DailyTech - Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard Controls PC, PS3

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Marcus Yam (Blog) - January 8, 2008 3:47 PM

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19 comment(s) - last by Scalptrash.. on Jan 9 at 2:31 PM

The prototype of the Logitech diNovo Mini

Logitech's mini keyboard uses Bluetooth to speak to PC and PlayStation 3

Logitech unveiled at CES 2008 a new tool for the home media market in the form of a mini-keyboard that doubles as a remote control. Following in the footsteps of the stylish diNovo Edge wireless keyboard, the diNovo Mini features a QWERTY layout with Bluetooth wireless technology.

Differentiating it from the current diNovo media keyboard, however, is the diNovo Mini’s size, which Logitech says will fit in the user’s palm. The keyboard is also fully backlit for dark room viewing and features a clickable touchpad, called the ClickPad, to control the pointing device.

"The Logitech diNovo Mini keyboard extends Logitech's tradition of developing innovative products to meet the changing times," said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech's keyboards and desktops. "Today, more and more people are hooking up their PCs to their TVs. The sleek, minimalist design and thoughtful function make the diNovo Mini keyboard the perfect complement to the living-room or home-theater PC."

One key point that Logitech decided to keep on the down-low is the diNovo Mini’s support for the PlayStation 3. Thanks to the PS3’s Bluetooth support, the diNovo Mini will work as a keyboard for the console to text entry. There is also the possibility that the diNovo Mini will replicate several functions of the PS3’s Blu-ray Disc remote, though to what extent it is still unclear.

The art pictured right is a close approximation of the final product, though Logitech revealed to DailyTech, that the product is currently being redesigned to incorporate an “alt” key. The diNovo Mini will retail for $149.99 and is slated to ship in February.

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That's funny

By FITCamaro on 1/8/2008 3:51:42 PM , Rating: 4

$150 for a tiny keyboard. I think I'd rather have a full size one for less than half of that.

RE: That's funny

By morikaweb on 1/8/2008 3:57:59 PM , Rating: 3

Obliviously you don't use a HTPC from the couch.

This is the perfect compromise between having a full sized keyboard in the way, and trying to use/configure a HTPC with a remote. I have already ordered one my my setup.

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RE: That's funny

By kenji4life on 1/8/2008 4:19:27 PM , Rating: 2

For that price, I wouldn't pay unless it had a wii/gyro style pointer, which is easier to use while sitting on a couch than a mouse imo.

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RE: That's funny

By Aikouka on 1/9/2008 8:17:25 AM , Rating: 2

I use an HTPC from the couch and I like using my old Cordless MX Duo from Logitech. It might not be nearly as sightly, but I'm quite sure it's a lot easier to control the mouse than it is to use that touchpad. Not to mention I rarely need keyboard input when controlling the HTPC, so the mouse works just fine for 99% of what I want to do :).

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RE: That's funny

By ImSpartacus on 1/8/2008 3:58:02 PM , Rating: 2

Good point. I use the same logic with those nifty little umpcs. less for more. huh?

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RE: That's funny

By othercents on 1/8/2008 3:58:22 PM , Rating: 2

Good luck. Most bluetooth keyboards start at $120 and the diNovo is $166. However the diNovo is a fullsize keyboard.

Other

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RE: That's funny

By Hare on 1/8/2008 4:37:20 PM , Rating: 2

$120? Not even close.

Most bluetooth keyboards are 50% of your estimate.

Example, Apple keyboard 79$ (quite nice)
http://www.apple.com/keyboard/

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RE: That's funny

By cityplannerx on 1/8/2008 4:49:09 PM , Rating: 2

But what do you use as a mouse? The dinovo has a click pad that operates as a track pad. Even though there is scant info on its capability, I am guessing it works similar to track pads found on majority of laptop computers (but I could be incorrect).

http://logitech-sjca.navisite.net/web/ftp/pub/pdf/...

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RE: That's funny

By walk2k on 1/8/2008 7:04:15 PM , Rating: 2

I have the DiNovo Edge. It was $160, but works great with the PS3. No dongle needed. It's a full-size keyboard, though the keys don't have the greatest "touch" and there's no numpad. The little trackpad is decent, I wouldn't play Unreal with it or anything, but it works for moving the cursor around.

I actually installed the USB dongle on the HTPC so I can use the DiNovo for both! Just have to re-pair when I switch.

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RE: That's funny

By othercents on 1/8/2008 4:53:42 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
$120? Not even close.

Most bluetooth keyboards are 50% of your estimate.

So you quoted one keyboard that is less than what I said. MOST bluetooth keyboards ARE over $120, but you can find SOME that might be less. Here is a link just in case you want to know what I'm talking about:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Sub...

Other

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RE: That's funny

By Hare on 1/9/2008 1:26:22 AM , Rating: 2

And you quoted 6 keyboards and 4 of those were combo packages with a mouse included. The rest were pretty high end and thus with a big price tag...

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RE: That's funny

By Gholam on 1/9/2008 7:56:22 AM , Rating: 2

This one includes a touchpad, so comparison is fair. Lenovo WIRED keyboard with UltraNav (touchpad+trackpoint) costs $99.

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RE: That's funny

By Hare on 1/9/2008 8:15:40 AM , Rating: 2

He clearly said "most bluetooth keyboards start at..."
But let's just drop this subject...

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RE: That's funny

By knowom on 1/8/2008 7:19:18 PM , Rating: 3

I'd rather have a hacked wiimote and wireless keyboard :D

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RE: That's funny

By Samus on 1/9/2008 3:35:22 AM , Rating: 2

I have the current $150 diNovo, and actually think the 'mini' could be better. Especially the clam shell to keep it clean and prevent accidental keystrokes during a movie when your foot hits it.

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I'm sold...

By eyebeeemmpawn on 1/8/2008 4:19:28 PM , Rating: 2

I'll certainly be picking one of these up...when the price gets down to ~$40

I'd Buy One

By MMilitia on 1/8/2008 4:27:18 PM , Rating: 2

Looks perfect for Media Center use. I already have the DiNovo Edge and it's a great keyboard, but a little large for sporadic sofa usage.

Innovative product

By hinchesk on 1/8/2008 5:13:56 PM , Rating: 2

Definitely a nice addition to any HTPC setup. Expensive yes but for the money you get a bluetooth mouse/kbd combo that's smaller than pretty much anything on the market with the same functionality. Logitech is charging a premium for an innovative product... seems par for the course.

Support for Windows and MacOS would give them a pretty wide market for the device.

Cheap Bluetooth for PS3

By Scalptrash on 1/9/2008 2:31:48 PM , Rating: 2

Logitech already makes a Bluetooth keyboard for the PS3 (w/touchpad) for $79.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstati...

It is full size, but is a relative bargain for being Bluetooth and what it does.