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 Logitech
has a great line of keyboards, some of which include integrated pointing
devices for true portability. The new diNovo Edge™ Wireless Keyboard
($179.99 retail) fits this category and includes the latest Bluetooth®
(version 2.0) wireless technology that ensures seamless, secure operation
from up to 30 feet, making it ideal for home theater applications. The
diNovo Edge™ comes complete with a USB Bluetooth adapter for those
users without an integrated Bluetooth interface on their PCs and the SetPoint
software for configuring the keyboard and pointing device. The unit is
compatible with Windows Vista™ and Windows® XP and features several
hotkeys for launching Media Center, controlling volume, hibernation, and
zoom. The keyboard sits on a docking station that charges the built-in
950mAH lithium-ion battery. Charge time is about 5 minutes for short-term
(one day usage) and about 2 hours for a full charge (up to 2 months usage).
The software monitors the battery level and notifies the user should the
level drop too low.
One of
the greatest challenges when integrating a Home Theater PC (HTPC) system
into your media room is being able to control it without a cumbersome
keyboard and mouse. While many users have resorted to using a standard
wireless keyboard and mouse, they often clutter up the living space and
look unattractive. The Logitech diNovo Edge™ Wireless Keyboard solves
this problem and conveniently sits in the docking station when not being
used while charging the unit. This is a big benefit for those with significant
others that often complain about the number of remotes and other clutter
sitting around.
 Thin
is In
The Logitech® diNovo Edge™ Wireless Keyboard is not only elegant
looking with its extremely thin (less than 1/2") profile, but is
built well and is designed to last. The keyboard is laser cut from a single,
semi-translucent piece of black Plexiglas® and set into a brushed-aluminum
frame. The keyboard measures less than 1/2-inch thick, 16-inches wide
and 8.5-inches high. It is the perfect size for doing real work and includes
everything needed to be productive while staying completely wireless.
It does not include the numeric keypad typically found on the right side
of many full-sized keyboards, but was not missed in our system.
Features
The diNovo Edge™ features a circular TouchDisc™ navigation system
that illuminates for controlling the cursor on the screen. Simply move
a finger up and down or across the disc to move the cursor. Users can
also move a finger in a circular motion around the perimeter of the TouchDisc
to scroll horizontally and vertically through documents and web pages.
Sensitivity can be controlled using the SetPoint software included with
the keyboard. There is also a touch-sensitive volume slider that makes
it easy to quickly adjust the computer's volume and includes a set of
eight lights that show the volume level.
Installation
Installation of the Logitech diNovo is simple and requires little effort
from the user. We simply plugged in the USB receiver into our HP Pavilion
m8330f PC running Windows Vista (32-bit) and the computer immediately
recognized the Bluetooth device and linked to the keyboard. The user can
choose to install the SetPoint software included with the unit. However,
I would recommend downloading the latest version from the Logitech website.
Performance
 The
diNovo Edge™ is by far the best wireless keyboard we have used with
our HTPC. The look, feel, and performance of this design worked very well
and is completely practical for everyday use. The docking station charges
the unit and also provides a useful place to store the keyboard. The Bluetooth
interface worked well and we never experienced any dropouts in the room
we were using the keyboard. In fact, getting too far from our 52"
Mitsubishi display proved to be harder on our eyes than with any range
issues with the keyboard itself. The TouchDisc™ navigation system
is a great design that makes controlling the PC a breeze. The keys have
a soft tactile feel that gives the user good feedback when typing. The
function keys can be configured to control other commands such as media
and mail.
Conclusion
The Logitech® diNovo Edge™ Wireless Keyboard is an excellent
design that proved to be a great addition to our HTPC in our media room.
The style and build quality certainly justifies the high price associated
with this model. Sure, it would be possible to create a cheaper product,
but given the choice between a lesser product and the current design,
it is an easy decision to stay with the latter. In fact, after using the
diNovo Edge™ for the last few months, it would be difficult to use
anything else.
-
Kevin Nakano
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