The Ultimate Desktop Set
Often when making a decision about a new computer, two components tend to get overlooked. As these items provide the main method for the user to communicate with the computer, it is not surprising that many quickly decide that a replacement keyboard and mouse should be placed at the top of their wish list for future purchases. Fortunately there are plenty of alternatives available. Logitech is one company that appreciates this situation and has a range of keyboards and mice available.
At the top end of the range is the diNovo Media Desktop Laser product which makes use of the latest Bluetooth technology. This particular desktop kit consists of a slim line keyboard; bulky mouse that is more suited to the right handed user; and a MediaPad remote commander. There is also a base station with its own power lead and a USB mini-receiver. While the mouse has a built-in rechargeable battery (replenished by the base station), the keyboard and MediaPad require AA batteries which are supplied. A CD containing various software items and a poster-size installation guide complete the package.
At first glance the black and matt silver keyboard might look a little unusual. This is due to a combination of the various silver min-buttons for launching specific applications and a media navigation compass wheel dotted around the sides of the device plus the absence of a numeric keypad. You have not been short changed as the keypad had been transferred to the MediaPad which combines the features of a multimedia remote control, navigator tool, calculator and a means of receiving messages and emails when not in front of your computer,
Adopting the same colour scheme as the keyboard, the MediaPad is eminently portable with its own LCD panel for displaying messages that are visible in most lighting conditions. When no new messages are available, the panel will show the current date and time. Mode buttons allow you to switch between using the MediaPad as a numpad, navigator (for launching applications and moving between Internet pages) and a calculator. Other buttons let you launch your preferred multimedia application (by default this is the supplied Logitech MediaLife) and adjust volume levels. A certain degree of customisation is possible with this device and the keyboard / mouse components.
Installing the provided software can be a little time consuming and there is an offer to go online to check for any updates. A system restart will be required at the conclusion of the installation and you can then take the opportunity to view of tour of your new kit - however the tour is restricted to the mouse. For more information about the keyboard, MediaPad and supplied MediaLife software for managing multimedia content, you will need to access the help files.
The diNovo kit is well designed piece of kit although I would have preferred a slim mouse rather than the bulky model supplied in the kit. Having said that the optical mouse feels comfortable in the hand, moves smoothly and has enough buttons to keep most users busy clicking away. The keyboard does not suffer from the lack of a keypad. Although there were a couple of occasions when I accidental activated the multimedia control situated in the lower right corner of the unit but no harm was done as a result. I also felt that it would have been useful to be able to adjust the volume level of the sound warning of incoming messages on the MediaPad.
With the combination of Bluetooth technology and the innovative MediaPad, you will not be surprised to hear that Logitech has placed a price premium of £159.99 on this product which requires Windows XP.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/GB/EN,CRID=2158,CONTENTID=10777
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