works surprisingly well.
A few drawbacks are the lack of a number pad. You don't even get the typical fn + keys to enter numbers, which could have been easily included, but wasn't. And the fn key is to the right of the spacebar, which is opposite from what most people are used to using. Other than that you get a full set of keys (except the number pad). Plus nicely placed zoom buttons, volume control, and media keys, and a nice oversized delete key.
Keystrokes are short, but give reasonable tactile feedback. I'm not a very good typist, but I don't think those who are will find much to complain about.
And depending on your computer you can lay it right on top of laptop keyboard. Or use it from across the room.
I was worried that I would be sacrificing usability for style and looks, but it turned out not ot be the case.
I give the diNovo top marks in all respects. This is one of Logitech's success stories, unlike some of their products.
I'm very pleased with this purchase.
update 03/01/07 Since I just got a MacBook I thought I would update my review with some new info. Logitech does not support this keyboard for use with Macs (when you open Logitech Control Center, similar to Setpoint but for Macs), it won't recognize the keyboard. But that doesn't mean it won't work. Mac's bluetooth recognizes and pairs the kb instantly, and almost all functions work. What doesn't work is the set of buttons on the left (which I don't use anyway). And the fn+function keys don't work either as far as I can tell (the function keys themselves do work, and F12 works as an eject button for the DVD drive). But the mousepad works the same, as does the volume control, and the 'windows' key functions as the 'apple' key.
In addition, if you flip up the legs, the DiNovo will fit perfectly over a 17" MackBook Pro. So if you have a Mac and this keyboard, you won't have to put it aside till Logitach decides to support it.
I would also assume that third parties will come out with drivers or whatever might be needed to fill the void.
Customer Review: Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (Black)
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using the Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard keyboard for more than two years now, so I think its fair to say that I've been using it long enough to write an accurate review. If your looking for a high end top quality keyboard, you won't go wrong purchasing this product. Simply put, its the Rolls Royce of keyboards. The quality is first rate in every aspect. Its often said you get what you pay for, but in this case, despite the seemingly high price, this has turned out to be quite a bargain.
The keys feel solid and very quiet when typing, with extremely fluid motion. To date I've yet to ever have a single stuck or missed key. The quality of the keyboard feels first rate in every aspect. Some serious thought went into the design and manufacture of this product. Nothing on it feels flimsy, cheap, or second rate. Using this keyboard has actually sped up my typing, as I've never had to go back and fix errors for any reason other than my own spelling. It's very easy to center your hands without looking, as the two indexed keys have prominent ridges running along the bottoms of them that are easily felt with your index fingers. The TouchDisk works great and lights up with an bright orange ring around it when in use. The bottom button on the left hand side margin of the keyboard works as an arrow in conjunction with the TouchDisk. Below the TouchDisk are two wide buttons simulating the functions of the right and left mouse pads. When used with the function key, they turn the TouchDisk on or off. Volume is easily turned up or down via the slider just above the TouchDisk.
There are a few items which I do miss however. It would be nice for the lighting to stay turned on when desired for the function and special keys. As the battery last a couple of months before needing charging, it would also be nice to have back lit the keys themselves, abet in a different color. I would love to see a version of this keyboard come out with the addition of a number pad. This would allow the creation of special codes, which, when incorporated into passwords, makes them virtually uncrackable. The bulk of these codes require the use of the number pad and cannot be made via the numbers above the keyboard letters. Last but not least, it would be nice if Logitech would come out with a patch or compatible driver for Sony's PS3 like the mini version has ([...].
My keyboard, purchased when this model first came out, did not come with the Logitech Unifying Receiver. Instead, it came with it's own bluetooth receiver that plugs into a USB port. The same is true of the MX Revolution Mouse which I purchased shortly after. Logitech's Setpoint software is easy to use and incorporates functions to set controls for both the mouse and the keyboard, and in the case of the keyboard, allows you to assign multiple key functions, sensitivity of the TouchDisk, and even allows for gaming functions.
By now I would have thought that some manufacturer would've come out with a keyboard/mouse combination that would surpass this high quality product, but I've yet to find one either online or in a box store. So, until that day comes, it looks like I'll continue to use this keyboard and mouse, and as for the quality of these fine Logitech products, they work as well today as they did when I took them out of the boxes over two years ago.
Customer Review: The best keyboard ever
Summary: 5 Stars
I have used laptops all my life, but because I do a lot of photo editing, I recently had to buy a more powerful desktop system. However, there was one thing I was not willing to give up, and that was the comfort of working with the keyboard resting on my lap and with NO mouse. I looked around at several other solutions, mostly from Sony, but none appealed to me, technically as well as aesthetically, more than the Logitech diNovo.
Because I am a cautious person I needed to try it out first, that's the reason why I ended up not buying it online, preferring to pay some more for the right to return it at a brick and mortar store.
It was so easy to install and configure (on XP, I am having a few issues installing it on Vista right now: I find it works best on Vista WITHOUT installing the software, you barely loose some configuration settings but at least you don't mess up your PC) that it took me about 5 minutes from the time I started unpacking to the moment I was up and running -and then I had to charge it before I could start playing with it-.
The installation CD is extremely well designed and you are guided through all the few necessary steps: this stage takes you about a minute, after which the keyboard is already operative. I used the supplied bluetooth dongle, but the manual says that if your computer already has bluetooth, you can venture to configure your bluetooth connection through Windows. From past experiences with the windows bluetooth utility, I have my doubts about the outcome: when trying to configure a bluetooth connection on a laptop running XP to work with Skype, I had to eventually uninstall the Windows bluetooth utility and replace it with the Widcomm one! I recommend keeping both bluetooth devices separate, the Logitech one working exclusively with the keyboard.
Next you configure your settings, like scrolling speed, pointer acceleration and the likes, all very quick and easy. Here I have to make my only negative observation about this product: you cannot disable tapping, so if you are not used to it you'll have to learn to be gentle when using the touchpad, which by the way is as good as any I have had on a laptop. There is a second left-click button on the left side of the keyboard, so you can keep your right index on the touchpad and click with your left index: very handy once you get used to it.
You can configure a lot special keys to perform actions like opening a browser, running the media player of your choice etc., there are even three keys dedicated to zooming.
Volume control is achieved through a touch sensitive part of the glossy black plexiglass surrounding the keyboard itself: very neat!
When you are not using the keyboard, it gets in a stand-by mode; simply caress the touchpad to get it operative again.
Battery life is amazing: I have had my diNovo for a week and the battery meter in the system tray stil says "good". When you need to recharge, just drop -not literally, though- the keyboard on its stylish black cradle and that's it.
So, to sum up my long review I give the diNovo wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad two thumbs up.
And yes, like another reviewer said previously, fingerprints do show on both the shiny black plexi and the satin-brushed metal, but cleening the diNovo will be the only work this amazing product will give you.