TechSmec.com

Logitech Produces Stunning Keyboard

October 3rd, 2006

Logitech have produced a rather expensive keyboard, but unlike some of the more ridiculous attempts at pimping up electronic devices, this one is beautiful to behold.

Lets start with the looks, because the appeal starts to fall down when functionality comes into play.

The diNovo Edge is laser-cut from a single piece of black plexiglass. Then, as if that weren’t enough, Logitech have embedded it into an aluminium surround. Icons are backlit in orange or green, but cunningly are invisible until illuminated. Most impressively, the whole thing is only 3/4 inch thick.
“The diNovo Edge is the most beautiful and elegant keyboard we´ve ever made,” said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech´s keyboards and desktops. “It elicits an immediate emotional connection the first time you see it — and that connection only gets stronger when you place your hands upon it. The diNovo Edge delivers a premium experience in every way, from how it looks in the office or living room, to how it feels and performs in the hands of its owner.”

With Bluetooth, the diNovo Edge can connect directly, without the included USB micro-receiver, to PCs that have built-in Bluetooth technology. For computers without built-in Bluetooth technology, people need only plug in the micro-receiver to a USB port to connect the keyboard to the PC; the keyboard and receiver are pre-paired during manufacturing so that they automatically connect when plugged in.

Now, we haven’t actually seen a diNovo edge in the flesh, let alone actually used one, but there’s a nagging concern about the fact that functionality has been compromised over design. For a start, where’s the numeric keypad? Not there, that’s where. Then, what the heck is that thing that looks a bit like a thermometer on the right hand side? It turns out that’s the volume slider and a touchpad that attempts to combine horizontal scroll, vertical scroll and clicking all into one. TechSmec.com has its doubts.

Nevertheless, this is a keyboard designed for the living room, not the office, and minimalism is king in that setting.

You would expect to pay a lot for a keyboard like this, and you’d be right. The diNovo edge is expected to retail at $199 when it launches in the USA and Europe in November.

Entry Filed under: Digital Home, Hardware Tech, Wireless Tech