I started looking further into getting a Harmony remote tonight. I see that the new 880 is out, but the color screen is no big deal for me, and I have heard a couple of issues with getting the remote to sit right in the charger base. I like the charger idea so that there is no battery swapping, but two sets of rechargeable batteries can fix this issue as well.

So, I think I have it narrowed down to the 680 and 676. The 688 doesn't seem too popular, so it made it easier to rule that one out. Out of people that have these, what do or don't you like about them. What are the main differences other then the button layout? How did you choose one over the other. I think I saw that the 680 has hard buttons and soft for the 676, is this correct? I don't care about the faceplates for the 676, so that part is not a factor for me.

Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I don't have one, but in trying them out at Macworld this year, I preferred the 676. The faceplates are actually pretty nice (not what I expected). I don't care about them either, but at least they're well done. The transport buttons on the 676 are way better than any other Harmony remote. Since those are the buttons I use most (other than volume, I guess), that's a deciding factor for me. When I get around to it, I'm grabbing a 676.

Head on over to the Harmony Remote Control Forum if you haven't done so already. Loads of info can be found there.

Thanks, I forgot about that site. BTW...the picture with your messages looks much better now without the stretched face.

I have a 688 for use w/ the following:

Pioneer 45TX
Denon 2200
HD DirecTivo
VCR
Panny Plasma
Lutron Light Controller

I love it. Easy to use, and the wife agrees. Easy to program. Yes, the buttons may be tough for bigger fingers/hands since they are a little recessed but it works for us. I also use rechargeable NiMH and they work fine.

What made you choose the 688 over the 680 or 676?

Easy...680 and 676 weren't out, only the 659.

Personally, I like the sleek look of the 680. Though the other ones may have a better tactile feel. Harmony service has been outstanding to boot.

I like the 880 but not sure how much I'd get out of the icons and charger. I used to have the 768 which was WAY cool since you could program it w/ XML. But the button layout wasn't ideal at all for PVRs. An 880 w/ XML would be the best of both worlds.

For great prices and support, try bluedo.com and surfremotecontrol.com.

In reply to:

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What made you choose the 688 over the 680 or 676?

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because you can blow up stuff real good with it! oh wait, we were talking about remotes...my bad!

I just bought an 880 a couple of weeks ago, the download software isn't too spiffy but I do like the remote after getting the hang of it. I don't have any issues with the cradle, sits right in there and keeps the battery charged like it's supposed to. Wife loves the thing, sure beats the heck out of 4 or 5 different remotes lating around and trying to figure them all out.