[slappyking]

Hey guy's, im thinking about buying a 'Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard'( http://www.ithyperstore.com.my/pls/h..._image_id=4267 ), Do any of you guys use one? or Have you used one in the past? Are they any good? Could i use it as a remote for 'MediaPortal' or would i still need to get something like a WMC Remote for that? Is it worth me getting a 'Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard' for when im surfing the net etc on the HTPC?


Thankyou in advance for your advice.


~ Martyn.

 

[--Sclaws]

I have one and like it alot, but I dont use it as a remote(I use a Pronto for that). It does work well for MP configuration and other desktop navigation tasks...only gripe I have would be I'd like to have the mouse pad a bit more accurate, but its not a showstopper IMO and just takes a little getting used to. I have no regrets with it.

 

[galileo2000]

dinovo mini is fine, but way too expensive.


I've got myself Lenovo multimedia keyboard w/trackball and love it. Replaced all my huge IR keyboards.

 

[slappyking]

Cheers guy's for the info so far.


On Ebay the 'diNovo' is about £50 or so, i definatley want one.


Is there any other keyboards that sort of size with the mouse pad aswell? (apart from the Lenovo multimedia)

 

[Noooob]

I have one and it is great.


I will say that I have issues with the directional arrows. The support on the site recommends pushing the buttons in the correct location. that is bullcocky. Some times is just doesn't work then a minutes later it works fine.


The other issue I have come across is that sometimes when I reboot my computer the software doesnt recognize the keyboard. the basic drivers work fine and the keyboard works and the mouse pad are fine, but the dedicated buttons dont work (MC button, itunes, internet explorer). I have to unplug and plug in the receiver for the logitech drivers load. this only happens some times. I think its the USB controller. I have nine USB ports and they show up as USB hubs.


i am just being completely honest. I would buy it again and I might buy a second one. i use it for a key board/mouse/remote for my media center. The above issues are the only two that I have come across. The second is probably an issue with my computer.


This is the best small integrated keyboard I have used and I have had a HTPC for 8/9 years. I have used everything from micro soft wireless keyboards,adesso to gyration.


I really like this.

 

[realtight]

I've owned a bunch of wireless keyboard/mouse combinations and the diNovo mini is the only one I could recommend to anyone. It's not perfect, the mouse pad is a little weird and hard to get used to. It's expensive, but as far as build quality and functionality, it's more then 3 times better then anything else out there... One of the best HTPC buys I've made!

 

[captain_video]

I've got both the DiNovo Mini and a Microsoft 7000 Bluetooth keyboard and I find myself reaching for the full-sized keyboard more often than the Mini. The Mini is fine for occasional use but there are few things I don't like about it. Unless you have the keys memorized you may have a hard time reading some of the multi-function key placards. I tend to watch my HDTV in a darkened room so reading the extra functions on the keyboard is next to impossible without the lights on. For some reason they decided to print the special functions in blue on a dark gray background.


I personally prefer a full-sized keyboard when I type, but then again, I rarely do any texting on my cell phone either. For the younger crowd that likes to use their thumbs for typing, the DiNovo Mini may be just what you're looking for.


The main keyboard is a QWERTY layout but there are many other keys that are placed in non-standard locations, forcing you to look at the keyboard while you type. Again, you will usually need to use it with the room lights on because the backlit keys don't stay on very long. I believe you may be able to program the time that they stay on but I never bothered to do anything with it.

 

[slappyking]

Well. thanks for your help guy's, it looks like im getting one then, i cant wait...

 

[gfbonomi]

Be carefull,

I have one purchased more than one year ago that sometimes stops working.

The only way to get it back in operation is to remove the battery and replace it again into its position. It seems the keyboard loses the bluetooth connection with the mini usb pen.

It seems Logitech has modified the unit but if you buy an old one you may come to the above problem.

One solution seems to be to replace the original bluetooth pen with another one. I had already a MSI bluetooth dongle and everything seems working ok now.


Gianfi

 

[jimwhite]

sure wish it had a way to do the Function keys like F1, F2, etc....

 

[Chalupacabra]

You'll like it. It's a phenomenal piece of kit.


I use both that and a Logitech bluetooth set (the one with the Revolution Bluetooth mouse in it). The full-size set is nice for when I'm going to be playing a game or typing at length, but for the everyday stuff, I use the DiNovo. It's a great product.


It can be used most of the time in lieu of a remote, but it's not as intuitive. I also use it frequently with the PS3 (there's a PC-PS3 switch on the back in the battery compartment for easy switching back and forth).


If you have the money for it, you really can't beat it.

 

[Joesyah]

I have the dinovo and moved it to one of my secondary HTPCs. It is a cool little keyboard for basic use. I like the back-light keys. The mouse pad is almost useless though. And they really need to incorporate function keys.


I use a gyration mouse and mini keyboard on the main HTPC now...much more intuitive to use.

You can get a refurb set for around $85 from circuitycity.com .