Logitech diNovo Mini

Good news - unofficially, the device works with a Mac. Set up is very simple - set the device to "discoverable," tell the Mac to look for it in the Bluetooth settings, type in the numeric code and you're off and running. If you're on Windows, there is a software CD that provides some additional functions, like key mapping. If you're just looking for basic operation, then it works just fine without the additional software. There is also a Bluetooth dongle for those who don't have it built-in. If you don't need the dongle, there's a place to store it inside the battery compartment.

Using the device is the same as using a Blackberry or similar device - type with your thumbs on the QWERTY keyboard. Cursor control comes from a circular touchpad in the upper right, also manipulated by your thumb. On the opposite side is a button for the left mouse click. The touchpad can also be pressed for a mouse click, but I found it easier to use the other button as it reduces the chances of moving the mouse as you're trying to click. A switch changes the device from typing mode to cursor mode, though for HTPC use I think staying in cursor mode should cover all the bases. You can still type in cursor mode and pressing down the FN key changes the touchpad to directional arrows if you need them for things like jump forward/back in EyeTV.

As the device is designed for Windows computers, some buttons require "translation" for Mac use. Users of both platforms will know these already. The most important is the Windows button, which is the same as Mac's Command button. Unfortunately, there is only one of these buttons on the device. A second one on the right side would have made sense given how frequently it is used. The other button in need of translating is the ALT key, which is the Option key on Macs. The rest of the controls are the same, including Page Up/Down, which fills in for the ability to scroll with the mouse. Scrolling would have been nice, but the Page buttons do well enough.

A row of playback buttons along the top control only iTunes. They are handy in a pinch (e.g. pausing music to answer that phone call), but I think those who have an iPhone or Touch will get more out of using the Remote application when it comes to iTunes control.

Battery life seems to be quite good - the manual says you get a month of use after a four-hour charge. To save power, there is an ambient light sensor that judges whether to provide background illumination to the keys. Operating it in the dark is a bit of a challenge at first - you'll wind up hitting a passive key like "Shift" for illumination before you can confidently type - but having physical buttons helps with the core navigational functions like page up/down, mouse click, etc.

The DiNovo Mini also works with a PS3, but it is no replacement for the Dual Shock controller or dedicated remotes. If you use the PS3 to browse the Internet, it provides basic controls for that, but you can't really use it for Blu-ray or DVD control. Plus it requires throwing a hard switch in the battery compartment to switch to PS3 use, an inconvenience that really isn't worth it if you're thinking of having it do double duty.

Overall I'm quite pleased with the device. It's a little spendy, but it works with few quirks and its compact size of 6" X 3.5" makes it less obtrusive than a full size mouse and keyboard. I wasn't sure if it would completely supplant even occasional use of those other controls, but after using it for 30 minutes, I was confident enough to put them away. It certainly won't do for working on your computer (e.g. writing this review), but for Internet browsing, controlling your DVR software and iTunes, it definitely fits the bill.

[UPDATE] After a few more weeks, I can say the battery life for my amount of use is nowhere near a month, closer to a week. Still, not too shabby. Also, I've had a couple times when the device stops functioning properly (e.g. losing the ability to click), but it has been easily remedied by removing and replacing the battery (as far as I can tell there is not an on/off switch or reset button). Finally, the range is limited to about 12 feet. Beyond that and you will get a "connection lost" message.