I am a “remote junkie”, and I can program almost any universal remote to do anything I want it to do. However, the family requires a remote that is as “User Friendly” and “Mistake Proof” as possible. The Harmony 880 remote is it. I had many other universals programmed with macros, but was always being asked, “what do I do to..?”. In honesty, after a while I would forget which button did what! With the 880 I can program an almost unlimited amount of activities so that the family can easily do whatever they want, by simply pushing one button.

The surprise bonus I found with the 880 is the aspect of being rechargeable, and having its cradle. This may sound extreme, but I had nine (yes, 9!) universal remotes just for the living room, as they always seemed to be lost. Somehow, with the 880 having a “home”, everyone simply puts it back in the cradle! I have many other remotes that use up batteries like candy, and of course they always die when you need the remote the most! The 880 nicely prevents that.

The only issue I see is that the 880 is probably harder to set up for the true novice than the marketing claims. I don’t think the average consumer keeps all his model numbers, etc. in a neat file. You also do have to know about remote codes and functions to truly get the most out of this remote. But, the web based set up is much easier than the JP1 programming of the remote gurus.

Overall, the Harmony 880 is expensive, but it is more than worth it. In the end I’d say this remote has the highest value of all the remotes I’ve experienced. It can do anything you want it to, and be easy to understand and mistake proof.I agree with other posts that if you only have a TV, and perhaps a DVD player, this remote may be too much for you. But, if you have a set up like many homes do with multiple equipment and settings, then this is the remote you must have.

Logitech/Harmony deserve rewards for making the web interface and setups so incredibly easy. I have no idea how they accomplish this with the myriad of components and manufacturers, but despite the hefty price tag it’s well worth it.

The only problem I have encountered so far is finding the easiest way to setup PIP w/my Sony Bravia. I have it programmed and working just not sure i have it setup in the most efficient manner.

Pros:

* Seems to work with most devices. Of course, my PS3 and Wii it does not.

* Appearance

* Feel in the hand is great

* Nice charging stand if you have the shelf space. My DirectTV control uses two AA that last a year. I think I’d rather have the shelf space back.

* Has the ability to setup multiple devices with one button push. The neat thing about this is that not only does it power the device on but switches the receiver to the proper input setting, etc.

Cons:

* Layout is horrible. The buttons you use the most (play, stop, forward, etc.) are under the palm of your hand when you hold the device. What were they thinking? You literally have to hold the remote in your finger tips to get at the buttons.

* Charger. My DirectTV control uses two AA that last a year. I think I’d rather have the shelf space back. Yes, the charger is a positive and a negative feature.

* The screen seems like a good idea but not so much. The pictures of this device always show pretty color pictures. Well, that’s only on the main menu, when the pictures make it hard to read the text. Every device menu is several screens of plain text. You have to page through the text looking for the right control. For example, power off is usually on page 3. How weird is that?

* Extremely labor intensive to configure.

* Configuration is tied to their web site. That’s horrible.

* Nobody in the house will use this remote but me because it’s just easier to use the original remotes.

* Power cycling is flawed. The media room devices are left in various powered on states by other family members. The remote has only the option to toggle the power for devices it needs to turn on or off. It makes this decision by what the remote remembers was done last. Therefore, it turns devices off that should be on and vice versa.