diNovo Edge Mac vs. PC
by Ryan Block 
posted Aug 8th 2008 at 2:06PM
- Mac keys, and lots of 'em. Not just command, option/alt, etc., they've got the full complement, including Dashboard, Spaces, Quick Look, Front Row, iTunes (plus media controls), brightness up/down, and so on.
- Unfortunately, unlike its PC counterpart, those media and shortcut buttons are not hidden behind the black mirror finish until lit up.
- The keyboard font's changed to something a little thinner and larger. Definitely easier to see, but we'd still like a backlight.
- There's no Bluetooth connect button anymore -- it's smart enough to automatically go into discoverable mode if it's not paired.
- The Mac keyboard stack makes all those shortcuts configurable if you're using the function keys as, well, function keys.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alec @ Aug 8th 2008 2:11PM
[insert witty comment]
fred @ Aug 8th 2008 2:24PM
Does it have an Enter key?
whowhatme @ Aug 8th 2008 3:12PM
yes, I think that's the F3 key on the keyboard
Shinigami @ Aug 8th 2008 2:14PM
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Wow nice pics
The Dude @ Aug 8th 2008 2:25PM
Congratulations. It only took 2 years to make it to Macs. That's got to be some sort of record-breaking pace for software/hardware cross-overs.
Hamidxa @ Aug 8th 2008 9:24PM
Not really,
Mac always gets PC leftovers quite late.
I hear they will be getting Crysis in the year 2020, just in time for the launch of the Mac's version of the HD 4870 X2 cards.
Cory @ Aug 9th 2008 9:59AM
Keep in mind that Apple is
barry99705 @ Aug 8th 2008 2:34PM
Is that a trackpad?
Kamokazi @ Aug 8th 2008 3:14PM
Yes, and it works quite well. I have the PC version on my HTPC and I end up using that more than my MX Air, I only have to whip that out for serious web surfing now. You actually run your thumb around the edge to scroll, and works horizontally or vertically depending on where you start from. And it clicks for psuedo-tactile feedback.
Phoenix @ Aug 8th 2008 3:28PM
No, it's a coffee warmer.
OF COURSE IT'S A TRACKPAD. try reading the other articles on this (linked to in the article) before asking
coffee @ Aug 8th 2008 3:43PM
did someone say Coffee Warmer?
//bought
NHAnimator @ Aug 8th 2008 3:45PM
A coffee warmer isn't such a dumb idea. My PC has a retractable coffee cup tray.
Darkon @ Aug 8th 2008 2:37PM
So, will the Mac drivers work with the original diNovo keyboard for Windows? I alreayd have a Windows diNovo and would like to get full usage of the media keys w/o having to buy a new Mac diNovo.
Andrew @ Aug 8th 2008 2:58PM
Not very likely is it? It's probably almost the same hardware so we'll see soon enough.
Big John @ Aug 9th 2008 11:10AM
Don't bother with the Logitech drivers, they're extremely buggy. Do a quick Google for "logitech os x driver problem" and you'll see a good number of pages about issues.
Instead try USB Overdrive (http://www.usboverdrive.com/USBOverdrive/Information.html). It's donationware, and only has a dialogue box with no wait time on boot if you really don't want to pay. Gives you far more flexibility.
JLV0628 @ Aug 8th 2008 2:56PM
So I take it this should be shipping pretty soon?
Danger @ Aug 8th 2008 2:56PM
No numpad?
No thanks.
Cagrino @ Aug 8th 2008 4:04PM
Got it a year and half ago (PC version) and thought I would miss the numbers pad too. Turns out, my typing just improved to use the standard numbers keys. :-)
It is by far the best keyboard I've ever used and paired with the MX Revolution mouse the best combo out there. Still don't get the fuss over Optimus Maximus.
Danger @ Aug 8th 2008 4:08PM
I used a smaller laptop through a few years of college that didn't have a number pad. I'm back at an office with a full sized keyboard on my PC and a larger laptop with a numpad and I've realized how nice it is to have one, especially while writing up technical documents and drafting. Personal preference, I guess. It's a great looking keyboard though!
Danger @ Aug 8th 2008 4:08PM
I used a smaller laptop through a few years of college that didn't have a number pad. I'm back at an office with a full sized keyboard on my PC and a larger laptop with a numpad and I've realized how nice it is to have one, especially while writing up technical documents and drafting. Personal preference, I guess. It's a great looking keyboard though!
Danger @ Aug 8th 2008 4:09PM
Evidently the enter key on this keyboard is a bit sensitive though...
downrank for me.. )=
Tyler Willis @ Aug 8th 2008 6:49PM
I really want somebody to man up and create a wireless bluetooth keypad for the Mac. Some people just need the darn things.
computer.dude.28 @ Aug 8th 2008 3:08PM
I've never used a bluetooth keyboard, but I would assume it wouldn't work in BIOS or anything before Windows. Does the keyboard automatically connect with Windows on startup?
computer.dude.28 @ Aug 8th 2008 3:12PM
Just to add to that, do bluetooth keyboards go into standby when not in use to save battery? 15 days on battery doesn't seem like very good life to me, I have a standard RF wireless keyboard and it lasts about a year on 2 AA's and I leave my computer on 24/7.
That's a sweet volume control.
Kamokazi @ Aug 8th 2008 3:17PM
The Windows version has a USB dongle that you can use that automatically pairs up with it. The dongle is not a generic bluetooth adapter, it is specialized for the keyboard.
Kamokazi @ Aug 8th 2008 4:05PM
It has a recharging dock.
Cagrino @ Aug 8th 2008 4:07PM
I use mine with the dongle and it works in the BIOS. Also, I only have to charge it about every 2 months or so.
jambino @ Aug 8th 2008 4:44PM
For what it's worth... that was 15 days left on 50% remaining power. So 30 days total... oh and it a rechargeable thingamabob. So there's no replacing batteries in any immediate future.
Wonderkid @ Aug 8th 2008 3:13PM
For those on a budget, but keen on something very comfortable, I accidentally came across a Cherry CONNECT Wireless keyboard and mouse in Maplin for £14.95 (normal price £19.95). Looks nice, feels great and there are volume controls at the front - easy to reach. I don't use the mouse that came with it, preferring my fantastic Logitech VX Laser Mouse. Both work together nicely. The Cherry keyboard has a built in wrist rest too .
vasilis @ Aug 8th 2008 3:52PM
Hm maybe I should give it a shot although I am not sure I will like the keyboard feel, my previous logitechs were a very mixed bag in that respect.
I loved the white apple keyboard feel but after 3 of them failing on me in less than 13 monhs (thanks john lewis for exchange them every single time) I ended up getting a refund. I can't say I like the new ones nearly as much so I am on the lookout for a different keyboard.
UnixSystemsEngineer @ Aug 8th 2008 8:03PM
Seriously? The white keyboards Apple has been shipping with the pro are hideous.
I literally never used the one at home, and I used one at work for a few months before finally giving up and buying (okay, expensing) one of them fancy new aluminum keyboards. I like the key travel since i can also type quite well on my thinkpad, but it took some getting used to the spacing. Now when I go back to the thinkpad I tend to overshoot keys a bit.
I think the culprit is that the raised edges of keys on normal keyboards makes it easy to locate the key before pressing it; on this keyboard you just have to 'learn' the spacing, then you type fast.
I have no problem switching back to my Matias TactilePro at home, but it makes typing on the (smaller) thinkpad keyboard hard to get used to.
But yeah, those white Pro keyboards Apple was shipping.. utter junk. Almost as squishy and mushy as the original iMac keyboard.
robot @ Aug 8th 2008 3:35PM
Quick Look key? As opposed to...the spacebar?
Andune @ Aug 8th 2008 4:27PM
What? The spacebar doesn't... oh wait.
Logitech what were you thinking?
James @ Aug 8th 2008 3:42PM
No keypad. No good for me.
Kevin Nelson @ Aug 8th 2008 3:43PM
Does this Mac version work for PC as well? Im running BootCamp on my Intel-based Mac... will the keyboard work when I switch over to Windows?
huyness @ Aug 8th 2008 3:58PM
FYI the dinovo edge for the pic is only $100 after $50 rebate at buydig or j&r. I would get one cause its so sexy but i need an ergonomic keyboard cause i type too much :(
ed @ Aug 8th 2008 4:05PM
I prefer the IBM Clicky. I need more 'depth' in my key presses, and to me the sound is like a white noise generator.....
BirdofPrey @ Aug 9th 2008 7:05AM
It's not a real keyboard if the key presses are under 90dB.
These new mushy laptop style keys just suck
Laron @ Aug 8th 2008 4:07PM
I wonder why they changed the orange back...that was a great design touch.
aquatsr @ Aug 8th 2008 4:19PM
I actually like the latest Apple keyboards, so if there's no backlight on the DiNovo I'll pass for now.
R @ Aug 8th 2008 4:50PM
I have the PC version. Great keyboard. I prefer the laptop style keys, over the traditional keys. Great battery life too. A full charge will last you at least a month. The scrollpad is a pretty good idea. It takes a little while to get used to at first. But it works well. DO NOT install the software that comes with the keyboard. Mine came with a really old version for some reason. Go directly to the Logitech site and download the latest version there.
My main gripe with the keyboard is the arrangement of the Home, End. PgUp, PgDn, Insert, Delete keys. I use those keys a lot. And I still haven't gotten used to the wacky arrangement in the diNovo. I accidentally hit the Delete a lot.. mainly because it's so freakin huge
Other than that, no regrets. Plus, I got it on sale at Amazon with a $50 rebate. So net cost was something like $80.
josh @ Aug 8th 2008 4:53PM
I wouldn't buy anything from Logitech, they're support is horrible. My keyboard stopped working, I called them, they recommended that I go out and buy a new one as they "new exactly" what the problem was. They told me a windows update rendered my keyboard inoperable and it couldn't be fixed. By chance I unplugged the keyboard and it's power, etc and plugged it back in and it worked - Logitech didn't try and troubleshoot my problem at all, just tried to get me to buy more. I will never buy another Logitech product again and I suggest no one does. Oh, and when I sent Logitech a note about the situation no one even had the courtesy to get back to me.
a12ctic @ Aug 8th 2008 6:18PM
First, why would you call a tech support line in the first place? They're never any help. Secondly wouldn't unplugging and replugging it in be one of the first things you'd try? Have you never attempted trouble shooting a computer peripheral before?
Decoy @ Aug 8th 2008 7:48PM
Hi, I'm from Logitech, so you're having problems with your keyboard? It's not uncommon and there is an easy solution:
1. Unplug keyboard (like you did). This will reset the peripheral and more importantly stop you from typing more sissy winges on the internet.
2. Don't plug in the keyboard again, instead stick it up your bottom. Surely a better place for it
3. Stick your letter of complaint up your bottom too.
Love, Logitech.
UnixSystemsEngineer @ Aug 8th 2008 8:07PM
I bought the MX Revolution for my work machine, since I love my MX1000 at home. It sorta sucks though, the controls aren't as good as the MX1000, the scroll wheel is too stiff in click mode, and too free-spinning in no-click mode. I should just eBay an MX1000.
But the charging stand that came with my original revolution was junk, I spent months trying to make it work, but every time i came back to the thing the mouse had decided to stop charging.
Support sent me a new one and never asked for the old one back, 6 months later I still have both.
Thanks Logitech!
霽月瀛台 @ Aug 11th 2008 5:40AM
Yes, their support is really terrible.
I am using the G7 mouse, and the Crt key locking problem on firefox is still there after 10 software upgrades.
And people have been complaining about the battery warning that they ask to have a option to shut it down. however; Logitech ignores this complain for more than 2 years.
I just really hate Logitech in this moment, and wish there would be a competitor to pull it down.
THEIR driver is very crappy, just take a look at the official forum and see how many people suffer and being ignored.
Hell of suffering users of logitech mouse:
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board?board.id=hardware_mice
Steve @ Aug 8th 2008 5:17PM
What's also very lame is that the letters are wearing out (like the letters A,E). This is *not* covered by the warranty. For $150, I expect a helluva lot more. Wireless was nice, but in the end, it's sitting on a shelf, and I'm back to using a ThinkPad keyboard with the Trackpoint. Better keyboard and better mouse for half the price.
Gav @ Aug 8th 2008 5:17PM
This reminded me of the "strange" placement of keys on American Keyboards.
I personally would find it hard to type on an American keyboard, because of the small Enter and Backspace keys, as well as everything else being slightly off. (despite popular belief, it isn't just the " and @ keys that are different)
This is all a bit off topic though, because Logitech sell a UK version of this keyboard :)
Beeswax @ Aug 9th 2008 1:12AM
I've personally seen the bigger enter and backspace keys as a waste of space. Does it really help your typing? I've just never had the need.
franzbonus @ Aug 8th 2008 5:49PM
I have the DiNovo Edge for PC and well, lemme resume the comparison vs the Apple version: IT'S THE SAME FREAKIN' KEYBOARD.
The only thing is, when on a white computer, you aren't expected to have a flag key on the bottom left of the keyboard; you want to press a bitten apple that forced you to shell out more money than you should have.