Seeing as this is a notebook-specific keyboard, that was the first environment I tested the diNovo in. I have a 12" HP notebook and while the keyboard on it isn't too terribly small, it was nice to have a full size keyboard with number pad to type on. Thanks to Logitech's PerfectStroke key system, the board typed really well and I didn't have any complaints about the keys at all. If you own a netbook, the diNovo would certainly be a welcomed addition, as all netbooks have cramped keyboards.
Next I tried using the diNovo as a full desktop replacement board, and once again, I had no issues with it. It is large enough to work perfectly as a permanent desktop keyboard, not to mention it looked right at home on my glossy black desk. The only quirk I found when using it as a desktop solution was that it took some time to get used to its low profile.
The final test for the diNovo was with my HTPC. I had my doubts as to if it would work, since my desk is about 12' from the HTPC and many other non-Bluetooth keyboards have been unable to keep a connection at this distance. At the very least, I was hoping the diNovo would reach from my recliner which is about 8' away. But, to my surprise, the board worked perfectly from my desk, and even back into the hallway, about 16' away!
If you are a fan of the Logitech diNovo Edge but the high price tag has kept you from making the purchase, the diNovo for Notebooks is the keyboard for you. Granted it does lack a few features, namely Bluetooth connectivity, the touch volume control / mouse pad and flashy lights, the diNovo for Notebooks makes up lost ground by including a number pad, something the Edge lacked and a much cheaper price tag.
Other than that, however, the two keyboards are nearly identical in design. The same piano-black finish and aluminum wrist rest have returned as well as the PerfectStroke scissor key system.
Retractable feet have been replaced by a permanent slope to type on, which may or may not be your cup of tea. Four rubber feet hold the board securely on your desk, which isn't always the case with retractable feet as they often lack rubber feet.
Power is supplied by four included Duracell AAA batteries that Logitech claims will last up to three years. At this rate, a set of rechargeable batteries should easily last the life of the keyboard.
The range on this keyboard was above and beyond anything I was expecting. Despite not having Bluetooth, the 2.4 GHz wireless technology was able to reach to my hallway, some 16' away from the USB receiver and still worked perfectly.
There are only a few things I found that I didn't care too much for with the diNovo for Notebooks. The embossed Logitech name and logo centered on the wrist rest was a bit annoying as my wrist kept sliding over it uncomfortably. A smooth version of this or perhaps not having it at all would be much preferred.
It also took me some time to get used to typing on such a low profile keyboard, but once I got adjusted to it, this was no longer an issue.
As of writing, the diNovo for Notebooks retails for $84.99 at a popular online reseller. This may be a bit much for a notebook-only keyboard, but its versatility as a great desktop and HTPC board makes it a great value.
The Logitech diNovo for Notebooks has earned the OCIA.net Seal of Approval.
