Logitech DiNovo Media Desktop

Hold no illusions: Logitech's new Bluetooth-enabled DiNovo Media Desktop -- a suite of high-end input devices -- costs a jaw-dropping Â£170 (inc. VAT, from www.dabs.com). But if you want the all-around finest and most elegant desktop experience, it's the clear choice. If you're simply looking for a good mouse-and-keyboard set, search for less expensive alternatives.

Although it’s comprised of three separate devices -- the keyboard, the MX900 mouse and the so-called MediaPad (basically a remote control on steroids) -- the DiNovo Media Desktop is nevertheless simple to set up (other Bluetooth-enabled input devices gave us serious installation headaches). We followed the explicit installation poster and had the Media Desktop running in about half an hour, including a full 15 minutes dedicated to the Bluetooth and Media Desktop software installation. One word of caution: Logitech strongly recommends that you remove any previously installed Microsoft Bluetooth components to get the DiNovo's full Bluetooth-hub functionality. Connecting Bluetooth devices such as cell phones to the DiNovo's Bluetooth network so that you can, say, use the keyboard to reply directly to a text message is a bit cumbersome and unintuitive, but the process is still better than any we've seen to date. In the dawn of Bluetooth, the DiNovo represents one of the technology's best implementations. The DiNovo devices are certainly conversation pieces, thanks to their stylishly thin and sleek design. The keyboard and the MediaPad are relatively shallow, but typing felt excellent in our tests; we even found that we typed a bit faster and more precisely than usual. The keyboard eschews the programmable buttons of Logitech's other boards for a refined look, but it does have Internet and email hot keys, as well as audio-playback controls. Meanwhile, the innovative MediaPad, which unfortunately can't attach to the keyboard, serves as a numeric keypad, a calculator and a remote control for audio, video and photo playback on your PC. Logitech also provides some rudimentary software for accessing your various media from afar. Unfortunately the pad doesn't fit comfortably in your hand and navigation is a bit frustrating. Besides showcasing the date and time, the MediaPad's built-in LCD can display track information and text messages from Bluetooth phones and MSN Messenger. The MX900 mouse is simply a souped-up version of Logitech's award-winning MX700. It feels great in your hand, is extremely precise and has the five buttons we look for, plus three extras for scrolling and switching windows. The Bluetooth hub also serves as the mouse recharger.

Member reviews

Member's rating:

8.50 out of 10

Reply 27 Nov 03 14:54 Reply

But would be better if the MediaPad was attatched to the keyboard

Reply 2 Dec 03 19:18 Reply

This is a great product. It has greatly enhanced the appeal of my desktop. I have used other cordless products from Logitech before, but this is substantially better in terms of materials and workmanship.

The other major improvement of this product is the superb implementation of Bluetooth. The connection between the devices works very well and is easy to set up without any software install.

However, once you install the additional drivers on the computer, it really shines! Logitech has invested a lot of effort to provide tailored documentation for connecting a mass of other Bluetooth enabled devices such as cell phones, headsets and printers. I have succesfully synchronized my Ericsson phone with Outlook, and used a Jabra headset to participate in a MS Messenger voice call.

Well worth the steep price!

Reply 5 Dec 03 13:49 Reply

As input devices go, this has to be the best I've seen, although the Media Pad would be better if it were attached -- I like my numpad firm! Very impressive specs though -- would recommend to a friend!

9.30 out of 10

Reply 8 Dec 03 13:06 Reply

This is a superb bit of kit. It feels so solid compared to the Microsoft Bluetooth range. If you have a stylish HTPC or media center this on your living room table just looks so classy. The keyboards a bit like a laptop with the zero tilt and having upgraded from the mx700 I can feel no difference in the 900 apart from I haven't had to rip it apart when the reconnect button breaks! If you have the money BUY THIS you will not regret it!

7.50 out of 10

Reply 13 Dec 03 10:19 Reply

Got this because I heard that Logitech did the best Bluetooth implementation. So far it seems received wisdom was spot on. It has eliminated all my old Bluetooth problems - the set up just works, like it's supposed to - and the kit is lovely. This keyboard is the finest I have used in years.

9.00 out of 10

Reply 29 Dec 03 22:33 Reply

There really is very little to say about this combo unit except to buy it.

The build quality is far superior to anything else available (and I have tried all!), the features are excellent and for such a well specified unit the installation is trouble free (or was for me anyway).

One minor complaint: the media pad doesn't clip to the main keyboard and there are no riser legs on the media pad -- small touches that would have finished it off for the ultimate in designer look. Yes the two units are used independently most of the time, but it'd be nice to clip them together and have a single-unit piece of art at the end of the day.

That's what this keyboard is -- art with function.

Reply 4 Jan 04 16:37 Reply

It looked so nice so I just had to have it. Too bad the software messed up my Matrox Parhelia drivers. I have a 3-display setup and can't control in which display windows open anymore. Some compatibility issue probably. If I close down the Setpoint software everything is normal again. Except that those neat buttons on the keyboard and pad don't work anymore.

Reply 7 Jan 04 00:42 Reply

I bought this because I could never find a comfortable keyboard, and at last I have found one. The keyboard also works right on the other side of the house.

My advice is that if you have the cash, buy one because they are well worth it!

9.50 out of 10

Reply 16 Feb 04 18:17 Reply

Just bought one, I just knew I would get one of these the first time I saw it. Just used the Media Pad to play films on my TV, it's kind of like a dumbed-down Windows Media Centre display except you use the Media Pad as a remote control....Don't be put off by the price just buy one, you won't be sorry.

Reply 29 Feb 04 00:15 Reply