Foreword

Logitech, the Swiss specialist for peripheral hardware was in 2003, the first version of the design-desktop keyboard diNovo above and opened a new class in the category so that input devices (computer base test). The first edition of the diNovo offered until then unimagined properties and unique features such as the exclusive design and the media pad were just as unique as the price. In addition, you can still count the desktop keyboards with a Bluetooth connection to a single source.

At this time, the Cordless Desktop diNovo split the community. While many of the exorbitantly high at that time price disrupted itself, others to the perfect ergonomics and the numerous features, as well as on the swore until then never design seen in the following years often and gladly copied.

Now is the latest offspring of the diNovo series on the market for several months, the Logitech diNovo edge. With the earlier version the edge has little in common but except for the Bluetooth connection and the retail price of proud of $199. The edge is “only” a keyboard. This means that the mouse is one of them no longer to the product and the popular media pad of the first series has been deleted without replacement.

This test will show whether it creates the edge to meet the high demands of its predecessor and it is again worth to make a keyboard on the desk for their purchase price, it could get even a useful CPU.

Overview

Before the closer look at this piece of designer’s specifications at a glance:

• Keyboard:
  • 104 Keys
  • Scissor-switch buttons
  • Key size: 18 x 18 mm
  • Key stroke: 3.2 mm
  • Activation weight: 60 g
  • Integrated lithium-ion battery (950 mA)
• Loading time/range:
  • •Quick charge: five minutes for about a day operation
  • Full charge: 2 hours for up to two months operation
• Materials:
  • Housing made of acrylic glass, aluminium and plastic
  • Buttons made of plastic
• Dimensions and weight:
  • 11 x 410 x 210 mm (H x W x D)
  • 940 g
• Extras:
  • Round touchpad (38 mm) with horizontal and vertical scrolling
  • 17 Special keys with lighting
  • Touch-sensitive volume control (57 mm) with illuminated display
• Connection:
  • Bluetooth 2.0 (Bluetooth stack: 5.1 WIDCOMM or Microsoft Windows Vista)

Includes everything you need to start-up. In addition to the keyboard, the structured multi-layer cardboard box contains the charging station, which serves as a storage rack, the AC adapter, a USB-Bluetooth 2.0-stick, the mandatory CD with the required software for Windows XP and Vista, as well as a printed quick start guide. In addition you will find a cleaning cloth in the grave goods.

As already noted, the diNovo edge Logitech sets in a mouse. However, the MX Revolution from the same home as a suitable complement is advertised on a by laying. The darker color of the mouse wants to but not quite fit the edge.

The media pad of the diNovo earlier, which was popular especially as relatively compact remote control for media players and simple control functions on the desktop also no longer exists at the edge. While the media pad extended also to a number pad the previous versions, the owner of the edge to the numeric input must access the buttons in the main block. For the numeric keypad, no place was more clearly.

Externalities

Visually, the diNovo edge is an exceptional pieces of cream, so much is clear. Is flat and compact is the housing on the tabletop and gives the impression of high quality already at first sight. The eye likes the very high quality acting combination of high-gloss acrylic and brushed aluminium. At the latest when looking at via pressure on the “fn” button which lets light from the black body out orange up additional functions and they at slow hide, you purely visually – in love with the keyboard. The far side of the keyboard consists of a flat, orange-colored plastic. On bright and reflective desks, this floor produces an interesting “aura”.

Unfortunately, this design has also disadvantages for practicality with it. At the latest after the first more intensive use of the edge, the user understands why the package a Microfiber cleaning cloth is in. Dust and fingerprints accumulate quickly on the acrylic glass area and disrupt the until then so attractive appearance permanently. This is top right uncomfortable especially when seamlessly integrated volume control. One wonders why the developers here have based not on the rubber coated touchpad including, which are strangers to these problems.

Technology

The write keys are suspended in the Scissor technology known from other keyboards, notebook-style. Logitech is called this technique “PerfectStroke” and promises a shelf life of 10 million attacks. An indication that little test is in practice. In the keys, which is why although the feature is so lavishly illuminated, which itself but not can be lighted buttons wonder however. The caption of the buttons is however sufficiently large, clear and full of contrast, so that we can see quite well even in low light.

A highlight of the edge is certainly the “touch”disc on the right side, that is to eliminate a mouse for many tasks. About the point highlighting sliding, can the user horizontally and vertically scrolling. The main area of TouchPads, however, is the free mouse pointer guide as in a notebook. A tip of the finger on the touchpad produces a left click. Two buttons below the touchpad are also as mouse Tastenersatz available. The touch disc can be disabled to prevent inadvertent inputs.

A more sensor area that the service volume control can be found on the touch disc. You responded somewhat tough and is still very fine stage. A major disadvantage of the Arcylglasoberfläche is already addressed fingerprint problem. The set volume is issued as bar display on the screen. With the modifier key, under the knob, the sound can off and be switched on. More special keys can be found on the edges of the keyboard. The zoom function also works with easily the Opera and Firefox Internet Explorer alternatives. The Windows logo key top right starts the Windows Media Player by default.

The lithium-ion battery of the diNovo edge is firmly installed, so that the keyboard exclusively in the charging station can be loaded. During the loading process is therefore not possible. Recharging is however very swiftly by design and finishes, as indicated by Logitech, after two hours. A charge indicator informs the user about the end of the loading process. In urgent cases expired sufficient already after a few minutes to some hours with the edge work. The some expensivly on / off switch on the right side Additionally helps to save energy.

The connection to the computer is made via Bluetooth. In contrast to some other wireless keyboards, the connection at the start of the system is so that you can call also the BIOS or use a Boot Manager. The Bluetooth typical range of about 10 metres is easily achieved.

Software

On a computer running Windows XP with Service Pack 2, the hardware installation of the edge is very simple. Bluetooth stick to a USB port light, have Windows installed and ready. In practice, there were no problems with the wireless funkenden on the same frequency, in case of doubt, the Logitech support however advises to install the Bluetooth stick as far to the Wi-Fi dongle.

To use the full functionality of the diNovo edge, the setpoint software already known by other Logitech input devices must be installed on the computer. The software is in version 3.10 (currently currently 3.30) in the package, but also download Logitech can load. The size of the installation package is amazing 43 MB, what will please narrow band users of less (for comparison: Microsoft IntelliType Pro 6.8 MB;) Cherry KeyM@n 7.8 MB). A system reboot is required during the installation process. Then one welcomes the setpoint software with icons on the desktop and in the tray, as well as with a boot menu entry. The software interface itself is clearly. The helper function is generally held, but for this very detailed and often helpful.

Special features are quite easy to configure. So other free applications and functions can be associated with the individual function keys; an individual user profile is clicked into place together in a few minutes. Is also a function assignment by pressing a key. The touch disc is treated as a mouse and can be configured accordingly. Also informs the software on the charge of Keyboardakkus.

The software only for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista is compatible. Unfortunately, this means that UNIX and Mac community as well as in the tube looks like the users of older Windows versions.

Ergonomics

Without unfolded practitioners, the edge is just an inch high. The hands bend off thus hardly upwards. No matter whether flat glider or superscript, in any case the edge feels extremely stable and firmly and does not bend through. The practitioners, however, filigree, no stable impression and can be due to missing gumming Miss traction.

Users, which were used up then a default layout, must be at the edge first frustration, because the main pad bottom right for the benefit of the arrow keys cut was. CTRL-right is not as usual directly under the SHIFT key, she more often on the acrylic, as with many newer Logitech keyboards, offset to the left and so the little finger lands. The BACKSPACE and return key are narrower, which provides initially for typos. An also known and impractical on the first days of use characteristic is the arrangement of the buttons in the function block right. The scroll lock was replaced by the Insert key, but the delete key in double length is executed. The key for the menu and the right installed fall away.

The round keys for the additional functions on the left and right edges are, however, smooth and easy to use, even though they may seem at first quite small. Also acoustically, the edge can collect points: here rattles and nothing klackert and also at a fixed stop the perceptible feedback is extremely quiet. Here quality and stability, is what is not of course with a weight of only 940 g.

The surface of the touch disc feels pleasant and the control of the mouse pointer, as well as scrolling work accurately. By the rubber coating effectively prevents unintentional slipping. Those who cope with a good laptop touchpad, will have to expect so again no unpleasant surprises. After a short settling time, take about to control the Windows desktop, the mouse no longer in the hand. You may however not forget a Malus: the toggle between scroll and touchpad function hakelt something.

A small weak point of the edge is the palm rest made of aluminium. On the one hand the material on the wrist feels uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, the relief of the Logitech logo, which scrapes something to the skin in the hover rises on the palm rest.

Conclusion

The design of the diNovo edge is probably just as appealing as unique. The extras such as the lighting of the numerous special functions or the touch disc may keep at most purists for gadgets. In everyday use, prove these features and open up completely new usage options compared to other keyboards. So is the diNovo for use as Office keyboard just as well suited to controlling a HTPCs or as Panel for Internet PC. Also in games no restrictions must be made – only the hardcore gamers will come into effect may be due to the Bluetooth connection with other products. Our subjective perception according to however, we have seen no increased response time.

A comparison of the diNovo edge with other keyboards is hardly possible because of the exceptional tools, as well as due to the design. At most the well-known diNovo set plays may still in the same League. The significantly lower desktop keyboards from the cherry eVolution series is similar to flat and have a number pad. There are however serious cuts in the optical style and the features to make. Microsoft has so far not counter the edge. The chic anzusehende remote keyboard for Windows XP Media Center goes in a similar direction, but unfortunately only Windows XP MCE compatible with. And whether Microsoft’s new wireless entertainment keyboard for Windows Vista can compete with the Logitech product, will be apparent after their release. Enermax offers two very flat design keyboards with the two aluminum keyboards “Crystal” and “Aurora”. You are wired, but also less rich. In short the edge needs are currently ahead of the competition not to fear – because there is simply no.

On the pitfalls of edge are available next to the even the unusual key distribution (in particular the non-existent number block) and the missing key illumination is dirt-sensitive surface. The former is adjustment case, the latter only a further potential extra. If you don’t mind to these restrictions, can ever reach for the hopefully abundantly filled piggy bank and make this body at a price of 169 EUR (Caseking) on the desktop.