Summary: This is a great item in its price range ($150 to $200)
Currently with a $50 rebate! (as of April 2006)

I no longer need to use ANY of my other remotes.
It has replaced remotes for:

Digital Cable Box
VCR
HDTV
DVR
Digital Receiver

This remote has replaced all of my remotes. I no longer need any of them to use the features of the above listed items. The remote is fully customizable. It will take some tweaking, and some patience. The end result will be worth it. A remote which handles all your electronic toys.

PROS:

1. Strong IR Beam. It's not the strongest, but it is an upgrade to some of the remotes it replaces like Panasonics DVR remote (Glad I don't need to use that remote)

2. Buttons. Once you get used to it (like all remotes) you will find most of the buttons are well placed. The transition period is tough, but get used to it, you will be happy using this wonderful remote.

3. Custom buttons. Program this remote with your PC. It will take some tweaking, but once you customize it, you will be happy.

4. On-line updates. Connect it to PC, use the helpful update instructions. Done.


CONS:

1. One touch programming. Sometimes a unit will fail to switch on or switch features. You will have to simply find the item on the remote's custom unit controls, and turn it on. The extra steps make it a slight annoyance.

2. The screensaver resolution. Pictures are distorted/stretched. Low resolution. It isn't an important feature.

3. Docking station. Needs to sit perfectly on the station to charge the battery. You will know its charging when you see the screensaver is running.

Get this item, you won't be disappointed.

Summary: This remote gets five stars for value and four stars for competence. Although it retails for $150-$200 in the stores, a comparable device from one of the high-end systems (Philips Pronto, CTX, etc.) integrators would cost at least $500 or more.

However, the remote leaves you exposed in a few areas. Ergonomics is good, but not excellent, as the Activity buttons (Watch TV, etc.) can be a bit too small for bigger hands. Also, some of the more slightly advanced remote functions, like Menu for ReplayTV owners is essential for basic things like finding TV programs, but requires hitting half a dozen buttons to find on the Harmony 880.

The charging system is also very weak. Often, the charging contacts are rendered useless by thin layers of dust or oil that collect on the electric receptacles between charging. When charging time comes, users will often have to clean up the contacts on both the remote and the charge pad to ensure a successful charge.

A huge positive is the RF based system (Harmony 890) that was recently released. That should enable much greater user flexibility, especially with systems hidden in other rooms or closets.

Summary: I got this model this past Christmas to replace by previous Harmony remote and I love it. All I had to do was plug the new remote into my laptop PC, login to Harmony, and programing the remote was done in a few minutes. All of my old settings transferred over without a hitch. I love being able to control my 6 audio/video devices with just one remote.

The only down side of this product is that it only comes with one battery. If you leave the remote out too long or a button gets stuck, your out of commission until a recharge is done. They use a proprietary battery in this unit, which removes the ability to just pop in AAA batteries until the old charge.

The only addition I could think would be a bluetooth function to keep it updates automatically, but that would add to the price.