Customer Reviews

Logitech diNovo Mac Edition Keyboard

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I ordered this keyboard and was notified by Amazon that its delivery would be delayed. I went back to review the keyboard again to see if I wanted to cancel or continue the order. After reading a couple of bad reviews I almost cancelled the order. I had previously purchased and returned the Matias Tactial Pro keyboard which truly was unacceptable, and was about ready to forgo anymore mail order keyboard purchases. Fortunately I decided to continue the delivery and try this keyboard for myself. This is by far the best keyboard I have ever used. I have found none of the issues that previous contributers have cited. The F keys are set up in a logical and useful order that all but the most contrarian users would object to. I have been a Mac user for 20 plus years and find that this keyboard lends itself to all everyday requirements and is flexible enough to allow for customization when special requirements are necessary. Also the tactile response is first class.

The Logitech diNovo Mac Edition is a fully Mac enabled wireless keyboard. There are an abundance of Mac specific keys, specifically the command and option keys are correct and there are iTunes controller keys as well as well as keys for triggering Mail, Calculator, iTunes, screen brightness, etc. the key action seems good (to a non-typist)and it is admirably trim. The 3 year battery life promised is achieved with the inclusion of an On-Off switch, a decidedly low tech but useful addition. The one thing missing is Snow Leopard compatibility. The installer for the Logitech Control Center (LCC) is 10.58 or earlier and currently does not even attempt a 10.6 install so all those extra function keys await an update before they start working again. Hopefully Logitech will not drag their feet. Meanwhile, I continue to use the keyboard as all the standard keys work without a driver.

Oops, I should have researched this product more thoroughly. I am a happy user of the Logitech diNovo Edge Rechargeable Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac at work and thought that this was pretty much the same thing except for having a numeric keypad rather than the built-in mouse trackpad. So I got it for home. Nope, this is a non-rechargeable USB wireless keyboard that operates on four AAA batteries. Moreover, it appears to need the supplied Logitech driver software to make even the most basic function keys operational, such as the Eject key. So I'm returning it and will get the diNovo Edge for Mac instead (the Eject key works without the drive software on that keyboard).

I used the keyboard briefly before returning it. The keys are just as pleasant for typing as they are on the diNovo Edge--good feel and travel. The supplied USB wireless dongle is very small, which is useful. So for someone who wants a wireless USB keyboard for the Mac and is willing to install the driver software, this would be a very nice product.

This is a great looking and performing keyboard that matches my aluminum iMac beautifully.

Pros
+the best keyboard I have used in terms of typing comfort...it feels easier to type on this keyboard than almost every other keyboard I have ever used.
+wireless works very well, and usb transceiver is very small
+battery life > it comes with batteries and they claim it lasts three years. If it lasts 1/5 of that timeframe I will be happy.
+design > love the fact it matches the iMac and it doesn't have a large footprint on the desk which is nice as well.
+works well with the aluminum iMac 20 and I haven't experienced any technical issues.

Cons
- "Silent Keys" >> non-existent in my opinion. In the item's description, it claims the keys are "silent" using a patented technology. While they are quiet, I find them to be far from silent. Perhaps I type hard, but I can definitely hear the keys and the space bar. Despite this though, I find this to be a very comfortable keyboard and can live with the noise. If you are looking for a truly silent keyboard, than I beleive this is definitely not for you.
-reprogramming keys >> while this is definitely a negative aspect, I do not have a desire to reprogram the function keys and this really didn't impact my review too much.
-price > At $84.99, it is definitely expensive compared to the many alternatives on the market including the OEM Apple keyboard. If you are in desperate need of a keyboard for your Mac, this is the way to go, but for a replacement of the OEM keyboard, I am not sure if there is enough value in justifying spending the $85...to each is own though!

OVERALL,
I highly recommend this keyboard if you do not want to reprogram the function keys, but are looking for a great functioning, wireless keyboard that works well with your Mac and complements its pleasing design. As I said before, despite it being relatively quiet, if you are looking for a truly silent keyboard, than I don't believe this is the correct product for you.

This keyboard has the perfect amount of key travel and the shape of the keys allow your fingers to slide from one key to the next to type quickly and effectively. The only issue I've had with it was when I first got it, the space bar squeaked just a little bit, but it soon went away after moderate use. I contacted Logitech who offered to ship me a new one if I shipped mine to them, but I decided to see if it would go away and it did. There was a slight speed bump with all of my Logitech stuff with the switch to Snow Leopard, but Logitech contacted me as soon as drivers were made available, and everything works perfectly. I previously owned a BT DiNovo that I bought for a PC, which worked well, but sometimes would cut out, but this one NEVER does that.

The brushed-aluminum / shiny-black look fits well with other Apple products, and the wide space at the bottom does help position your hands. There's good touch feedback, and very little noise, except from the space bar. It has a real 'Command' key, and all the main keys are where your fingers expect to find them. The 'Function' key is off in the upper-right, but there's no standard for that one anyway. My fingers found everything else, including Escape, the first time, without looking.

There are a bunch of specials -- screen brightness, Spaces, Dashboard, Play, Stop, Rewind, Volume, Expose, iTunes, etc. -- across the top. Some labels take a little learning, but they all work as advertised and make handy shortcuts for frequently-used items. Most are reprogrammable, and can be assigned to the usual functions or to any Application.

The keyboard talks to a USB dongle. Setup and installation were trivial and worked the first time. The Control Center software confused me: it's not an application, nor does it insert itself into the 'Keyboard' System Preference. Instead, it is its own System Preference. Once you locate it, it is easy to understand and use.

They keyboard works from across the room. I haven't had it long enough to say anything about battery life.

[This post-dates the review (below) by several weeks. I've grown a bit disenchanted with this keyboard and Logitech. Be forewarned that the critical Control, Option and Command buttons are almost one-half the surface area of the comparable ones on the keyboard that came with your Mac (so best avoid the keyboard if you have any doubts about the accuracy of the little pinkie on either hand). Also, since swapping back to my Apple keyboard, I'm seeing constant pop-ups from Logitech telling me the diNova keyboard is or isn't connected (it can't seem to make up its mind) along with warnings to eject properly the device (the keyboard, I assume) I was recently using. It's interfering with my work, and so far I haven't found the right file/program to delete in order to stop the intrusions. Finally, if you've been following the pricings of the diNovo, it's possible that this one, like the diNovo for PCs, could be selling on Amazon at an 80 percent discount to retail in the near future. A nice keyboard in most respects (though I increasingly miss the two extra USB inputs found only on the Mac keyboard), but not recommended at its current price (discounted about 20 percent) and recommended only with caveats at ANY lower price. Moreover, I suspect Logitech has something better in the wings and is eager to unload the keyboard you're looking at.]

No question the Logitech di Novo Mac Edition is an elegant keyboard and a practical alternative to the one that came with your Mac. Moreover, Amazon's blow-out price [but not at present--see above] makes it especially hard to resist. If I had to speculate on Logitech's/ Amazon's reason for the present discount, I'd guess that both parties are aware that the increasing popularity of notebook, even netbook, computers over desk-top models, will make a product such as the diNovo a tough sell, especially since you're losing the multi-touch 2, 3 and 4-finger moves that have become so popular with the new Macbook models. Logitech partially makes amends with its diNova Edge model, which includes a circular touchpad ("TouchDisc") for scrolling in addition to a throw switch to control volume. Translation: the more expensive Edge is the quintessential "gamer's" keyboard, whether used in conjunction with a computer monitor or television screen.

Not surprisingly, the most popular Macintosh monthly publication prefers this "non-Edge" version of the diNovo--in fact, it's rated higher than virtually any other keyboard, including the Mac. I'm basically a fan of the Mac keyboard, so were it not for the present price reduction I probably would not have considered a switch. But I confess that as a fast typist I've always been a trifle hesitant about the chiclet keys of the Mac keyboard. The keys on the Logitech are solid and tight, yet even and quickly responsive, reminiscent of my old IBM Selectric. They provide that extra little bit of confidence in locating and depressing them along with a proportionate, fractional increase in speed and efficiency. And since I plan to use the keyboard with a desktop machine (an iMac), the loss of the digital tricks recently introduced to the Macbook line simply is a non-factor.

The diNovo keyboard, though lightweight, is clearly heavier than the Mac. In fact, the diNova, unlike the Mac, includes a stainless steel (actually, aluminum) panel, extending 2" from the base of the keys, thus serving as a convenient palm rest. Otherwise, the lay-out of the keys is absolutely identical with the Mac. So it's not the easiest purchase to justify at any price, coming down to ergonomics and "feel." On the other hand, there's one item that the reviewers apparently feel does not merit mention of any sort:

1. The diNovo installs instantly, after which it's a flawless-performing wireless keyboard. Score one for Logitech.

2. The diNovo keyboard comes without the USB inputs that are to be found at both ends of the Mac keyboard--one of which is perfect for iPod synchronization and the other equally optimal for attaching a mouse. With the Logitech, these items will consume two of the three USB inputs on the back of the computer--either that, or prepare your overloaded hub for a couple of additional visitors. Score one--maybe even two--for the Mac keyboard.

I ordered this keyboard to work with my new monitor that I am hooking up with my Macbook. I opened the packaging and was immediately impressed. The packaging is fantastic and everything is very easy to understand. All you have to do is install the software that is provided, simply put in the USB dongle into a port, turn the keyboard on with the switch, configure it with your computer and you are good to go! I use it anytime I can and absolutely love the keys and there comfort and style. I also love all of the extra buttons above the numlock portion of the keyboard. With a press of a key, I can open Safari, Mail, iTunes, and other common programs. Also, the wireless connection is really strong. The only downside I can possibly think of is that fact that you cannot adjust the height of the keyboard. For me personally, I type with the keyboard in my lap, so it is not a problem. Also, because it has a piano black gloss finish, it does show dust, but it is easily cleaned. If you are looking for a wireless keyboard for your Mac, this is the one for you.

UPDATE
One more addition to the review. I was surprised to get an Email from the Ergonomics Specialist at Logitech in Switzerland regarding the issues in this review. How amazing that they monitor these things and really care. I spent over a half hour on the phone with him (Sylvain), a devoted Mac user. He understood the issues, particularly the inability to use F 16-19. He explained the reasoning for leaving the F 7-12 keys for media control. Unlike the Apple Aluminum keyboard, they can't put a setting in System Prefs/Keyboard & Mouse to reset the F-keys to use as standard function keys, thus necessitating the use of Logitech Control Center. They have contacted SteerMouse and other similar input programs to resolve the conflict where you can't use both.
I am mightily impressed with their level of user concerns and hate typing on the Apple keyboard so much, with it's minisucle key throw, that I'm going to give this keyboard another chance, using a workaround for the F-key dilemna.

I'm adding to my earlier review after speaking with a not-so-nice Logitech rep on the phone this morning. The problem of Logitech Control Center not seeing the devices is solved, much to my chagrin. The problem is SteerMouse, a superb application that allows you to customize many mice, including the Logitech MX. To use this keyboard, you have to uninstall SM, which takes away a LOT of mouse functionality. Not an ad for them, but the interface is more understandable, more buttons are useable, and the deal-beater is that when a dialog pops up, the cursor goes to the default button on its own, and sometimes the correct non-default button, such as "Accept". Doesn't seem like a big deal, but once you've had it and it goes away it's painful.
As to the keyboard, typing on it is a joy. Another problem is that if you open LCC and use their mapping, you can't assign F7-F12. That's a huge range. If you check the box that lets you use the Fkeys the way they are meant to be used, which is by your assignment, I can't get F16-F19 to work at all - not in QuicKeys, not in the Apple Keyboard & Mouse pref pane, zip! I didn't discuss this with Logitech, as I didn't discover it until later, but I see no way to make it work with ALL of the function keys, which defeats the purpose. Might as well get the EDGE version.
Bottom line for me is that I'm sadly going to return it and go back to the Apple Aluminum keyboard with it's far inferior key feel. Others might not feel the losses of some Fkeys and certainly not everyone uses SteerMouse. I still give this keyboard one star, because, as is often the case with Logitech, great hardware is tethered to AWFUL software. If only they had set it up to use all Fkeys by default, so you could skip LCC. Sigh!
Funny. Amazon deleted my comment that it's been over a month since my "In Stock" order, which never arrived. Probably because I mentioned a competitor, one which can be found on the Logitech site under online retailers. The experience I had with Amazon and this product is a story of it's own.


The sad thing is that the tactile response of the keys is perfect. Just the right amount of firmness, miles better than any Apple keyboard. If you like having Logitech decide what the function keys should do, then it's worth the money. The default is their settings. Personally, I don't want to waste a function key on something like track skip, and have mapped out my own shortcuts in QuicKeys. To use them as as normal function keys without having to press fn simultaneously (opposite of the Apple keyboard, which has F-keys by default and things like Expose, etc only by adding the fn key), the manual states that you have to install Logitech Control Center. Fine. There can be conflicts with SteerMouse, but I installed anyway. On my Mac Pro Intel 8-core, running 10.5.6, LCC installs but cannot see the keyboard-"No Logitech Device Found" Ironic, as I have been using a Revolution MX mouse also.
Email support is worse than bad. Discarding prior bad support experiences with Harmony remotes, my reply didn't address the fact that the keyboard isn't listed in the support menu and the software won't recognize the keyboard. The "tech" said that the Function keys should work without the software and gave me a canned response about checking batteries and such. All he had to do was look at the manual to see that this is wrong. As I wrote a detailed support request, it seemed to be answered by a bot picking up a keyword and didn't even address the issues.
So, I guess I'll pay shipping and send this back. What a shame. Such promise and such lousy support. For comments on Logitech Control Center, see MacUpdate or VersionTracker.

I'm a real nit-pick when it comes to keyboards. Love the ones on my laptops (scissor action, barely cupped, close together)...which makes finding one for my desktop a beast of a task. Have tried about a half dozen, plus a couple made by Apple. The storage space in my office looks like a keyboard cemetery.

This is the first keyboard that has the feel, size, and reduced space between keys I've been looking for. It's not exactly like what I have on the laptops, but is awfully close, and is one of those rare birds that actually *works* with a Mac right out of the box.

Quite a pleasant surprise, after more than two years of searching. Thanks, Logitech, for getting it right.

(P.S. The last one tried before this was the Macally iKeySlim, which I hated...keys were spread far apart, increasing typos and frustration.)