The Rii keyboard was an inexpensive replacement for my Logitech diNovo Mini after my trusty mini started to break down on me. I am going to continuously make comparisons between the two keyboards to help out those who have narrowed down their choices between these two keyboards. The positive things about this keyboard first:Backlit keys (A must have feature for Home Theater PC enthusiasts Press Fn + F1 to light up)
Small form factor.
Even lighter than the diNovo Mini.
Built in laser pointer (although I don't know anyone who needs a laser pointer in their living room)
The Fn keys light up also, unlike the diNovo Mini.
The orientation of the keyboard can be changed to optimize one hand function (Press Fn + Alt).
Now the negatives:
Awkward design you will have to stretch out your right thumb a little far to reach the keys diNovo makes it completely natural (Don't get me wrong, its not a deal breaker, I can compromise with that if I am paying only half the price of diNovo).
The touch pad is too small to navigate across some applications if you are used to the large, circular touch disk of the diNovo mini, you will immediately notice the lack of real estate available on the Rii keyboard's touchpad. You will have to drag across the touch pad multiple times to get from one corner of the screen to the other. Again, something I can compromise with.
The user manual is too short and missing a lot of information about important functions of the keyboard (how to light up the keys/ change orientation, etc). This again is not a big deal.
Now the reason why I am thinking I should have stayed with my diNovo mini. After you turn off the keyboard, and turn it back onit takes a good 20-30 seconds to reconnect to your computer. It may not sound a lot, but try sitting idle in front of your computer for 20 seconds when you want to look something up, or skip part of a movie. And you never know if the keyboard is malfunctioning and needs to be paired again with the computer. Another problem I have is that there is no button to simply connect the keyboard Most bluetooth devices have a button dedicated for the "connecting" after the device has been disconnected (it does have a bluetooth button to pair for the first time you may press it but the keyboard will enter pairing mode and you will have to pair it again instead of "connecting"). Just to be fair I am using my own bluetooth adapter and not the one that came with the keyboard.
Another strong point which goes against this keyboard is the bluetooth performance. I have noticed that I have to hold it at certain height and certain locations where the cursor is most responsive to my thumb's movements. Hold it while sitting on my couch and within line of sight of the adapter = good performance; hold it while I am laying down on my couch, and not in line of sight of the adapter = horrible performance I know bluetooth does not require to be in line of sight to function but performance level drop several notches when I move away form the line of sight.
The biggest point perhaps is that this purchase is more like a gamble I have looked through many websites and haven't found any information on contacting the manufacturer or where to register the product. There is also no information on the warranty of the item, even in the User manual. If it breaks, there is not much you can do other than throwing it out.
On the other hand, my diNovo was approved for a replacement within 10 minutes when I called Logitech Tech support. They didn't even verify if it was still under warranty, or asked for receipts. On top of that they provided me with a shipping label to send the diNovo in. I think now I know why their pricetag is higher than the Rii.
Buy Rii Mini Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for Nokia Symbian S60/Windows Mobile 5.0 Cellphones Now
I use this with my Motorola Xoom tablet computer. Paired on first try and stays paired. Tested the range and was amazed, works to about 45 feet, and can penetrate one wall! (not saying that's practical, but it is a testament to the good range).It is small, but the feel of the keys is good, and the track-pad works great, especially for its small size.
Has built in battery that lasts me about a month or two with light use. Recharges by plugging into USB port on computers with included cable. I purchased a cheap USB cigarette lighter adapter and can now charge in my truck also. Charging port on keyboard is Mini-USB.
Very Satisfied!it works as described! The price is perfect for the product as it is not expensive! It works just fine! I RECOMEND!!Great Product use it to play game from the couch like call of duty through my mac and long battery life.
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