Review: Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless Keyboard
So once in awhile, we like to step away from Mac apps just to take a look at other things going on in our world and the new products being released. I was recently able to get my hands on Logitech's amazing Bluetooth wireless keyboard, the diNovo Edge.
Sleek and Beautiful design
The design is the thing that stands out the most on the diNovo and the major selling point in my eyes. It's glossy and it's thin, what more could you ask for? When I said thin, I meant thin with a height of only 11mm (0.43 inches).
The main surface of the diNovo is a glossy black, similar to that of the black iPods. It does leave a few fingerprints but Logitech has thought of everything and even included a soft cloth designed for cleaning the keyboard. On the other hand, the back is a vibrant orange, which you are almost shocked to see when you turn it over. Fortunately, it looks great and is very scratch-resistant.
One feature of the diNovo I liked a lot was the orange status lights because they look amazing. I actually had to turn the keyboard on and off a few times when I first took it out of its box. They do also serve a function, and make it easy to view what you’re doing in the dark.
Functionality
The diNovo brings some great functionality to the table. Be it the touch volume slider or the built-in touchpad, every single thing was thought out.
The Volume slider on the right side is great, you just run your finger up and down the bar and it controls the system volume; it’s perfectly compatible with Mac OS X. The slider works almost anywhere, be it a well-lit or dark room, though the slider can go a little crazy when it’s too bright. The volume will jump up and down a little.
The built-in touch pad is a great addition to the keyboard, but it still can't beat a regular mouse. The touch has 2 buttons below for left and right click as well as page-scrolling functionality. The biggest problem I had with the touch pad was the size; it's just too small and not accurate enough. Though this may just be the fact I have huge fingers.
The keyboard is Bluetooth enabled, so if your Mac has Bluetooth abilities you can easily set it up through your Bluetooth preference pane. Don’t fret if you own an old Mac that doesn’t have Bluetooth functionality, the keyboard comes with a USB Bluetooth dongle so you can join the wireless party too.
Unbeatable Battery
The battery life and charge times of the diNovo have shocked me. When the diNovo is fully charged it can last up to two months; that's right, two months on a single charge. I've had mine for a couple of weeks now and have not had to put it back on the charger.
The diNovo also excels in quick charging, with the ability to throw it on the charger for 5 to 10 minutes and get a day's worth of battery life out of it. One thing I forgot to mention was that if you want to get two months out of the battery, it's just a simple two-hour wait.
Likes/Dislikes, Final Thoughts
First and foremost, the diNovo edge is not specifically design for the mac. That means no command (apple) key’s, but instead a windows key. The diNovo comes with Logitech’s Mac software allowing you to change keys, for example, I changed both the “alt” keys on either side of the keyboard to act as command keys. Hopefully Logitech will address this in the future and release a Mac version (*wink wink* *nudge nudge* Logitech).
There are many things to like about the diNovo edge. The thing that stands out the most is by far the design, with the sexy black finish on top and the unexpected orange back that seems out of place, but looks very good. The size of the device is almost perfect and the keys and feel of the keyboard are similar to those found on most laptops.
The diNovo is a great keyboard and I highly recommend you pick one up if you like thin and minimalistic gadgets. The black sort of clashes with the “typical” Mac user setup, but honestly I think it looks amazing with any machine.
The diNovo retails for $199.99, but you can pick it up on Amazon and save yourself $40 or so.
Look who got freebies!
I wantz one too!
I’ve had nothing but problems using Logitech’s software on mac.
The main issues on my current diNovo media desktop is the bluetooth.
When dual/triple booting with linux/win I always have to reconnect and re-pair the keyboard and mouse EVERYTIME i reboot to another os. Whats up with that?
And ever since I bought my first Logitech keyb/mouse combo (around 00/01), the wireless distance is becoming shorter and shorter. 6 years ago +6m was no problem. today, I’m lucky to get 2m.
Then there’s the problem with the keyboard going in “sleep mode”. Great, saves battery. Only when I type and it wakes up, I get spammed with 5-10 repeated characters of the key I pressed.
If this Edge keyboard actually behaved, I would buy it IF it had backlit keys. Instead they choose to backlit quite useless functions.
You can get the keyboard on buy.com for (Price: $136.82 Tax: $9.92 Ship: Free) thats a copy and paste directly from there site I just ordered one.
Is this ADERTISING WEEK at MAcapper…i must have missed dat memo?
@Willie
I totally agree with you man, the lack of backlighting kills me. I usually work at night 10pm – 5am ish, and I have a hard time seeing the keys and using the keyboard, just because all the keys feel the same. I really wish logitech would add that in.
Regarding distance, I haven’t had any problems. I use mine about 2 feet away, and the furthest I’ve been was about 8m. I think it has something to do with the battery power in the device, not putting out a strong enough bluetooth signal.
I don’t use multiple OS’s so I’ve never had that problem, once I pair it, it usually works for awhile.
@glan
That’s an awesome deal, I honestly think the keyboard is worth it.
@Julian
Haha, not quite advertising week.
I want one so bad!
How do you change to alt key to the command key? also, how do i use the buttons on top that are next song, pause, play, or can I even do that? I have a logitech, but it is different, and a Macbook. If anyone knows, thanks.
there’s NO number pad … it’ll get on your nerves without one!
it should also come in blue led’s … who the hell uses orange led’s??