Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard - Articles / Reviews

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Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

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Max Slowik
Kurtis
Logitech
Apr. 29, 2007

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Introduction

There is no "Entry-level" diNovo. Logitech tells us that the Edge is "The world's most advanced keyboard". What makes a keyboard advanced? Not magic. That would be cool, but I think that's more of an anachronism. Solid construction? IBM has been substituting keyboards for I-beams in their offices since the '60's. Voice recognition? Nah, then it's not really a keyboard.

How about a glossy semi-transparent smoked bezel, laptop scissor-switch short-traveling keys, an integrated touchpad with a re-thought approach to scrolling, Bluetooth wireless, and a solid aluminum wrist wrest so keen you can actually cut paper with it. Maybe not that last bit, but it's really slick.

That's a start. I'm very critical of keyboards. I game with them, and I write quite a bit. Little things can really bother me, like spring tension and odd key re-arrangements. Features are nice, but if the keyboard itself doesn't work well it's moot. No matter how advanced it is, it still has to satisfy my hands. So will it? You'll have to read on to find out, silly.

First Looks

OK, it comes in a really nice box. That's a silly thing to point out, but it's true. The keyboard is wrapped in a foam bag, the dock is too. The Bluetooth dongle gets its own inset compartment in the cardboard, and the instructions and driver disk come in what could be a wedding invitation. I think it's love. Included with the set up is a cleaning cloth. Gloss is a harsh mistress. But I'll get back to that. The power adapter for the dock is compact, but not the sideways outlet-saving kind.

It's a full-size keyboard, minus the numpad. The space isn't wasted though, as it's home to the circular touchpad, the touch-sensitive volume control, and a short list of function buttons on both sides of the keyboard. At the right side of the keyboard, on the edge, is the power switch. Go on. Touch it. Mmm... Beep, all the lights flare up, then fade.

All the multimedia functions, and scroll lock and pause, do double duty. Normally they're the F-keys, but light up differently while the function key is held down. Keys F9-F12 are programmable via the Logitech software. This keyboard is so sexy, it almost drips. Be sure to use protection, though (cotton gloves of course; what were you thinking?). Just don't flip it over. The back is super-orange to match the lights.

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Page 1 of 4

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Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: The Keyboard and Keys
Page 3: The Touchpad, Media Keys and Software
Page 4: Conclusion

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2 User Comments

1 - Posted by Doug the Neard on June 4, 2007 - 11:29 pm

If I'm not mistaken, that beeping is from the "Accessibility Options" of Windows (where you have mouse keys and all those), it's called Toggle Keys. And you had to turn it on in the first place...

I for one like it. I keep my keyboard (which isn't the Edge, but an older Logitech model) stashed under the desk on the tray (yes, I don't have to see the keys to type like some lazy people), so the beep lets me know what's on and off, since I can't see the lights. I guess you could use tray icons, but that place is so full as it is...

Ok, enough ranting.

2 - Posted by Max Slowik on June 5, 2007 - 12:23 am

No, I'm talking about the beep that comes from the keyboard itself. It has a little piesoelectric speaker built into it. It'll beep when you hit capslock even if the drivers aren't installed.

And it does come from the keyboard, I've walked it outside the house and made it beep.

One funny thing is that if you have two keyboards hooked up, and hit capslock on the other, the Edge beeps, too.

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