Home : Hardware : Reviews : diNovo Mini
The secondary function keys provide quite a service to users, including options to open a browser, music player, zoom in and out, put the PC in sleep mode and even opening the task manager through CTRL+ALT+DELETE. The browser, music player and standby function keys are all customizable, so switching from Internet Explorer to Firefox is simple, so long as it is pre-set.
Opening the back panel reveals the rechargeable Li-ion battery, connect button, housing for the USB dongle and a switch to change from PC to PlayStation 3 mode. We felt that the removal of the battery, which is required to shut off the diNovo because of the lack of power buttons, was more difficult than it should be. It's held in place by a piece of plastic, which may be more difficult to remove for those with stubbier fingers. 
On the PS3, the diNovo functioned well enough, both with and without the dongle. It was upsetting that no keys had any representation of the buttons on the standard controller that they represented. While the diNovo is not meant for gaming, we did expect to be able to enter and exit titles and navigate through the PS3's menu system and browser without incident. It was more difficult than we'd anticipated, and keeping a powered controller tended to be necessary to use the PS3 properly.
As a keyboard, we were generally impressed by the feel and weight of the device. The glossy, easy to scratch and dirty cover is unnecessary. It may match the PS3, but it won't fit well in most homes. The silver and black finish does give it a sleek texture, but the cover very easily ruins that appeal.
The exceptional battery life is highly commendable, averaging at about one month per charge. After our initial charge, our extensive tests showed no drop in efficiency after nearly two weeks of testing. It also utilizes a quick-charge feature, enabling ten minutes of charging to last for about a day, should the need arise.
Because it is a device built for the living room, it does not connect to any device other than a Windows PC and the PlayStation 3. There is currently no support, planned or otherwise, for Mac OS or the Xbox 360. Mac compatibility wasn't expected, but we would have liked to see the keyboard connect to the 360 as well, which is currently holding market dominance over the PS3 and also integrates with Windows Media Center easily.
While Logitech isn't able to keep the kids out of the living room, the diNovo Mini is the perfect companion for controlling streaming media from your PC to your TV. The keyboard ensures easy access to all your media needs, the additional touchpad mouse enables all PC-compliant applications to be controlled from the couch and light-sensitive backlit buttons confirms that you won't need to get up from the cozy space you spent twenty minutes making. Except to yell for some piece and quiet.
Highs
Long battery life; tactile buttons; easy configuration; future-proof, backlit buttons.
Lows
Easy to dent and scratch cover; cheap back cover and battery holster; lack of Mac and Xbox 360 support; may be pricey for some at $150.
Final verdict
It might be too early for some, but the diNovo Mini is an excellent remote for your PC driven media center.
85%
Apr 6, 2008
Review by James Pikover.
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