Logitech diNovo Mini by Logitech
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Digital camera reviews of Logitech diNovo Mini
Digital camera Review: Another "First Unit Defective, Second Unit No Different"
Summary: 2 Stars
I really really like this keyboard. It's perfect, size-wise, feature-wise, look-wise.
My first unit has the "OK" key stuck. And that is one of the vital keys (the left and right click). I got a replacement from Amazon, this time the "O" key is stuck, not working at all. I was really pissed.
Otherwise this is really perfect fro my HTPC.
What a shame. I wished Logitech would get their quality control together. I'm returning it for a refund.
Digital camera Review: Another decent performer
Summary: 3 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
There are a number of companies that you can always expect to deliver quality products... Logitech is one of them. Over the years, I have owned countless numbers of mice, keyboards, speakers, presentation pointers, webcams, and remote controls from Logitech. With their prices on par with other brands, why not go for products you know will last?
The diNovo Mini came at a right time. I was debating on how to set up my Media Center PC, and came across this. My jaw dropped and I got this one.
My first reaction when holding it in my hand was that it was beautiful, and lightweight. I can definitely see using this as the designers intended (i.e. controlling a media pc connected to a tv from a couch). I found the diNovo Mini very easy to use,
The only real complaints I have is that the keyboard takes a little getting used to since the layout is offset to the left to make room or the innovative d-pad/touchpad. I also wasn't pleased to find that my built-in bluetooth didn't find the Mini, but once I plugged the included bluetooth adapter into a USB slot everythimg installed by itself and it worked perfectly. From the reviews, some people seem to be having some success with their bluetooth. Perhaps its hit or miss?
The only other thing I would have liked to have seen more comprehensive PVR controls. Maybe version 2 would have make better use of the lip down cover which doesn't do anything but make the unused controller more sleek looking. A second screen that has basic PVR controls would be great. Hmmm...maybe a cross between the Harmony One and the diNovo Mini.
Overall, I think Logitech has done a decent job building the DiNovo Mini, but missed some of my admittedly high expectations. Perhaps it'll be updated in future revisions or updates? Keep up the good work Logitech!
Digital camera 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.
Digital camera Review: At last - something living room friendly
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been waiting for about 2 years for something like this for our HTPC - which is our main TV/DVD/Music system at home. We'd bought one of the Microsoft MCE keyboards which was awful. Although you could easily use it on your lap, the IR connection and the mouse stick meant that typing/mouse control when out of Media Center was almost impossible.
However, the diNovo Mini is great. A really sensitive mousepad, bluetooth simple, good 'thumbable' keys for both native OS and MCE, fits nicely in the hands... make using the non-MCE applications a breeze on the main HTPC (Skype, Slingplayer, Flickr Uploader, switching screens to projector etc). I particularly like the toggle between PC and MCE mode - really simple. I'm nor sure what else could be done about the lid by the designers. I like it as keep the keys protected and hidden most of the time; when lifted up it powers the unit on and, well, it's for sorting entertainment stuff out, not serious typing, so having the lid hinged up (rather than fold underneath) isn't a big deal. Adds a veil of mystery if anything to others in the living room (what am I up to?).
The only thing that seems to be missing is the 'i' (information) button I have on other MCE controls. The " and ' key are via a function key, but I really don't think I'll be needing them much anyway from my sofa. I have a great system and keyboard on a desk for serious typing.
This is a well designed product that sits discretely on a bookshelf/coffee table when not in use - and I can thoroughly recommend it for HTPC users
Digital camera Review: At last an HTPC controller more suited for the home theater than the home office
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Logitech's diNovo Mini is an answered prayer for HTPC owners. If you you're using HTPC you know how unsatisfactory the selection of input devices has been. Most of the keyboards previously marketed for home theatre seem more appropriate for the home office due to their size and style. The diNovo Mini is small (roughly the size of a remote control). It's an elegant looking black clamshell with a translucent lid and silver trim. And it gives you full control of your PC's media functions from a distance with a Bluetooth connection.
Open, the clamshell reveals a Blackberry style keyboard and a control pad. You can use the control pad for directional control (up, down, left, right) through the Media Center menus or, slide a switch and it becomes a touch pad that lets you use the desktop functions. Depending on the control mode you're in, the keyboard is backlit in green or orange. The mouse function is handled in the center of the control pad. You won't want to do any serious typing on this, but it gives you the option.
The diNovo Mini has a battery that's easy to recharge and lasts a long time.
A highly recommended accessory for style-conscious home theater PC owners!