Just a few weeks ago, I swapped an eMac and an iBook for a MacBook as an all-in-one solution. That said, I still prefer a desktop computer, especially the full-size keyboard. When I want to move it (it's a laptop, after all--that's the point!), I have to drag around keyboards and mice or else use the smaller and less comfortable laptop keyboard, so when I heard about Logitech's diNovo Edge, Mac Edition, it seemed like just what the carpal tunnel surgeon ordered. But as a Bluetooth keyboard, the Edge isn't just convenient--the only bells and whistles it doesn't have are bells and whistles (although it beeps when you hit the Caps Lock key to let you know you bumped it before typing an entire paragraph in all caps--yes, I look at my hands when I type). It's also pretty: glossy black with a matte silver wrist rest on the front. All it lacks is the light-sensitive glow of the MacBook Pro keyboard, although that would significantly cut into battery life, so it's an understandable absence.

Setup

Install the included software, restart, and use Bluetooth settings so the Mac recognizes the keyboard, and you're set to go. Play around with the settings if you want, or just use it as is. Besides the necessary restart, it couldn't be easier.

Keys

The full-size keyboard lays very flat on the desk, so those used to the incline of Apple's keyboards will have to get used to the lack of slope, but I got used to it within a few hours, even though I use an Apple keyboard at other times during the day. The keyboard also lacks a number pad and an "Enter" key (Return, yes. Enter, no.), which may be a problem for certain applications, and unlike the MacBook keyboards, fn-Return doesn't do "Enter". That said, the extra keys can be customized, so I just configured one I wouldn't use to be my Enter key. I'll still miss the number pad, though.

The FKeys across the top are by default assigned different functions like Dashboard, Mail, iTunes, Spaces, Cover Flow, and more. You can customize these to whatever you want with a very easy setup. You can even set a key to a particular document or internet URL like Google.com or TechTalkforFamilies.com to allow you to check it often with a keystroke. Controls also include an option to limit the special functions to requiring holding the fn key, thus allowing you to use those FKeys for other uses as well.

Beyond these keys (and yes, it has a dedicated forward-del key, which many Mac keyboards lack), the Edge includes a handful of other useful buttons around the sides of the keyboard. Play/Pause, <<, and >> allow for quick iTunes control from any application (hold to fast-forward/rewind or tap for next/previous song). A power button to shut down your Mac takes the top left, and the left side finishes with a cursor key that functions as a standard (left) mouse button, which makes click-and-drag easier. (I reconfigured the power button to be my Enter button.)

Touchpads

On the right side, besides a Front Row button (which I reconfigured to launch my favorite application launcher, Quicksilver). you'll find a rounded rectangle that adjusts your speaker volume as you slide your finger up and down it, and a mute button below allows for fast silence when the phone rings in the middle of that YouTube video of the laughing baby. Bottom right holds a circular trackpad with both right and left buttons, plus 2 nubs for vertical and horizontal scrolling. The trackpad is a bit small for regular use, but it works when you don't want to drag a mouse with you on your trip, and the scroll nubs take a bit of time to master. I recommend using your pinkie finger for both "mousing around" and scrolling if you can reach, allowing you to keep your fingers on the keys.

Comfort

Besides the aforementioned flat angle, this keyboard has great response. The inverted-t of the arrow keys works well for games, but the page up/down/home/end key layout sometimes makes the keyboard feel crowded, but this again just takes a bit of getting used to. The J and F keys have subtle nubs for touch-typists.

Maintenance

The keyboard comes with a charging base (it ships almost fully charged so you can use it out of the box, and a 4-hour charge is supposed to last a month. Mine says, after 24 hours off the charger, that it still has 32 days left, and you can turn it off when not in use to further preserve the charge. Just don't lose the charger while you're not using it. (Don't leave it plugged in, either--it's a waste of energy.)

The keyboard also includes a chamois-like cleaning cloth to get your finger grub off, although black keys don't show grime nearly as quickly as white keys on Apple's keyboards. Just make sure to turn off power on the keyboard before cleaning.

Verdict

Windows keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, but the Mac doesn't have nearly the variety. That said, like applications, it's often been said that you don't need a lot of different ones when you have the best. The diNovo Edge is, for the average family, the best external keyboard on the market. At $160 ($145 at Amazon), it's double the cost of Apple's offering, but if you want the Harley of Mac keyboards, this is it.