Logitech diNovo Mini
by Logitech
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List Price: Our Price: $109.00 You Save: $40.99 (27%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 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 Mini
Customer Review: AWESOME Media Keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I use this keyboard with my mac in my bedroom, works great, the windows button can be used for the command button and because bluetooth is built into my macbook I don't need the usb adapter. The windows button functions as the command (apple) key and all other functions work pretty much exactly the same as if I were using a pc. I have used several logitech products including mx-laser duo, diNovo edge, & harmony one (the harmony sadly went bad but was replaced FREE OF CHARGE by logitech despite the fact it was slightly past warranty coverage).
The only major complaint I have with the keyboard is that it makes a buzzing sound whenever the touchpad is glowing orange. Don't know why.. it doesn't buzz when set to media mode & pad is green, or when only keyboard is lit. But when the touchpad is lit orange it makes a buzz which isn't noticeable over the volume of a tv, but can be when you're laying in bed and the keyboard is lit (only until it goes to sleep 5-10 seconds). I have the standard sized diNovo edge in my den and it makes no buzzing sound (best media keyboard ever but too large for bedroom use & not backlit).
I was going to return the keyboard because of the buzzing but have read EVERYWHERE on the internet that the buzzing is just something that is there and can't be fixed. I would never return the keyboard for another keyboard because of the buzzing because as I said for what I use it for (bedroom media w/ mac/pc) THERE IS NOTHING better out there. I can use it for weeks (its a keyboard with sleep mode so it doesn't stay "on" for long usually or deplete battery) without recharging it.
The keypad is small, but I have an iphone so (and I think anyone who texts often with any phone can agree) the keyboard is easily big enough (especially with the backlight) to use at night (in the bedroom). I wouldn't trade my regular dinovo edge in the den anytime of day for it but like I said the edge is just too big to think about using the in the bedroom. I would never try typing a paper and don't really like chatting with the keyboard, although as I said its not bad compared with texting, but it is awesome for watching movies, listening to music, & other media applications (which I'm fairly certain is its intended usage).
Also works great with ps3 as we have used it for chat & text entry with my roommates ps3, with no problems.
I would very highly recommend this for use in home theatre setup. As I said, I have the diNovo edge and love it, but had the dinovo mini been available when I purchased the edge, I probably would have gotten the mini because it is smaller and fits in better than a regular sized keyboard in a entertainment system (large keyboard gives an office-y feel). The only thing I can think of that would make it better (besides eliminating the buzzing) would be to include an IR output so it could be used as a remote for tv/components.
Customer Review: Works well with my Mac Mini
Summary: 4 Stars
I use this with my Mac Mini when it's connected to my HD TV so I can stream TV, movies, websites, etc. Overall I am satisfied. It fits my need. I did not want a full size keyboard in my living room, and needed mouse capability for basic computer use.
Cons:
1. The initial setup took longer than expected, probably because I had never paired a Bluetooth keyboard to my Mac before (see instructions at bottom). After that it was smooth sailing.
2. My main gripe is the slide switch for toggling the track pad from "mouse" to "up, down, left, right" arrows. Other than three little raised bumps, it's flat to the keyboard surface. A larger protruding nub that my thumb could push would be a big improvement.
3. The FN key is not backlit (nor are any of the related secondary functions on the keys). I use that key a LOT as it is used to invoke secondary functions of other keys. Example: FN+Tab is the ESC (escape) command. FN+SpeakerOff is the shut down computer command, FN+Windows+I is the increase font size command. So if you surf the web, you use the FN key a lot.
4. The lights behind the keys go off too soon. A way to adjust that would be nice. I have to hit a key to light up again.
5. I'd prefer a small tab on the cover corners (like Ziplock storage containers). It would make opening the closed case with a thumb push easier.
6. Using the track pad to mouse around requires a little patience, but it's not too bad. If it bothers you check out "the Loop Pointer In-Air Mouse" or at [...]
Pros:
The case is a nice size. The lights bright. Bluetooth wireless beats infrared remotes hands down. You can be far away and there's no need to point the diNovo at the box (the Mac Mini has built in BT, so the Logitech USB BT dongle is not needed). The battery lasts a long time. I've gone several weeks on a charge, but I don't use it constantly and power off (close the case) when not in use.
From what I can tell, the only reason Logitech says Mac's are not supported is the keyboard has a key with a "Windows" icon (which works just like the Mac's "Apple" key). In over a month of use, I have not experienced the loss of the Bluetooth pairing like some previous reviewers reported.
Mac Setup Instructions:
Go to Mac System Preferences > Bluetooth. Set to "Discoverable" and select "Set Up' New Device". Press the Red button in the diNovo battery compartment. The Mac will find the diNovo. Click "Continue". The Set Up Assistant will display an 8 digit number. Type this number (no spaces) into the diNovo Mini and click the "Enter" key on the diNovo. The Mac BT setup should now pair up successfully and the diNovo can now be used with your Mac.
Customer Review: NDS HTPC USER for this remote
Summary: 2 Stars
At first I had difficulty trying to connect my Dell E1505 Laptop's built-in Bluetooth that I had connected to my 40 Samsung LCD HDTV via D-sub (vga# cable. Since I already had BLUETOOTH on it, I attempted to connect this internally to the PC'S device. As that quickly proved fruiltless, I ended up using the BLUETOOTH DANGLE PROVIDE, which quickly solved the initial connection problem. Then, there was trying to find a reasonable balance between the Set-Point's speed option and accelleration options. If I chose slower end speeds and a slow accelleration, I found that it took forever to move the Set-Pointer across the screen and up and down was even more extremely slow, as well. So, I tried the middle speed and medium accelleration and, although this greatly helped in moving the Set-Pointer around, it did so with a great loss of control. Changing the Set-Pointer to an even higher speed and leaving accelleration at medium, I found it even more difficult to obtain any reasonable control over the mouse #Set-Point/Touch-pad/D-Pad) controller - especially when trying to 'hone-in' on a target objective. The more I worked with this touch-pad/D-Pad function, the more frustrated I became; as it clearly become apparent that I would never be able to move this Pointer with any type of reasonable control that would meet my objectives. It just seem to have a mind of its own! Each stroke of my thumb sent it in verying directions and at verying speeds - some too far and some just a little - I never seem to know what kind of respond or control I would actual achieve. One could easly and gently drag their thumb across the touch-pad and MAYBE IT WOULD WORK AND MAYBE IT WOULDN'T, never knowing exactly when or how much the pointer would travel made it extremely frustration. In summation, it was just to difficult to have to rely on this controller to get you where you wanted to go. It failed miserably when conpared to a normal, regular computer type mouse - even one connected wirelessly. And I haven't even talked about the 'clicking' problems and frustration of going to a Site you had no intention of going to. I found this controller so frustrating to use that I'd have to give it an "F" for functionability - THAT IS - ACHIEVING ITS DESIRED GOAL OF GETTING IT FROM ONE POINT TO ANOTHER IN A REASONALBE AMOUNT OF TIME AND WITHOUT MUCH TROUBLE AND THEN BEING ABOUT TO ACTUALLY 'CLICK' ON THE DESIRED TARGET AND GET IT TO RESPOND. The Touch Pad/D-Pad controller on this Logitech diNovo Mini is extremely poor in achieving this end goal!!!! Logitech NEEDS TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARDS ON THIS ISSUE for this Remote.
All and All, I say that this is a Beautiful product, looks slick, easy to use when keying in Web Address or Google Searches, but when it comes to just trying to move the "Set-Pointer" around, it fails miserably.
Customer Review: Great for Media Center PC
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been looking for a decent wireless based keyboard for my Media Center PC I have setup in my living room. I stumbled across this one after viewing all the wireless keyboard/mouse solutions.
The Pros:
The rechargeable battery is real nice. I was worried I would have to keep an endless supply of batteries for the life of the product (See: Wii Controllers), but being able to recharge is great. I assume this is part of the reason the cost of the product is on the high side.
The keyboard itself is responsive and I don't seem to have any problems with typing in full statements, etc, without it missing a stroke. Typing on it feels like texting on a full QWERTY phone. I like the back light a lot, since most of the time I'm watching movies/TV at night. The built-in functionality keys are about what you'd expect. Play/pause/forward, etc.
Lastly, for pros, the size is just right. I really don't see why anyone would purchase this to do any real computing. I use it for the occasional youtube videos on my TV, as well as navigating Media Center. It serves that purpose very well.
The Cons:
The mouse pad can be a bit frustrating. It doesn't respond exactly as you want it to at times. There are times when I'm real close to just plugging in a wireless mouse real fast so I can get what I'm trying to do done in 3 seconds instead of 10-15. But again, that was when I was trying to do actual computing (installing a program, navigating the web, etc.) If I stick to just real basic menus and tabbing around, the occasional mouse movement is fine. I also recommend enabling the feature on Windows to automatically focus your mouse on key buttons. This should help reduce a lot of frustration of simply trying to click an "OK" button.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the case its in can be a little annoying. It's great to protect the keyboard, but it doesn't open as easily as you think it should. A release button or just a bigger slit to open it with would be appreciated. This is just a small gripe I have with it though--no deal breaker by any means.
Overall I'd say buying this was a good choice. I really enjoy all the functionality it provides with such a low profile. If you're looking for a more robust keyboard/mouse, though, I would say find something bigger. I really think the idea behind this is to just keep something in your living room near your remotes--certainly nothing to play Doom with, or code in .NET.
Finally, as with most (all?) Logitech products, the installation was a snap and the driver support is great. It worked from the second I connected it, without drivers initially, to when I put their SetPoint software on. (Running 32-Bit Vista Ultimate).
Customer Review: Apostrophe flaw, 16 missing keys, and pathetic software
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm writing this with a diNovo Mini, and after using it for a few months, I have to completely change my review. Unfortunately, Amazon won't let me change the star-rating, but I'd change it to one star if I could.
Originally, my only major complaint was that I had to use the function key to type an apostrophe, because the keyboard was apparently designed by Vulcans or someone who doesn't understand how common the apostrophe is in the English language.
Now, I've come to the realization that the diNovo Mini fails miserably in many situations because a) the keyboard is missing at least 16 keys, and b) the software provides no way to get to those keys.
The missing keys are F1 thru F12, both square brackets and both squiggly braces. The the 1-9 keys should work as F1-F9 when pressed with the FN key... that should've been a no-brainer, right? 0+FN=delete, but delete should be moved to FN+backspace (again, more logical) so FN+0 can be F10.
The missing bracket and braces keys mean it's unusable for wikis or sites that use bbcode to allow users to format text, and it's useless for most programming languages (not that you'd want to do a lot of programming with a tiny keyboard, but when someone asks you a programming question, forget answering with any examples.)
But let's put the hardware flaws aside... because the software could... no... the software MUST offer the keys that the keyboard doesn't. No key to bring up a list of keys absent from the keyboars, no list of favorite key combinations or commonly entered things like our name. Nope, just three parially-customizeable buttons.
The only way to use the missing keys is to use Windows' on-screen keyboard. That would seem simple, but read on to find out why pointing and clicking is not as easy as it should be...
My original review also said the mouse control was difficult to get used to, but that was an understatement - the truth is that it's so inconsistent that it's barely usable. It will freeze up one minute then jump across the screen the next. This makes anything requiring any level of precision difficult. It's no fun when you drag a file somewhere, but then the pointer jumps just as you take your finger off of the mouse button, and you have to search to figure out where the file went.
And last but not least, the claims of going for a month on a single battery charge are grossly exaggerated. Maybe if you just use it as a media remote for a couple of hours a week. I check my e-mail every weekday, and use it a lot on the weekkend - a good charge might last 2 weeks.