Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 920-000594
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're a home theater PC owner looking for the perfect input device, look no further. Logitech has melded the keyboard of a BlackBerry with a flexible cursor control pad into an attractive, coffee-table-ready package that will let you master your HTPC without cluttering up your living room with clunky hardware.
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CNET editors' review
Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard price range: $119.99 - $139.99
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 01/05/2008
- Released on: 02/28/2008
The good: The Logitech diNovo Mini's elegant design won't besmirch your living room; it gives the HTPC owner full cursor control; keyboard is well-suited to situational typing; easy setup; it works with your PS3.
The bad: Pricey; touch pad occasionally inaccurate; no Xbox 360 or Apple support.
The bottom line: If you're a home theater PC owner looking for the perfect input device, look no further. Logitech has melded the keyboard of a BlackBerry with a flexible cursor control pad into an attractive, coffee-table-ready package that will let you master your HTPC without cluttering up your living room with clunky hardware.
Logitech's diNovo Mini does for home theater PC keyboards what Apple's iPod did to the MP3 player. Granted, there are many more digital music listeners than HTPC owners out there, but if you are a member of the latter category, you'll love the diNovo Mini because it solves one of the main dilemmas of HTPC ownership: how to take full control of your PC and its media functions without relying on multiple or clunky input devices. The price of the diNovo Mini is $150, which admittedly is steep for what's essentially a BlackBerry keyboard with a control pad and a Bluetooth connection. We'd pay it, though, when the diNovo Mini comes out at the end of February, because the tiny keyboard so effectively addresses what's been a nagging issue for an entire product category.
Like the iPod, the Logitech diNovo Mini boasts a pleasing visual aesthetic that seems inseparable from its functionality. The clamshell design feels right in your hand, and it would look as at home on your coffee table as any remote control. It weighs only 0.4 pound and is roughly three-quarters of an inch high and six inches long. Open it up and you're treated to a small-scale, 61-key keyboard, backlit in either orange or green, depending on the mode of the control pad.
The control pad itself lets you change from analog, touch-pad-style control, to directional up-down-left-right controls by sliding a small switch. The idea is that you'd want it in touch pad mode for navigating a Web page or the Windows desktop, but that the directional controls are better for working your way through a set of linear menus, such as those in Windows Media Center. The middle of the pad acts like your main mouse button, and you hold down one of the function buttons and a menu button on the keyboard for right-clicking. It's more intuitive than it sounds, and our only complaint is that the d-pad mode was sometimes not as responsive as we'd like. The analog mode is fine though, and consistent with the quality of Logitech's MX Air mouse, itself a major improvement over the touch pad on the old diNovo Edge keyboard.
Typing on the diNovo Mini is fully in the BlackBerry school. Especially since the width is about that of your average game controller, you're encouraged to use your thumbs for typing. The keys are large enough so that thumb-typing isn't a problem, and you might be surprised at how well basic touch typing familiarity translates from your 10 fingers to only your thumbs. We wouldn't use the diNovo Mini to type a dissertation, but for password entry, instant messaging, keyword searches, and typing in the occasional Web address, it's perfect. In other words, it's designed to serve the most common needs of a home theater PC owner.
That brings us to the comparisons. We've seen several products over the years purporting to be ideal for controlling your Media Center PC. Your typical wireless keyboard often claims some kind of multimedia functionality, but most of them, such as the diNovo Edge and Microsoft's Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 and 8000, are full size and geared toward a traditional desktop. We can't ever see putting one of them in your living room with a true home theater PC such as the Alienware Hangar18. The alternative has been the small-scale keyboard, such as the Gyration model or the Vidabox trackball keyboard. And as much as we liked the trackball on the Vidabox keyboard, neither of those scaled-down keyboards can compete with the versatility or the visual elegance of the diNovo Mini.
Setting up the diNovo Mini is a breeze. It uses a Bluetooth connection and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and it went from the box to up and running on a Vista-equipped PC in less than two minutes. You can install the Logitech SetPoint software if you want to customize the hot key assignments and tweak the mouse cursor speed. It can also work with a PlayStation 3. We can certainly think of tweaks we'd like to see to the design, such as Apple and Xbox 360 support. The diNovo Mini also has dedicated play, volume, and channel hot keys, which work fine for driving Windows-based media, but we'd also like to see some options for controlling your other home theater hardware. We realize that Logitech has its Harmony universal remote controls to sell as well, but we don't think it's too much to ask to let you use the diNovo Mini to at least let you turn off your television.
User reviews
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Another of my inventions stolen!!
by Infiniteblue on January 6, 2008
Pros: Surf computer and recline your chair wayyyy back
Cons: I don't get credit for it
Summary: Oh well, yet another invention I've been talking about for the past year! I submited this idea to Logitech through their online suggestion forum. They don't guarantee you ...
Summary: Oh well, yet another invention I've been talking about for the past year! I submited this idea to Logitech through their online suggestion forum. They don't guarantee you any compensation, and I didn't think I'd get any, but still. This is what I've been wanting for quite a while now.
I keep my PC and TV seperate so the family can watch SpongeBob while I work on my...um well computer stuff. What I can't stand though is having to constantly sit up and turn to face the keyboard to type in a search query. It was literally killing me to have to do this over and over and over and over....
Thanks Logitech for what looks like a nice package and a product that I will definitely buy. Now send me my check!2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Faluty out of the box
by C0VERT on May 7, 2008
Pros: Nice small size
Cons: Down arrow faulty out of the box
Summary: Unfortunately the down arrow seems to be faulty with these unit's. Different batches from all over the world are having the same problem. Unrelated to OS or drivers. I ...
Summary: Unfortunately the down arrow seems to be faulty with these unit's. Different batches from all over the world are having the same problem. Unrelated to OS or drivers. I just got of the phone to Logitech and they did not know of the problem. If you only use the down arrow every now and again you might not notice it. Sometimes you think you just did not push it right. Sometimes it gets so bad it takes about 20 pushes for it to work. Avoid this product until the down arrow problem has been sorted out.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Bad idea. Too small. Poor mouse control, odd design
by erikph7 on November 2, 2009
Pros: It looks like a cool idea, but falls short. It works great for someone that uses it for five minutes to review the product, but try using it for hours on end. My Blackberry is far more enjoyable.
Cons: I have a 40" screen. And guess what... I have that large screen for comfort. That's right, ease of use. Now why in the world would I want to bottleneck that "comfort" with a tiny keyboard and poor mouse control? Go back to the drawing board Logitech.
Summary: If you're desparate to own this, buy it. I am still perplexed as to why no one on the market has enough brain power to come up with something ...
Summary: If you're desparate to own this, buy it. I am still perplexed as to why no one on the market has enough brain power to come up with something amazing.
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Over-Priced & Over-rated & Missing key features
by famu97 on August 10, 2009
Pros: Ultra compact, extremely long battery life, easy setup out of the box, QWERTY keyboard
Cons: NO CAPS LOCK, NO Function keys so u can't access BIOS during PC reboot, mouse nav sometimes jumps randomly, typing w/thumbs on compact KB kind of slow; Hard cover doesn't fold under KB when open but just sticks up. No battery-life indicator on KB.
Summary: I bought this KB and used it for a month before I returned it. Bottom line is that this ultra compact keyboard has very limited and targeted use. If you ...
Summary: I bought this KB and used it for a month before I returned it. Bottom line is that this ultra compact keyboard has very limited and targeted use. If you have a Home Theater PC and you don't use it to surf the web & other general PC stuff, and only use it for video playback (media center) and playing music than this KB should work for you. It does have a great battery life. I think my battery lasted a full month or at least three weeks once fully charged. It doesn't have any Function keys nor does it have a CAPS lock. After installing this thing out of the box it turned on my caps lock and i couldn't figure out how to turn it off. After posting to Forums & submitting an email to tech support they admitted there's no CAPS lock. I couldn't disable the CAPS lock either. I had to finally turn on the accessibility feature in Vista then display the on-screen software keyboard to finally disable CAPS lock. Who makes a keyboard with no caps lock or a way to turn it off. Also, I upgraded the BIOS on my motherboard and I couldn't hit F1 to get back into the BIOS setup to configure some settings. Turns out there are not Function keys or any key combination to press to get Function key functionality. Again who makes a keyboard with no Function keys or a way to do key combination to get the Function key equivalent. That's just lazy design engineering if you ask me. Also the d-pad mouse navigation is not as precise as i would like. From time to time I would notice that the mouse would jump around the screen. I don't know what caused that but i read that it was also experienced by other users in their forums. Bottom line is that this is a half-descent 1st gen ultra compact BT keyboard but I think you should wait for the 2nd gen dinovo mini to allow Logitech to work out the kinks and incorporate the things they left out of the 1st gen device. I couldn't live with no caps lock no Function keys. Plus this KB is not worth $130. It's worth $50-$75 tops.
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Compared to efo keyboard, it has many weaknesses
by ronejone on August 9, 2009
Pros: It is developed by well-known brand and has the blue tooth connection
Cons: it is expensive, larger size, not user-friendly mouse pad
Summary: If I haven't seen the new wireless handheld keyboard from efo.buy-lowest site, I think this keyboard is quite appropriate for HTPC. However, I vote efo's wireless handheld ...
Summary: If I haven't seen the new wireless handheld keyboard from efo.buy-lowest site, I think this keyboard is quite appropriate for HTPC. However, I vote efo's wireless handheld keyboard is better
video for your consideration : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M1p1hUSTMw -
must have hi-tech gadget, useless as a mouse
by andrewolf79 on July 17, 2009
Pros: like the size, weight , retro illumination, looks, compatibility with mac, range, battery life ,
Cons: the mouse pad is useless
Summary: It takes a bit to get use to it.. i'm using it on a mac mini & is a good gadget!! not tool. Biggest issue is the pad it'...
Summary: It takes a bit to get use to it.. i'm using it on a mac mini & is a good gadget!! not tool. Biggest issue is the pad it's a nightmare to use nothing like a mouse or a touch pad of a laptop. i payed 80 GBP for it's stylish and gets a lot of good attention but when people start to use it they all go nuts with the mouse pad i would have expected something far better from logitech!!!!!! mot to be funny but 4 arrows and a nipple like in the old laptops would have done a better job!!!!!
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Love it!!!
by gabrieljosh on July 8, 2009
Pros: it's easy to use
Cons: really i dont have one problem about this item
Summary: I always love a <a href="http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com">mini keyboard</a> because it can help you escape the pain and other effects of carpal ...
Summary: I always love a <a href="http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com">mini keyboard</a> because it can help you escape the pain and other effects of carpal tunnel syndrome.
http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com
Updated on Jul 8, 2009 -
Great for HTPC Usage!
by donpb on June 6, 2009
Pros: Size, Bluetooth, Battery Life, Styling, Short Cuts, Compatibility.
Cons: Kind of pricey :)
Summary: After you pass the initial learning curve and adjust the response sensitivity, this product simply can't be beat. Bluetooth is the way to go when your eight plus feet ...
Summary: After you pass the initial learning curve and adjust the response sensitivity, this product simply can't be beat. Bluetooth is the way to go when your eight plus feet away from your HTPC.
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Great Product - a few minor tweaks
by Netscore on May 17, 2009
Pros: Sexy design, reliably faultless operation, long battery life, coffee table friendly to the max
Cons: Should have IR remote functions, easier scrolling. Pricy, but totally worth it
Summary: Logitech hit the form/function nail on the head with this one. I use it with my HTPC exclusively for all MC functions as well as all windows browsing - ...
Summary: Logitech hit the form/function nail on the head with this one. I use it with my HTPC exclusively for all MC functions as well as all windows browsing - super easy and FUN! People love the feel of it, and passing it around the room is easier than passing the bowl of chips.
My only gripes with the bluetooth functionality involve missing keys etc. An easier scroll function would be great (mousing over to the scroll bar is a poor compromise). Also it would be nice to have the option of typing any character (some are missing). Oh - no F-keys, F5 to refresh?
For $100+ it should have a universal IR integrated, then this essential kbd replacement would be 110% awesome for my home setup! I have too many laptops on my table as it is - refreshing to have a teeny remote one.
NOT recommended for extended keyboard work - but I don't rec. the HTPC for that anyway.
When they add IR universal remote, I will buy it again. -
Nice size BUT some flaws cause more pain than goodtimes
by Growler74 on May 3, 2009
Pros: Small and Stylish size reduces living room clutter.
Simple to use for simple applications.Cons: Battery life nowhere near as advertised.
Mouse pad finicky/innaccurate.
BT lagging.
Glitches.
Pricey.Summary: I purchased this keyboard for use with my new media centre PC running Vista 32. Now whilst I do agree with most of what is mentioned in the diNovo Mini ...
Summary: I purchased this keyboard for use with my new media centre PC running Vista 32. Now whilst I do agree with most of what is mentioned in the diNovo Mini review above, it doesn't really tell us more than what can be gained from looking at the picture on the box and reading the Logitech marketing hype. Yes - it is small, looks cool and, well, yes has a mouse pad stuck to the side of it - but they have missed many of the inadequacies that show up only when you start using the thing.
God knows why, but for some reason when I submitted this review to CNET it has replaced all of my dashes (-) and apostrophies (') with question marks (?)
First, Logitech claim that the battery life on the diNovo Mini lasts 'up to 30 days'. What a load of bollocks! Maybe if you leave it sitting on your coffee table and don't touch it, it might last that long! I have found that with what I would call 'average' use you will get 1-3 days out of it. I returned my first two units thinking they were faulty, when their batteries were only lasting two days. Even if I were being generous and said I was an above average user and doubled or quadrupled those times it would not come close to 30 days.
Now this might be fine except it leads me onto my second issue. The first indication that your battery is low is that it will 'key repeat' whatever the last key you pressed when it decided the battery was low, filling up your screen (or URL, or login, or whatever it was you were doing, with hundreds of that character - as if you had just held down that key on the keyboard for the last 20secs) or as I have just had the pleasure of experiencing (and by PLEASURE I mean DISPLEASURE) when I just hit the delete key to delete a single email from my MS Outlook, the DEL key stayed ON, and as if holding my DEL down, it one by one deleted all 300 of the msgs in my Inbox and dumped them into (and amongst) the 2000 or so msgs in my Deleted Items. It took hours to go through each mail and pick them back out.
Now, similar to the above issues I have found that the bluetooth connection (I can only assume that is the cause) can get a bit flaky at times, leading to a lagging keyboard. I'm not sure if this is also low battery related, but I am only sitting 2 metres away from the receiver, which is well within the advertised 10 metre range. And if you find a laggy keyboard to be annoying, you wait till you try the mouse touchpad. What I thought was awesome at the start will become an instrument of frustration. The touchpad can at best be described as finicky and inaccurate, as you find your mouse pointer skipping all over your screen. At times I will find no response from the touchpad, to then see the pointer jump off screen somewhere (I suspect this is the Bluetooth again). I have spent ages trying to refine my settings in attempt to find the right combination, yet I still find myself playing ?find the mouse pointer? as my pointer disappears of screen right with one light touch of the touchpad. The touchpad is designed to be used with your thumb, yet is nearly as small as my thumb (& I have avg thumbs!) so there is not that much room to move around on it. This means that there is no one good setting that is good for getting your mouse pointer around the screen conveniently, and also good for making small movements accurately. It?s just not big enough.
Another nice touch might have been ?trigger finger? style buttons on the top corners of the unit (similar to a PSP) to use as your left and right mouse buttons rather than using a two-keypress combination to get to your right mouse button, which is a major pain for what I would consider to be a very regularly used function.
I?m not going to go into the other obvious stuff covered in the review. Yes its small so you have to type with your thumbs, but you already accepted that when you bought it ? that?s the way it was designed. It?s the other flaws in the background technology that I wanted to highlight here. These aren?t because it was designed to be small (like issues with having a small keypad) ? but issues with the fact that Logitech just can?t get it to work right.
To summarise, the diNovo Mini is designed to be a tiny keyboard and mouse, and I guess, being tiny and having a keyboard and mouse means it is 90% of the way there. You would think that there is not that much you could get wrong? and you would be right. It works as you would expect ?most of the time?, but not always or reliably. I don?t want it to do anything extra, just the things it was meant to do properly. I would still recommend it to anyone wanting to rid themselves of a large keyboard in the living room working with a media center PC. It is a GREAT remote control for Windows Media Center ? IT REALLY IS ? but anything other than the most basic PC functions soon become an ordeal and you will find yourself reverting to your old keyboard even for the most basic email. BUT, whilst some of the design concepts of the diNovo Mini are cool, again it?s the glitchiness and final implementation of the technology that means that once again, Logitech have not failed to disappoint me.
Updated on May 3, 2009
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 920-000594
- Bottom Line: If you're a home theater PC owner looking for the perfect input device, look no further. Logitech has melded the keyboard of a BlackBerry with a flexible cursor control pad into an attractive, coffee-table-ready package that will let you master your HTPC without cluttering up your living room with clunky hardware.
General
- Device Type Keyboard
- Wireless Receiver USB wireless receiver
- Color Silver, Midnight black
- Form Factor External
- Localization English - US
- Depth 3.5 in
- Width 6 in
- Height 1.1 in
- Weight 6 oz
- Localization English:United States
Input Device
- Interface Bluetooth
- Max Operating Distance 33 ft
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Buttons Qty 63
- Features Backlit
- Pointing Device / Manipulator Dual-purpose ClickPad
Expansion / Connectivity
- Connections 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Cleaning cloth, AC power adapter
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
Battery
- Installed Qty 1
- Technology Lithium ion
Software / System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Interface(s) Required
- Port(s) / Connector(s) Required 1 USB 4 pin USB Type A
Warranty
- Service / Support Details Limited warranty 3 years
Manufacturer info
- Logitech
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.logitech.com/
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
