A supremely stylish keyboard from Logitech but perhaps not as suited to casual users

Review: Logitech Dinovo Edge Keyboard

Logitech’s new keyboard, touted as ‘world’s most advanced’

Written by Paul Lester, Computeract!ve

Larger Image

Verdict:

Good Points

  • Extremely responsive and very nice to use
  • Slim and stylish with a built in touchpad
  • Vista compatible

Bad Points

  • No numeric keypad
  • Very expensive

Overall There's no doubt that the Logitech Dinovo Edge is a supremely stylish keyboard that’s very nice to use. Whether casual users can justify paying this much is another question – there are other, albeit less attractive, alternatives around that offer more functionality for less.

Rating:

4

Price:

£150

Logitech claims the new Dinovo Edge to be the world’s most advanced keyboard, something you don’t often hear in relation to such peripherals.

In truth the technology that justifies these remarks is mostly based around the design and construction, rather than offering wacky new functionality.

Advertisement

Built from a single sheet of laser cut plexiglass, the Logitech Dinovo Edge is very slim and stylish.

Logitech has achieved a minimalist look by having the majority of additional functions fade out of view when not in use.

To activate them, press the Fn button, which lights up actions above the function keys to control web, email, multimedia and offer four shortcut keys for custom controls.

These, along with many other aspects of the keyboard, are expertly managed through Logitech’s SetPoint software, which allows you to set up your own custom actions for each of the additional keys on the board.

You’ll also find a touch sensitive volume control and mousepad along with quick zoom buttons, but notably there’s no separate numeric keypad. The Edge connects via Bluetooth using the supplied dongle and charges thanks to a similarly stylish docking stand.

The keyboard takes a little getting used to at first, mainly because of the slim nature and relatively flat key design.

We did actually notice that after a few hours it is actually easier to type on than more conventional boards, or more specifically it’s easier to type faster without making as many mistakes.

Unfortunately it’s not all good news. We missed the numeric keypad and the Edge doesn’t have as much functionality as others in Logitech’s range like the excellent, and cheaper, MX3200.

It’s also a little frustrating having to press two keys to access the multimedia and internet shortcut controls, and you’ll probably still end up using a mouse despite the capabilities of the touch sensitive keypad.

It was Logitech’s aim to produce an ultra stylish and minimalist ‘board and in this they’ve certainly succeeded. The Vista-compatible Edge is great to use and offers enough extra keys for a decent amount of media control, but has sacrificed functionality and practicality somewhat in the process.

At £150, it's not cheap either.

Also Consider
Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser
An impressive effort from Logitech that's slightly marred by the noisy keyboard

Gyration GC215 Go 2.4
The Gyration GC215 Go is pricey but it's an excellent way to use a computer from a sofa or without a desk

Enermax Aurora aluminium keyboard
The Enermax Aurora is one of the most stylish keyboards we've seen and definitely worth the asking price

All keyboard reviews

See more Keyboard & Mice

Tags:

Reader comments

More from Computeractive

News

The latest home computing news

Downloads

The best PC tools, applications and more

Reviews

Independent opinions on new hardware and software

Step-by-step guides

Easy-to-follow projects with pictures

PC Help

Solve PC problems with our Q&A

Videos

PC projects demonstrated and product reviews

Articles

An in-depth look at how to get the best from your PC

Magazine

What's coming up in Computeractive

Forums

Get help with your PC problems from our readers

Competitions

Your chance to win computing prizes

Shopping

Great deals on products, services and more

Computeractive CD Rom 10
All 26 issues of Computeractive from 2007 on one CD-Rom.

Ultimate Guide to PC Troubleshooting
Everything you need to know to solve your PC problems.

Driving Test Success
The UK's best-selling driving test software.

Computeractive Back Issues
Missed an issue? Click here to find a back issue

Compare prices now!

Save money on hardware and software with our price comparison service: Best Prices

Compare prices

Advertisement

Free email newsletters

Techno babble demystified...

[Display all definitions]

Or type in any computer-related word and click "Go"

Blogs

Windows Watch

Windows Watch

Keeping an eye on the latest XP and Vista news

Geek gender studies

17 Nov 2008We received a press release today advertising a new How to Be a Geek Goddess , by Christina Tynan-Wood , published by...

Download Junkie

Download Junkie

Your daily dose of download discussion

Secure your PC by referring to the official 'Get Safe Online' campaign

17 Nov 2008Use your computer online, even if it's to keep in touch with friends, and you run the risk of being a target...

The test bed

The test bed

The hottest products, news and gossip from PCW's Labs

AMD's roadmap steers clear of ultra-lights - but not the confusion

17 Nov 2008People at AMD must have very strong arms if, as we report today , they consider 2.27Kg to be ultraportable....

Primary Navigation

© Incisive Media Ltd. 2008. Incisive Media Limited, Haymarket House,
28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, is a company registered in the United Kingdom with company registration number 04038503

Search computeractive.co.uk