In general, when looking for a portable device, it is best with smallest size but use to maintain operable. The needs for small size is the portable device will use everywhere at anytime and small size provides the flexibility to carry most of the time.

Apple wireless keyboard

Logitech diNovo Mimi keyboard

Definitely, using such small device will sacrifice on some minor features but one of the feature that must not be neglected is the QWERTY input keyboard because most of the time use to enter text like long email or document for work.

 The comparison pick up 4 different brands product and focus at 5 different angles; Size, Price, Wireless Type, Support OS and Battery. All is the critical check point for the value of the portable device.

Size

Size includes dimension and weight of the device. The 4 selected devices are wireless but the Apple wireless keyboard is not classify as portable due to the size not convenience to carry.

Logitech diNovo Mimi is the heavier one amount the all due to its design with replaceable battery.

Brando with lesser weight but still with large size compare to EFO.

Although size of Logitech diNovo Mimi,  Brando and EFO are different, all can be easily slip into a pocket. The weight of EFO even can make user forget it’s there.

I have to admit, the EFO’s size and shape makes it slightly awkward to use. It’s too small for someone with big hand to type, but it’s too big for you to be able to easily type on it with your thumbs. Or if you like, you can write at the touch pad.

For Logitech diNovo Mimi and Brando, you need to either put it on a flat surface and type on it with your index fingers, or hold it in one hand and type on it with the other but EFO like the Smartphone that can use two hands to hold it and input.

• Apple :  4.75 x 17.5 x 1.3 inches
• Brando : 3.19 x 6.69 x 0.59 inches (138 g)
• Logitech diNovo Mimi : 3.5  x 5.98 x 1.08 inches (175 g)
• EFO : 3.35 x 5.32 x 0.39 inches (60 g)

Price

Price is one of the good indicators of what the manufacturer ranking their product but it is not good reference to the users.

Price is setting base on cost and profit. Brand name, promotion, sales chain and profit margin etc. all will affect the price. Following with the reference price of different products:

• Apple :  US 129.99 
• Logitech diNovo Mimi : US 139.99
• Brando : US 47.00  
• EFO : US 40.00

Famous brand product with high price is the norm. It is understandable that majority of cost coming from promotion and company brand building and not the actual values that generate like feature and outlook.

With huge price difference, we can categorize the product into two grade; premium and standard. Depend on individual’s need and value for the selection of product that best suit for them.

Wireless Type

Both Brando and EFO are 2.4GHz RF signal that with the operating distance of 10 Meters.

Apple and Logitech diNovo Mimi both based on Bluetooth technology.
Media devices at the market most having Bluetooth interface. For the PC based Home Theater solution, most without come with Bluetooth interface and require additional USB Bluetooth interface. Depends on the situation, different product suits for different needs.

2.4GHz RF signal is easy for connection because it comes with the USB dongle that is one to one mapping. Hence fully plug and play and can support multiple devices operate at the close environment and without any interference.

Bluetooth with short-range wireless comparatively to RF but it can be used with a very wide variety of devices. All that’s needed a software driver for the device.

Support OS

Apple makes products as usual that only support Mac OS. It will have best match with Mac OS system compare to others because it is customized for fitting with all features that Mac provides.

EFO is also compatible with Mac OS and other game stations etc. as it is an extension of standard keyboard, mouse and touch pad. Logitech and Brando only list to support with Windows operating system only.

Although EFO is listed to compatible with Mac OS, some features like command key and multiple finger operation are not supported at the existing version. It is limited by number of keys at such small keyboard. If with sufficient market needs, the manufacturer will customize for the demand.

Battery

Apple (2 AA battery) and Brando (2 AAA battery) both use standard battery that can be easily bought at the market.

Logitech diNovo Mimi have rechargeable battery which is designed for replacement once the battery fatigue. An additional spare battery is good suit for the backup. Although it is not common market battery, its long usable time compared to standard battery causes less replacement.

EFO has its own built-in battery. This isn’t swappable, but it doesn’t matter, as this device is able to go for an incredibly long time on a single charge. For a trip where without bring anything to charge it and it can last through multiple long sessions both coming and going, as well as some use while arrive destination.

Conclusion

Some user prefer larger keyboard for easier to type on while some like small one for convenience and elegant. My preference is small (not larger than Smartphone), low weight and easily operable as I use it for travel.

Wireless enhances the flexibility and freedom of usage. It is the reason that I choose wireless product. I don’t have special preference on the wireless type. Just happen it can provide the flexibility and freedom.

With Bluetooth, although it can reduce the USB dongle that come with RF matching but RF is easy to use as plug and play. I no need to set up those Bluetooth setting.

Battery is also an important criterion since the battery is very heavy. If without battery, I believe the product weight will significantly reduce. As pretty hard to reduce carrying things for travel, heavy standard battery and additional rechargeable battery is not the choice. I could charge the keyboard with mini-USB cord that come with the phone hence one cord can charge for two devices.

Price is the last selection criteria but not the major concern. What I final choose is EFO that with best suit feature (wireless, small and operable) that with best value (acceptable price and most features).