Logitech’s diNovo Edge keyboard is a fantastic one, but was not supported for the Mac. Although, in the end, the Mac’s internal Bluetooth could pick up the keyboard and be used normally (for the exception of a few keys) without additional software. Now that Logitech has released a smaller version of the keyboard geared towards media center users, the diNovo Mini, the story isn’t much different as for its compatibility with the Mac. But still, it has more than a couple of tricks up its sleeve.

Design. Keeping up with its big brother’s appearances, the Mini’s design is equally sleek and attractive — albeit in a clamshell style. It has a miniaturized keyboard that’s nice to the touch, a responsive trackpad and clicker, and more lights than you may need illuminating the Mini’s entire setup. Once you turn it on for the first time in your hand, you can already see past its protective cover and notice how all of its lights come to life, illuminating the whole tiny keyboard. And the rechargeable battery life is equally impressive — a 10-minute charge can last you for quite a while. Logitech certainly kept the diNovo Mini’s design as appealing as possible.

Functionality. Using OS X’s own Bluetooth keyboard setup, the diNovo Mini can definitely work as a great remote/keyboard combo geared towards media center users. The wireless range is great for a living room, the trackpad works as good as a notebook’s, and the keyboard is solid enough for its small size — but it should be noted that is not ideal for extended typing sessions for things such as word processors. There’s a switch that allows it to use the trackpad as a remote clicker, which works great with Front Row. There’s even dedicated buttons for controlling your music: play/pause, stop, skip, rewind, and volume control. There were only two button combinations that I couldn’t get to work on the Mac without installing additional third party software: launching Internet Explorer, and launch Windows Media Center — or at least get them to work with their Mac equivalents.

Limitations. As previously mentioned, there is no official support for the Mac with the diNovo Mini. Not that it matters that much, since OS X’s own Bluetooth keyboard configurator can pick it up and make it work like any other keyboard. But while a few keys may not work in the end, it’s not that big a deal once you use it.

Final thoughts. In the past, I actually looked thoroughly for something like this to fit the media center bill to no success. Now, it turns out that the best keyboard/remote combo for a media center is one that wasn’t designed for the Mac in the first place. If you have a Mac mini media center in your living room, or better, the diNovo Mini is a must-have luxury for power users. And speaking of luxuries, it carries a $150 price tag to prove it — that will give you something to think twice about if you barely have a modest setup. Yet, there isn’t a better solution that fits style and substance into a small package for the avid media center enthusiast. As a bonus, if you have a PlayStation 3, the diNovo Mini is also compatible with it.

The diNovo Mini was sponsored by Logitech. If you are interested in it, you can buy it online directly from them or through other third-party sellers.