CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 11/26/2008
The Logitech diNovo Mac Edition keyboard offers Mac users a viable alternative to Apple's brand of peripherals. Like many of the other keyboards in the Logitech stable, the diNovo Mac Edition uses Logitech's PerfectStroke system to ensure precision and comfort across the keys. Aesthetically, this one looks similar to the Illuminated Keyboard with its sleek lines and piano black finish. While the keyboard does cater many of its functions to Mac users, we're disappointed that the diNovo lacks the familiar USB ports that we've grown accustomed to on Apple's version. In addition, the angle of the keyboard is fixed; and at $99 retail, we're disappointed to see a lack of extra features, like illuminated keys. The diNovo keyboard for Macs works well as a simple input device with all the basic shortcuts built in, but it has a way to go before it becomes a worthy replacement to the stock Apple keyboard.
The slim design of the Logitech diNovo Mac Edition is similar to other Logitech peripherals; a glossy piano black border wraps closely around the keys and a slick silver aluminum wrist rest is fixed to the bottom. Looking at the keyboard from the side, the slender profile almost appears to be carved out of a solid block of plastic, and the build quality is sturdy without feeling bulky. A covered slot on the back of the keyboard reveals the four AAA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries used to power the 2.4GHz wireless connection, and a simple Mini-USB dongle connects to your computer to establish the partnership. According to Logitech, the batteries will last a respectable three years with continuous usage, as long as you slide the power switch to the off position when you're not using it. The plug-and-play design of the keyboard makes it very easy to start using the diNovo, and no drivers are necessary to connect the two devices.
Unfortunately, if you rely on ergonomics to alleviate wrist pain, the diNovo Mac Edition won't be much help. The keyboard sits in a fixed position, meaning you can't adjust the angle of your wrist in relation to your typing surface. Nevertheless, typing on the keys feels natural as a result of Logitech's PerfectStroke key design that places each key exactly 3.2mm apart with uniform feedback across the entire surface of the keys. The end result creates a much more fluid typing experience that we actually prefer over the standard Apple keyboard. Finally, the smooth wrist rest forms your hands into a comfortable position, but users currently experiencing wrist pain will want to seek out a more fine-tuned solution.
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