Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

Posted: 05 Jun 2009 03:15 AM PDT

Looking to buy a new wireless keyboard for your desktop or laptop? Well, I just for my review unit for the Logitech diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks. Priced at $99, it's not a cheap keyboard, but you're paying for the technology inside the keyboard.

In this post, I'll go through the advantages and any disadvantages that I found while working with this keyboard. Before we get started, here are some of the major features of the keyboard:

Sleek and stylish design (piano-black finish and brushed metal palm rest)
Long lasting battery (three year battery life means you'll probably never need to change it)
Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connection that reduces interference with wireless networks and ensures a fast data transfer rate.
Configurable function keys (F1 to F9)

What's in The Box

Firstly, the diNovo keyboard is very sleek and stylish looking. It's super thin and is very solid. I personally really like the silver metal strip at the bottom of the keyboard. It gives it the sleek look and makes it feel sturdier.

The only other thing that comes with the keyboard is the wireless receiver. It's a tiny little USB stick that you will need to plug into your desktop or laptop.

Hardware - Getting it Working

So how easy is this wireless keyboard to use? Lots of people want to know like I do because I've had my share of wireless keyboards that wouldn't even connect to my computer!

Well, connecting the diNovo keyboard was a piece of cake. It took all but 1 minute to get the keyboard working with my desktop. Just plug in the USB receiver and once it has been detected, turn on the wireless keyboard.

That's it! The keyboard was working without having to install any software or drivers or anything else. It just worked! That's what I like. The software that comes with the keyboard allows you to setup the more advanced features of the keyboard, so it's up to you if you want to install it or not.

Now to the keyboard itself. The typing experience is enjoyable. I was originally using a Dell keyboard that came with my desktop, but the diNovo was far superior. The diNovo has the PerfectStroke key system, which makes each keystroke fluid and silent. It definitely makes a difference.

They keyboard has other nice features like an Eject CD button, a mute button, volume up and down buttons, and a Calculator button, which loads up Windows Calculator. Also, the keys are laid out as you would normally find them on most keyboards, so you don't have to retrain yourself.

Software – Logitech SetPoint

The Logitech SetPoint software is pretty self-explanatory. Basically, it lets you choose exactly which program you want to open for each button. You can also choose to open a file, open a folder, show a custom menu, assign a keystroke, or do nothing!

Overall, the keyboard is a pleasure to type on and works flawlessly. With an excellent battery life, sleek design, and wireless capability, it's worth $99. The only other feature I wish it had was an illuminated keypad!