Logitech unveils diNovo Mini keyboard

Author: Brett Thomas
Published: 10th January 2008
Comments (17) Stumble
Logitech unveils diNovo Mini keyboard

"Look, I'm smaaaallll!" - The clamshell diNovo features a touch click-pad and backlit keys.

If you're a user of media center computers for your home entertainment, you're well aware already that there's a pretty large deficiency in accessories for them. In particular, input devices can be quite a task - a keyboard and mouse are just not applicable when your desktop is three metres away, and the nearest flat surface is your coffee table.

Finally, it seems like Logitech has heard the cries - and this year at the show it's announced the DiNovo Mini keyboard. The small clamshell keyboard is specifically designed for the living room computer, and it appears that the company has thought it through pretty well.

The diNovo Mini features a smaller keyboard design than we're used to, but the keys themselves aren't much smaller. Function keys have been stripped off, and a couple media buttons have been put in place. The key action is very, very low - to the point where it feels like you've barely tapped on a laptop keyboard, which doesn't make for the easiest typing. However, you really wouldn't expect this to be for writing a term paper from your couch!

Also included is a circular trackpad that has integrated click function. Why this click function was pitched as so revolutionary is a touch beyond us, as most laptop track pads contain the ability already. However, one can't really fault Logitech's excellent design, nor its choice to put a clamshell cover over the board. After all, this is in your living room, where spills and dust and knocks and bangs just plain happen.

You'll be able to find the diNovo Mini in stores in the US around the end of February at a retail price target of $149. However, no European release information has been given as of yet - and with Logitech, it could be right around the corner, or...well, not.

Overall, it's a refreshing change of pace from the current selection of wireless keyboards, which still look strongly like a keyboard. They just don't match the sleek design that HTPC cases and interfaces have made such large strides in over the past few years. Finally, it looks like the last "computer" holdout that makes the HTPC hard to have in a living room is getting its attention.

Do you have a thought on the diNovo Mini? Have you been looking for a keyboard that actually looks nice in your living room? Tell us your thoughts in our forums.
Quote konsta 10th January 2008, 08:55
I'd be interested to see a scale on that - how small is it actually?

I'd certainly think about getting one for my htpc, but the £70 direct currency conversion would be my max.
Quote AlexB 10th January 2008, 09:41
Ah! PERFECT.

My keyboard for my media center is great and all, but the cats walk on it - one with a cover is a great idea.

Good work
Quote rhuitron 10th January 2008, 10:07
looks like the Bond phone. You know, When he drove the silver BMW with the touch pad of a smartphone?

I want one.
Quote quack 10th January 2008, 10:10
I absolutely love the look and size of this keyboard but the price is a huge turn-off. £99.99 is a little steep for something that won't actually get used that often.
Quote sandys 10th January 2008, 11:53
It has a switch on the bottom to make some of the buttons more useful on PS3 too apparently

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/whoa-dinovo-mini-has-a-hidden-ps3-compatibility-switch/
Quote Bauul 10th January 2008, 13:04
From the picture, I thought the circular touch pad was a drinks holder. Now that would be a good addition!
Quote DXR_13KE 10th January 2008, 14:02
I've seen better for cheaper.....
Quote BigD79 10th January 2008, 15:25
Got more info at the Logitech site:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=us,en
Quote sandys 10th January 2008, 15:56
Quote:
Originally Posted by DXR_13KE
I've seen better for cheaper.....

If you don't mind can you point me to what is better/cheaper, I am in the market for something like this.

Cheers
Quote Mattt 10th January 2008, 17:04
Im in the market for one to.

DXR_13KE point me in the direction of this amazing keyboard!
Quote Paradigm Shifter 10th January 2008, 17:06
Might get one for my HTPC when I finally build it. :)
Quote DXR_13KE 10th January 2008, 20:43
Let me see if i can find it..... there is a store around here that has these very nice keyboards..... wait please...

edit: found it in a Portuguese page: http://www.tecniplus.net/store/T_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1491 it has a stupid long range and is ergonomic, its keys are like the ones on a laptop and the mouse is on the top right, in the form of a trackball, the left and right mouse buttons are on the left hand side.

http://www.introduxi.pt/fotos/uyyxrr/TECRAT00080_l.jpg
Quote sandys 10th January 2008, 21:01
That'd be cool, if I at least know of some brands to look for that would be a start, I did find a whole shop dedicated to input methods when i was looking for a cheap G15 but can't for the life of me find it now, its the bluetooth rather than RF I am interested in, not that I am adverse to RF I just think that BT would be more reliable at range.
Quote [USRF]Obiwan 11th January 2008, 09:59
I have seen some youtrash videos, but it is very very small. Almost pda like keyboard. And why the big useless lit?
Quote decromin 11th January 2008, 14:02
Quote:
Originally Posted by DXR_13KE
Let me see if i can find it..... there is a store around here that has these very nice keyboards..... wait please...

edit: found it in a Portuguese page: http://www.tecniplus.net/store/T_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1491 it has a stupid long range and is ergonomic, its keys are like the ones on a laptop and the mouse is on the top right, in the form of a trackball, the left and right mouse buttons are on the left hand side.

http://www.introduxi.pt/fotos/uyyxrr/TECRAT00080_l.jpg

Cheaper indeed, but better is a bit more subjective, is it not? Certainly, the Logitech looks better in my opinion, and as for if it is better as a HTPC keyboard, we'll have to wait for the review samples to hit ...
Quote TGImages 11th January 2008, 15:53
Now, charge a bit more (ok a bunch more)... and incorporate a color touch screen in the cover that is useable when the cover is closed. This touch screen would work like their harmony remotes and function as a media control center for all your other devices.

Basically the http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=us,en on the inside coupled with the http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/373&cl=us,en on the outside. This would result in the ideal HTPC controller and keyboard combo.
Quote gabrieljosh 2nd August 2009, 18:43
The compact design of the mini keyboard is one of its key features. Because of its small size it can be taken anywhere and used with any computer that has a USB port.

http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com
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