Customer Reviews

Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

My install of this system went fairly smoothly, but it is an amazingly lengthy process, with many stages involving updates and bluetooth reconnects and such. Still, it all worked out and it never left me wondering if I was doing the right thing or not, unlike many hardware/software installations.
The keyboard, mouse and pad have all worked pretty well for me, and the media pad shows great promise as a home theater controller, but I have a couple of quibbles:
1) the mouse charging station is a piece of junk relative to the rest of the system - it's tippy, you have to fiddle to feel that the mouse is making contact, and the power cable easily falls out
2) the keyboard, on waking up, often repeats (many times) one of the characters you type in
3) I _suspect_ the software of periodically bogging my PC down, though I don't know that for sure yet
4) I can assign the keyboard media button to bring up iTunes (and other applications), but the media pad media buttong is not given the same choices for some reason.
Overall I'm very impressed with this, but I AM COUNTING ON LOGITECH to improve the software such that it sees its full potential.

I have been coveting this sleek keyboard set ever since the first diNovo came out a couple of years ago. I have also been a user of the USB version of the MX1000 mouse since they came out last year, and I have nothing but praise for that product. The convergence of these product lines seemed like a match made in heaven.

But it isn't. For the most part, the problem is Bluetooth. As implemented here, it's a fussy, unreliable, complicated fiasco. Devices (usually the keyboards) randomly stop talking to each other and won't reconnect without a reboot. Once the system was so broken that Logitech's technical support could only suggest that I completely remove the Bluetooth protocol stack and all the additional software and start again from scratch. This did solve the problem, but it was a two-hour ordeal of reconfiguration. I'm sure glad I kept my old mouse and keyboard around!

I have also been using a (Logitech) cell phone style Bluetooth headset in conjunction with this adapter. It works, but just barely. Same problems as the diNovo devices: inconsistent behavior, frequent disconnects for no apparent reason, frequent power cycling and reboots required to set things right.

I notice also with the headset that the Bluetooth range is quite limited. On good days I can go to the adjacent room, but I'm certainly not getting 30 feet of range. And this is true even for listening, which I would imagine is more dependent on the USB adapter than the headset.

Mouse problems are what make this set truly unusable for me. The response is usually OK, but it occasionally becomes noticeably sluggish. Even worse, there seems to be some sort of predictive motion estimation built into the driver software that attempts to cover for gaps in the Bluetooth datastream. But it doesn't work very well -- for the most part, it just feels like the mouse is moving through molasses. Sometimes, the mouse pointer wanders around on its own for up to five seconds without the mouse being touched. (I've been very happy with the responsiveness of the USB version of this mouse.)

The beautiful keyboard is, sadly, undistinguished in actual use. It's sturdy and feels high-quality, but I find that I prefer the feel of my old el cheapo wired IBM keyboard. This may just be personal preference, but this svelte flat keyboard feels, well, too flat. There are legs on the back of the keyboard you can extend, and that helps, but unfortunately the MediaPad lacks them.

Lastly, the MediaPad. Reviewers loved it; not me. In fact, after trying it out for a while I'm totally unclear on the concept. Why would I want my numeric keypad moved off to the side where it's harder to get to and every bump makes it slip and slide around on its own? Why would I want extra copies of the media buttons on the main keyboard that can't be configured on their own? The time and date display is useful, but the driver software prefers to show you what's playing in your media player, and there doesn't seem to be any way to turn this off or switch back to the default display.

I bought this about a week ago and still haven't decided if I'm keeping it (it's really great, when it works properly). So far I haven't been able to go for one day without having to plug in another keyboard / mouse for when I can't reconnect the diNovo.

Let me recount the fun I've had with this:

I took it out of the package and was pleasantly surprised with how it looked and how it was packed; all scratchable surfaces were nicely protected with pronottective plastic backing. I plugged in the hub and used the keyboard with a wired mouse while the included mouse was charging (took about 4 hours). It worked fine without any drivers (except the media pad obviously didn't do anything fancy).

Then the mouse finished charging. It too worked without the drivers. Then I installed the drivers, and the fun began.

During the install I was prompted to update (and an insert in the package said it was very important to do so). After rebooting, I was greeted with a crash while the software finished setting up the hardware; this left the keyboard and mouse unusable; I used another kb/mouse to uninstall the drivers and tried again. To make a very long story short, I started at 10 PM and finished at 6 AM, installed a half dozen times on two different computers, and finally got it working. During the post-install (after rebooting) a firmware upgrade is applied (this is what kept crashing); I suspect it stupidly hard-codes c:\program files\ because on another installation on the same machine (which also happened to use d:\program files) it kept crashing, but on another machine with c:\program files the firmware upgrade was successful (and then it didn't need to do it again, so it worked on the original machine).

Often all three pieces (kb/mouse/mediapad) lose their setpoint detection and stop doing their special functions (e.g. F-lock/media keys, cruise control and tilt scrolling, and the media display stops updating). I can reconnect the devices and then they work properly again. Sometimes they don't reconnect and then I can't do anything because I lack a keyboard or mouse (and often when trying to reconnect, setpoint causes winamp and explorer to hang). I have found that restarting setpoint also redetects the devices sometimes.

Long story short, the software is a mess, be wary.

I got this set-up in December 05' and have used it extensively since then, I will elaborate slighty on my experiences with the hardware and software.

Cons:

1. The install is not at all user friendly and it takes forever and a day. I myself by trade work in the IT industry and am quite familiar with install procedures and concepts. This being a how should we say "pain in the arse" to install the 1st time successfully. Now mind you each platform will be a bit different and I for one can vouch for some of you who have immediate success, I feel this all depends on the current computers set-up and other applications involved. However, my own personal experience led me to having to sit here for 6 or so hours and configuring a series of other settings and finally just uninstalling the Set-point software to get this "Jazz" to operate appropriately...however this is not recommended.

2. The keyboard won't respond sometimes when in standby mode...it sometimes takes several seconds for it to come alive...I don't mean 1.5 seconds more like 7-10 seconds...which when it comes to computers we don't like to wait even a milli-second for a response.

3. The keyboard will type all on its own and sometimes will start deleting and pasting information (pasting information is rare) but the trailing (ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss) of text is very frequent...frequent enough to want to throw a fit!

4. The keyboard has a seperate numbers function that acts as a media remote and is just too difficult to get used to. For those of you who use the side/bottom numbers on a typical American QWERTY keyboard will hate this new numbers move. However, if you want to really learn how to type with those numbers at the top of the keyboard this keyboard will force that on you. I have only used the media remote 3 times just to get used to it and I have now just stopped all together. It's bulky and frankly a waste of a good idea. Put the numbers back where they go I say...and leave the remote a little less bulky!

5. Holding the keyboard from the corners is difficult due to buttons and features that are where you naturally grab the keyboard to slide it or pick it up.

6. The mouse trails often and sometimes is too sensitive (even if adjusting the sensitivity)...it will not work on all surfaces as described on many sites and is very large for smaller hands...I have large hands so it lends nicely to me, however the buttons on the thumb side could be adjusted and designed ergonmically instead of just for functions sake.

7. The mouse batteries don't last long as they say so watch out for that...it charges quickly though. But the downside is when your mouse is dead you can't work...I had to install a back-up USB mouse for these frequent mishaps...again mind you I am a developer so this is my usage take on the mouse. I need batteries that never go out then I might (a big might) be satisfied ;-)

Now for the pros:

1. The keyboard is smooth typing and is relatively simple to keep clean; meaning not much gets inside of the buttons. The typing is so smooth it just feels right...think of the best laptop you've ever typed on and then some!

2. It's Blue Tooth so the wireless is good I have never had connection issues as of yet with either the mouse or keyboard.

3. The keyboard has tons of functions from email to media playback, it's thin, responsive when it's connected and is smooth as mentioned before.

4. The mouse has incredible accuracy too much for beginners but it will teach you what I learned on a track ball mouse back in the day. Accuracy teaches you mouse movement you never thought would actually come to existance but always felt comfortable trying on the old mice. What you feel like you can do, you pretty much can.

5. With forward and back buttons, scrolling side to side, and up and down (ooo la la) the features of the mouse are nifty too when you actually need them.

6. The mouse has a "My Documents" button as well but can lead itself to be a nuisance cause of it and the forward/back features placement. This is the part that needs redesigned for comfort.

7. Pretty much this set-up is the best out there, you won't find one better as of yet. The idea and concept of this set-up is excellent...it needs the obvious improvements and someone like myself needs to sit in on one of Logitech's Focus Groups to deliver real thorough usage quarks and ideas. But all in all if you want wireless, laser, smoothness, and lotzo features then by all means buy it, love it, and enjoy the "sheet" out of it!

My Review is based solely on personal "unbiased/biased" but real usage information. Also I am a developer with hundreds of applications installed and many running at the same time. I have tried to set-forth the items here to illuminate what you will most likely encounter after extensive use. Not any too set-ups are alike hence no two experiences will be alike. But keep in mind you will probably encounter at least one if not all of these issues.

Hope this helps deliver some of the finer points you were looking for!

Another thing...if you're one those folks who leaves nothing but complaint on these reviews - you really don't help anyone make a buying decision K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid)

When I first got this product, everything worked well. The installation process was a bit lengthy, involving two reboots, but was still relatively painless. The device works from at least ten feet away from the computer, which is why I got it in the first place.

Then the problems started happening.
1) If you want to use the media functionality, you really can only use their 'medialife' application. If you try to have both medialife and then another dvd application ([...]), the other dvd applications won't work. So, Medialife has to be uninstalled, and then another application can take it's place.
2) I then set the application to be just to open an explorer window to my media directory, which I could then use to open specific files for playing. The software just would not store that information; I reset the 'media' button to be 'open an explorer window at this location' two or three times, and it just didn't work.
3) The mouse and keyboard would be very slow after a few minutes. The pattern was: 1 minute good functioning, 10 seconds of being v_e_r_y slow, and then 1 minute of good functioning, repeat. Apparently, the 2.46 update is supposed to fix that; moreover, the 2.46 update is supposed to be installed when drivers are installed, and that didn't happen.
So, I uninstalled the setpoint software, just to use the bluetooth drivers. However, after two or three weeks, the keyboard/mouse/keypad simply don't respond. The bluetooth drivers apparently 'rotted' from one reboot to the next. I attempted to reinstall setpoint, because apparently that's necessary to run the software, and that just doesn't work-- now, when I reinstall setpoint, the keyboard/mouse/keypad aren't detected. If I force a reinstallation of the WIDCOMM drivers, I get a 'drivers not licensed for device' error (ie, if instead of doing the default driver installation from the installation CD but instead do a direct installation from the CD drivers directory). So setpoint installation does not work because it can't detect the keyboard/mouse/keypad, and component installation doesn't work either.

Logitech help support has been worse than useless. I got a message from someone who thought I had a different dinovo keyboard to install setpoint 2.22. That didn't work, mainly because those drivers work with bluetooth 1.2 (and this is bluetooth 2.0) and because that's an older piece of software that didn't play nice with the newer stuff on the driver CD. When I complained that the given tech solution wasn't useful, I have gotten no response.

So while the keyboard is pretty and when it works, it's mediocre, but more often than not, it just doesn't work, the software is terrible, and the tech support is worse.

I owned the diNovo for about 3 weeks now, and like most of you, I liked the slick look and feel of the keyboard/mouse. Since then, it has been a nightmare for me. I am computer savy and pretty much know how to install all HW/SW. It's not the product doesn't work, but it doesn't work reliably, and if you have your password enabled on your Windows XP, then when the product doesn't respond, you can't sign-in or do anything. Only way around is to plug a regular keyboard/mouse and rescan the bluetooth.
Examples of issues:

1) Inital driver load and keyboard/mouse installation (works fine)

2) Do windows update from Microsoft from time to time, keyboard/mouse hang and need to re-establish link with bluetooth network. This requires a standard keyboard/mouse to reconfigure since diNovo was hanged.

3) Install other USB devices (i.e. memory card reader) and reboot, the keyboard/mouse hang again, and need to re-establish link with bluetooth network (this requires standard keyboard/mouse again to do this).

There were many more cases where I experienced hang problems that I am now afraid to add any SW/HW.

Now, I believe the problem was due to "bluetooth" technology itself, thus, not restricted to Logitech. Too much details to write it all down here, but in general, to fix my problem, I usually needed to refresh the Bluetooth network hub (much like you refresh your ethernet IP address) before I can retrain the link with Keyboard/mouse/pad.

Bottom line is if you don't want to spend time reconfiguring your keyboard/mouse/pad each time you install new HW/SW, I highly recommend you stay away from diNovo and maybe all other Bluetooth Human Interface devices until they solve the stability problem, and that assumes you are computer literate. I knew about these problems before I bought it, but because I love the feel/look of the product, I bought it anyway taking a chance....well, it's not worth it if you can't use it. Don't do it! I know you feel the urge to click on "add to cart", but don't do it!!

Okay, let me state once I got everything working I really like this system. Installation was a serious pain in the butt. I have windows XP pro and had to run the installation 3 times before it was complete. I was also dissapointed that the keyboard requires batteries, although I never really had an indication it didn't. I bought this system to reduce the wires on my desk and to reduce battery useage. Neither thing happened. The keyboard takes 4 batteries (included) and you have a bluetooth charging station that requires it to be plugged in. Another wire and plug. I do love the ultra thin keyboard, and the mouse is pretty sweet... silky smooth.

I give this product a 3 because it is really nice and I like that it is bluetooth, it's nice with a bluetooth enabled laptop.

I also give it only a 3 because this product tends to type multiple keystrokes with one push of a key. For example you type "Help me" and end up with "Help mmmmmmme". On a typical 8 hour day I expect this keyboard and/or keypad to do multiple keystrokes from 6-12 times (sometimes more often). Also the keyboard and keypad can go out of sync, you type a number on the keypad then hit a letter on the keyboard, it may type the letter then the number.

If you can live with the above two problems then this keyboard is for you. If not then keep looking.

I love my new keyboard and mouse. They are stylish, feel comfortable, and (for the most part) function perfectly. A few words of warning though:

Be very careful where you plug in the bluetooth dongle. The best bet is to get a usb extension and have the dongle on your desk, preferrably near the keyboard and mouse (or line of sight to them). At the least put the dongle on a front usb connector. Logitech really ought to provide an small docking station or something for the dongle, as most people assume it is perfectly fine to plug it into a back usb slot (and to some it is), but this will generally cause a lot of interferance, resulting in the problems others have mentioned: mouse lagging (ie you move the mouse, the cursor responds but at an incredibly slow rate), keyboard missing keys, or sending them repeatedly (hhhhhhhhhhllo for hello or something), etc.

Secondly, and this is something I found out through trial and error, DO NOT HAVE ACTIVESYNC RUNNING WHEN INSTALLING SETPOINT. There is a conflict between activesync and setpoint 2.6, which, at least for me, resulted in the corruption of some of the bluetooth drivers, and the bluetooth software being unable to detect the mouse/keyboard at startup unless I reset all the connections.

Now that I've finally got everything working correctly, I'm liking the product. Unfortunately, the fact that it took this much effort to get it working doesn't speak well on the part of the software support.

I have had this for about a month now, and was a little hesitant to buy it after reading all of the available reviews. People either seemed to love it or hate it. I thought I needed the extra range the Bluetooth would offer over other wireless combos. I needed 8 or 10 feet, because my display is a plasma TV. I use it at home only, and I have not tried any gaming. The mouse overall works well, but drifts some, depending on the surface you are using it on. Battery life has been good. I used the Bluetooth hub provided to HotSync my Palm Tungsten E2 and that worked like a charm.