Another outbreak of gadget lust

Through the years, I have tried just about every imaginable all-in-one remote control. The Logitech Harmony 680 finally won me over last year. Its combination of downloadable codes and an easy-to-customize activity-based interface is a usability winner.

The 680 is specifically designed for use with Windows Media Center, and it’s also perfect for use with an Xbox 360 as an extender. So would I consider trading it in for the new Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote?

On the plus side, I like the bright, oversized display. One complaint about any handheld all-in-one remote is that the buttons are hard to see, especially in a dimly lit room.

On the downside, I’ve had some bad experiences with touchscreen displays, especially on the Philips Pronto. But I have to believe that Logitech wouldn’t have released this product if the touchscreen wasn’t up their usual stellar level of quality.

Ultimately, it comes down to price. $499 is a lot of money for a remote. If I were a Rockefeller or a Gates, I wouldn’t think twice. But I’m not, so I do. And given all the other things that money can buy, the trusty old Harmony 680 looks like it has several more years of life in it.

(via Digital Trends by way of Digital Media Thoughts)