Logitech diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks Review

by Jerry Jackson

Despite the fact that more and more people are buying notebooks to replace their desktop PCs, external keyboards remain a popular accessory for any laptop owner who is working at a desk. But what if you want a compact, notebook-like keyboard that offers the same typing experience of a larger desktop style keyboard? Logitech's answer is the new diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks, a low-profile wireless keyboard that barely takes up any desk space ... and can easily slide into your laptop bag for long business trips.

Build and Design

The Logitech diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks might look like an all new design, but anyone familiar with Logitech's previous keyboard offerings will notice a striking similarity to the Logitech S510 keyboard. The S510 was a low-profile cordless keyboard that many laptop owners felt was a perfect match for notebooks when working at a desk. The new diNovo is something of a spiritual successor to the S510 in that it offers a similar low-profile construction, similar design, and appeals to notebook users.

Old Logitech S510 Keyboard

New Logitech diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks

Package Contents

• The Logitech diNovo Keyboard
• USB mini-receiver
• CD with software
• Comfort guidelines and User’s guide
• 5-year limited hardware warranty

As with the S510 keyboard, the diNovo doesn't exactly look like an ergonomic keyboard but it is quite comfortable to use. The key strokes are quiet, much quieter than the clicky sound you get from cheap laptop keyboards or the included desktop keyboard that comes with a pre-built desktop. The key travel of feedback is more shallow than a typical desktop keyboard, similar to many notebooks. The layout is typical for a full-size keyboard. It also contains a built in wrist rest, which is slightly curved and works very well despite the fact it's made of cold, hard metal (more on that later). The similarity of the keys to a notebook with better key spacing and a dedicated number pad make it very easy to transition between using your notebook keyboard and using the diNovo. The zero degree tilt of the low-profile design helps in this regard since it is similar to most laptop keyboards.

The included wireless receiver works well and we never encountered problems with lost signals during our testing. The only potential negative regarding the receiver is that since this keyboard is designed for notebook users we would have liked to see Logitech use their "Nano receiver" since this would have allowed notebook users to leave the receiver plugged into a USB port without having a long USB device sticking out of the USB port.

The ultra-slim form factor of this keyboard is really one of the main selling points. Not only does this make it a little less bulky on your desk but it also makes it easier to slide the diNovo into your notebook bag when traveling. The keys are extremely durable and shoud withstand the pressures of travel. The keys themselves are based on Logitech's new "PerfectStroke" key system which uses precision micro-scissors behind each key to make each keystroke smooth, well-cushioned, and silent. The wrists also receive a large brushed aluminum palm rest, which gives a little more comfort and encourages better hand positioning.

The diNovo keyboard is powered by two AA batteries and battery life is expected to be an impressive 3 years! (We obviously couldn't put that claim to the test in time to publish this review.) There is a low-battery warning light that glows when it's time to replace the batteries.

In Use

As mentioned above, the diNovo is an exceptional keyboard, but there are two potential criticisms buyers might have with this keyboard. First, the metal palm rest, while beautiful, is both hard and cold on the wrists. Most keyboards with palm/wrist rests use padded material that cushions the palms or wrists and isn't cold to the touch. In our 70-degree office the metal palm rest remained in the mid 60s unless it was warmed up from heavy use. That's a little too cold for comfort.

Additionally, although the low-profile design is nice and promotes a more comfortable typing experience, some typists prefer a slight angle to their keyboards. The diNovo lacks any kind of risers to elevate the back of the keyboard ... so get used to typing on a flat surface.

Conclusion

Time and time again we have trouble finding serious faults with Logitech's keyboards and mice. The diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks is yet another great Logitech keyboard that does an excellent job at providing both a comfortable typing experience and meeting the needs of its intended audience. Notebook users who were looking for the spiritual successor to the popular Logitech S510 keyboard should find the diNovo to be the perfect fit for desktop replacement notebooks.

Overall, this keyboard provides a fantastic typing experience and takes up minimal space on a desk or inside a laptop bag ... making it the ideal choice for notebook owners looking for a full-sized keyboard for desktop use. However, for the full MSRP of $99.99, this wireless keyboard might seem a little high priced since you can purchase a Logitech Alto Cordless keyboard and docking station for the same price as this keyboard alone.

Pros:

• Low-profile design is both compact and makes it convenient for travel
• Quiet, well-cushioned key presses
• Fantastic advertised battery life with low battery indicator

Cons:

• Flat profile without risers might be uncomfortable for some typists
• USB receiver is a little large, but not too bad
• Palm rest is hard and cold

Pricing and availability

The Logitech diNovo keyboard for notebooks is available at retail stores everywhere and has an MSRP of $99.99. Visit the Logitech website for more information about features and availability.

 

Thanks so much for the review, Jerry I've been debating whether or not I should buy this keyboard and I've always wanted to see a full-fledged review. I'm still contemplating between this and the DiNovo Edge

 

Nice review & pics there Jerry...

That is a slim keyboard. If I were looking for one, and a slim one..I might just have to ponder this one!


Cin

 

Thank you for the review.

I see two drawbacks:
* still no bluetooth, I don't get it what is going on with manufacturers -- why bother clients with USB-dongles?
* the palmrest in laptops is at the level of the keys, in diNovo it is a slope going down, it is bad for wrist

So, still no a product for me.

 

i always find it difficult seeing the screen with an external keyboard installed. everything on the screen is too small to see, i find it straining to my eye.

i wonder if that alumunium rest will corrode just like the MBP alumunium body.

 

ive got the "edge" version, and if the material is the same - it looks like it is - then it won't discolor. i've had my keyboard for ~18 months now and have been using it just about every day. no issues here.

 

Great review, I want to see one on the Logitech Illuminated keyboard, that thing looks pretty nice too.

 

i think the problem with bluetooth accessories is that not everybody has bluetooth like how everybody has a usb port. Also, bluetooth is highly unstable. I use the Microsoft bluetooth mouse/keyboard set and it always breaks. There would be a letter here letter there or the mouse will stop working. Too much headache.

 

Ii got this keyboard over a week ago.... have to say

the typing experience is the best I even had.... very positive respond, even better than the diNovo Edge

The only down side (for me) is the metal Palm rest, it is quite cold to rest your hand on...

 

by the way... there is another major weakness of this keyboard... gaming

used this keyboard to play CS and noticed there is a very limited number of keys responding at the same time... I cannot walk, turn and jump at the same time which suggest the limit is around 3 keys

so gamers.... beware

 

looks far over priced and i thought one of the main purposes to an external keyboard is comfort.... No typing angle=no comfort for me. I i like it as steep as i can get it!!!

 

woah, I would really like to test it
couldn't find one near here

 

I saw a blog posting about a new portable keyboard from a company called Atek that they call the OnBoard Travel Keyboard. It looks pretty interesting because it has a cover to protect the keys when you pack it in your travel bag. BTW their "password organizer" looks interesting too.

 

Most keyboards have this 3-key rollover problem. Only older IBM keyboards and newer keyboards like the Das Keyboard have n-key rollover. This n-key rollover lets you press like 10 buttons simultaneously with every key registering. However, they are expensive.

The majority of newer keyboards do not have n-key rollover to cut costs. It is a shame that a $100 dollar keyboard like the Logitech diNovo does not have n-key rollover.

 

I never had that problem... I guess all my perious keyboards are either PS/2 or gaming one...

This is my first keyboard have this problem..

 

I had a similar wired keyboard from Logitech that I really liked, it was the Y-SX49 "Ultraflat" keyboard.

The only problem was, the lettering started wearing off the keys in just a few months... very annoying! And I'm not spending big bucks on a keyboard that's gonna do that.

 

...wait this keyboard isnt backlit? I want a wireless keyboard that is backlit can anyone advises me on a good one?

 

well... not if you wanted to change the battery every week.....

 

, does this mean i have to replace my S510?!

 

If I already have a VX nano will my current receiver support both my mouse and the keyboard? Or do I need to have both dongles plugged in?

 

dont think so... because each receiver is matched (password) with the mouse / keyboard

 

......its called a rechargeable keyboard

 

oh i want one!