Overall the Dinovo mini is one of the better HTPC keyboards/mouse combos I've used. The lighted keys and touchpad are great features to have so that you never need a fullsize keyboard or mouse lying around in your living room. After using the device for three years here are the major problems I've noticed with the design - (1) the keys are not aligned in the traditional QWERTY offset, instead they are vertically aligned (2) Using the touchpad as a D-pad is not the best design... the way it works is there is actually only one "button" but the device senses what position of the pad your finger is on and tries to interpret which button you want to push... this is nice in theory except that the device sometimes doesn't register it correctly. It takes some time to get used to, but eventually you will learn how to best press each direction (3) There is no "off" button so if the device becomes non-responsive you need to pull the battery out. This has become a problem for me because the battery contacts actually broke, so it is a bit of a hassle to put it back in. Despite these cons, the device still has been great to use.

elaye949

Syracuse, NY

Before owning the Dinovo Mini I had the Logitech MediaBoard Pro. The MediaBoard felt cheap and not worth the money I spent on it. I returned it and purchased the Dinovo Mini and I haven't looked back since. I'm using this to control my media center PC running Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and XBMC and it works great. Pairing it with Ubuntu was a snap using the included receiver and I never notice any signal issues (lag, dropped connection, etc). Occasionally the clickpad doesn't "click" like I feel it should. I have to re-click more towards the center of the pad. If my click is too far on the edge it won't register. Other than than, this thing is great. I don't use it all the time, but the battery life seems excellent. I've charged it once (the first time) since getting it and I haven't had to charge it since. It's been about 2 months.

nastysquar3d

Pittsburgh, PA

I'm a huge fan of Logitech products. I have mice and keyboards a decade old that just will not quit and there gaming mice are second to none. So in my pursuit to find the perfect HTPC keyboard I had high hopes the Logitech DiNovo Mini would fill that need. So far I am not that impressed. The key feature for the DiNovo Mini is the illuminated keyboard for those nighttime viewings. The keyboard also has a mouse function, that while at times is frustrating, it serves its purpose once you get the hang of it. Typing with its full qwerty keyboard featuring most of the major keys is a breeze even considering its small size, however it can become tedious having to us the function key in combination with other keys to complete a keystroke. There is a selectable switch for keyboard only function or keyboard/mouse combination. This deactivates the mouse function so all keys function as a proper keyboard. The DiNovo Mini connects to the PC via a blue-tooth dongle that while bulky has excellent range. Powered by a 930mAh Lithium Ion battery the DiNovo is reported to hold a charge for up a months worth of use. There's also a media bar to control media play and three programmable keys that you can assign limited function to such as putting the HTPC in a sleep state. Main disappointments include the media bar where, for instance with Windows 7 Media Center, only the play/pause button functions. You cannot remap these keys nor can you designate keys to be used in the Media Center program itself. Other media programs that allow modification of key mapping do work. After a months use the DiNovo mouse has gained a mind of its own that speeds itself up rendering it useless and I have to slide the keyboard toggle back and forth to regain control. Not sure if it's a hardware or software issue, but re-installation of drivers and software did nothing to correct the issue. The battery life of my particular DiNovo is no where near the months claim by Logitech. With daily use I need to recharge every other day. Perhaps I have a defective unit and if so I'll revisit this review if corrected. As I see it now with my DiNovo Mini in its current state, this is not the perfect HTPC keyboard

sleddie

Sheboygan, WI

I love the design of this remote.  I love the backlit keys.  I love the features.  I love that it's bluetooth.  It feels like it's the ultimate HTPC remote based on what is said on the box and on Logitech's web site.  However, it is not.  It's ridiculously expensive, mouse trackpad is not the easiest/best, keys make a loud, clickety sound (like it's about to break), and it's begging to be scratched.  It also does not have a long battery life I found out when I had to charge it once every 2-3 weeks.  I'm surprised, because I do not use it that often and most Logitech products have great battery life (though I've only used their mice, keyboards, remotes, and webcams). I prefer the trackball as my mouse on the Lenovo mini keyboard than the awkward feeling trackpad on the Dinovo mini.  I still don't know what I feel.  I have had this remote for over a year now, and I sometimes wished I returned it.  This is just not the perfect remote that I wished for. Sorry Logitech, I love your products.

bobaloba

Sugar Land, TX

this miniature keyboard is great if you really need to type quickly but in terms of everyday carrability, it will not be something to just throw in your pocket.  though i guess if you really wanted to you could carry it in a purse.  the key quality is pretty good.  though since it is a minaturized keyboard, it can be a little hard to type if you have big or chubby hands.  regardless it is much larger than the keyboard on some minuature devices.  the battery life is pretty good i haven't had to replace the battery and i have had it for a couple months though i do not use it that often.  the miniatureized usb plug in is also a nice touch. it is very small and hard to notice it in your input device.  it is a great way and a great range to have wher eyou can be away from the computer and type at the same time.  the reported distance is around thirty feet, but i have been able to go a couple feet beyond that.  

reviewer221

Durham, NC