Logitech Harmony 880 - A Smart Remote Control

With all the electronics I have in my house, I don’t enjoy having to keep track of a million remote controls floating around. I just need one remote to control everything. The Logitech Harmony 880 is the perfect solution for people like me who need remote control management.

The 880 can be programmed to match all your advanced audio-video equipment, and anything in your house that uses a remote control, including your Xbox or PlayStation 2. All you need to do is plug it into your computer and the web wizard walks you step-by-step through a setup procedure that allows you to enter in model numbers for your components. The Harmony Remote database is constantly updated, but if your device isn’t available for some reason, you can manually program the 880 to learn from your device’s remote. If you don’t understand the remote or your entertainment system, there’s a convenient HELP button to get you through it, and it’s so simple that just about any age level can use it. You can program up to eight custom controls on the bright color LCD screen and the remote has the capability to track the current state of 15 devices simultaneously.

One of my favorite things about the 880 is that it uses rechargeable lithium ion batteries (replaceable when worn out) and comes with a docking station. I can’t stand it when a remote runs out of juice, and you have hunt down replacement batteries. Depending on how much you use it, the batteries will last about one week off of one charge. If you just keep it on the charging dock, you don’t have to worry about it, plus you will always know where the remote is. The buttons on the 880 are flat and therefore more difficult to chew on for my parrot. It is also equipped with a motion sensor so when you move the remote it automatically turns on.

Last year Logitech acquired Intrigue Technologies, the manufacturer of Harmony universal remotes. The 880 is the first Harmony remote fully designed by Logitech, and the first to feature a color screen and a built-in rechargeable battery with a docking station.

To get the perfect remote for your loved one, the 880 is available for $250 at your CompUSA, Best Buy or www.logitech.com. It’s a bit pricey for a remote, but it’s well worth it for a high-end remote and those who are convergence-minded will truly appreciate this.