Great functionality and programming, Poor Operation
596941
This Harmony 880 has terrific setup; although, it requires quite a bit of thought on just how you need it to function. Once the software setup is completed, the controls do perform very accurately. My system is quite intricate and I had no problems finding my devices on the system and the control operated them precisely. And, there the Help function after selecting the function, just in case it didn't do what it should have, it prompts you for status and fixes itself. Great job Harmony.

If they only put the same amount of effort into the button layout as they did the software. Universal Remote must have the patent on that.  The control does require good vision (reading glasses), really small fingers, and two hands to perform DVR and TiVo operations. I've only had it for a Month and can't count the number of times I've gone scrambling for it after it slipped out of my hands.
2503335
In contrast with another review, I don't see how they could make this any easier to program without removing functionality. There's a wheel you spin to change values and an OK button you push to accept and move to the next value. The interface is pretty typical and could be a whole lot worse. I programmed the thing without even looking at the instructions once, so it couldn't be too hard to figure out. It was also pretty quick to program with the use of the wheel as opposed to pushing a button 400 times to cycle through every number between 0 and 59. You can enter a crazy number of programs compared to other timers. Most people will only need 2 or 4 at the most, but it is nice to have the flexibility.

+ An unswitched outlet would be nice, but there is a mode button that easily lets you switch to manual mode if you need power right now, so that works.
+ There is a backup power source in the form of two button batteries (one of the 2 common sizes you see in everything that uses them) so you don't lose your program or the time if the power goes out.
+ The sunrise/sunset stuff is really cool for lights. You set the day of the year and the state you live in and it knows the sunset and sunrise times for your location and will automatically adjust them as the seasons change. This is better than a photoelectric eye.
+ There is an indicator light that comes on when power is being applied which is a really nice feature if you plug something into this other than lights (like an engine block heater).
867150
I've had TiVo for many years now, and one of the distinctive features I've been spoiled by is the amazing form factor of the latest TiVo remote controls.  While the Harmony does control all of my devices quite admirably, I have to say that the ergonomics of the 890 STINK big time, especially compared to the TiVo remote.  Few reasons:

- The buttons are too small and too close together.  Completely unusable without looking at the remote.  The TiVo remote has actually become an extension of my hand.  When I'm using it, I feel like a Jedi controlling the tv with my mind.
- The volume and channel +/- buttons in particular are horribly designed -- each is a single button with a shallow curve distinguishing + form -, and the buttons are so thin that they're really hard to press accurately.
- If all of these buttons weren't bad enough, the most important ones on the remote -- those that change between activities -- are TINY!  Seriously, I often have to grip the remote in one hand so that I can reliably poke these buttons with the other.  I honestly can't believe these buttons.
- The numeric buttons at the bottom are also too close to the bottom of the remote, while the back of the remote is too flat and/or does not have enough grip.  Again, single-handed number pressing is really difficult.  In contrast, the TiVo remote numbers are also at the bottom, but with more space between them and the end of the remote.  Also, the TiVo has a nicely curved back that hugs your palm very naturally and has ergonomic ridges that add grip.  Again, the TiVo just feels like part of your hand while the Harmony feels like I'm going to drop it if I try to hit anything in the bottom few rows of buttons.
- The buttons are terribly difficult to mash -- you have to push really hard on them and there is no satisfying feeling that you really pressed the button well -- not enough "action" in the buttons. The TiVo remote buttons give a nice gentle "click" that provides the perfect tactile feedback.

Those are all generic issues with the form factor.  Specifically with this refurbished version, my remote has several buttons that don't seem to work at all.  A few of the number buttons do nothing (programming is correct, and other numbers do work).  Overall, I am very dissatisfied with this thing.

If you have TiVo and love your TiVo remote like I do, run far away from the 890.  I'm going to try another one -- maybe the Harmony One.  Like I said, the control over my devices (tv, receiver, dvd) seems to work well in general, which is why I give it a couple of stars.  I really REALLY want to love the Harmony as much as I love my TiVo.  But as a replacement for my TiVo remote, and for its abysmal form factor, the 890 is an epic fail.

UPDATE: Just got my Harmony One today and tried it out this evening.  It is superior to the 890 in every possible way (unless you need RF support I guess, but that was not my main priority).  In fact, they seem to have taken a cue from the TiVo remote in the One, as it has several TiVo-specific buttons on it.  The layout and feel is 1,000 times better than the 890.  Anyone who gave the 890 a positive review has obviously not tried the One (and should).  I think I finally have my single remote solution.
4838985
This phone has quite nice functionality, and i find it to be fairly intuitive and easy to use.  The music player works well, but head phones / ear buds are hard to find (i found one here on amazon - @ "KarenDeals" - works great and was cheap!).  The key board is quite nice, and texting is easy.

The only issue i have with this phone is that about 6 weeks after my purchase, the screen auto-rotate function (flips vertical to horizontal, allowing use of the keyboard) broke. I could not get it to turn horizontal.  i tried everything - including reading the manual carefully regarding the "auto rotate" function, and learned more about the phone than i wanted to.  There is no manual over-ride command to make the screen rotate, and even if there was it would be a drag, since it's nice to just slide open the phone revealing the keyboard and having the screen turn accordingly.

So, with the screen rotate function broken, the keyboard is not acknowledged, and thus is useless.  This phone without the keyboard is meaninglesss!  Without the keyboard you might as well have a $20 throwaway phone.

So, it was replaced and the replacement phone is working fine now for about a month (fingers crossed).

I would figure this was just a fluke, but i have a friend with the same phone and had the SAME problem!  Now, 2 phones is not exactly a scientific study, but it makes me wonder.
3259488
Great design.  Exudes confidence.  Too bad it wouldn't program.  The whole thing is unnecessarily complicated anyway.
38215
I really enjoyed my Harmony One.  It took a lot of tweaking to get it set up the way I wanted, but once I got it going, it was great.  It controlled all my devices with minimal hassle, and made my AV setup easy for my wife and visitors to use.

After about 18 months, it broke.  It started behaving strangely, sending signals when I wasn't pushing a button.  Now, the physical buttons don't work.  The touchscreen is fine, but the unit isn't too useful when all the other buttons don't work.  Based on Logitech's forum, I am not the only person to have this problem.

Logitech's tech support says there are no repair options since it's out of warranty.  Even if you wanted to send the unit back and pay for repairs, you can't.  It's just e-waste now.  I'm fairly adept with electronics, so I considered trying to repair the unit myself, but some of the screws are located behind the rear rubber bumper, which is glued on.  A Logitech support rep said on the forums that the design makes it basically impossible to ever disassemble and put back together in a functional way.

They do offer a 50% discount on a new unit if you buy it directly from them.  Of course, their direct pricing is much higher than Amazon, and I'm reluctant to buy another unit that may also have to be trashed/recycled after less than two years.  I know the Harmony One is more advanced, but I have remotes from equipment that is nearly 15 years old and the remotes work perfectly.  Why can't Logitech make their equipment more reliable, or at least make it so there's a chance of repairing it?

Finally, one last thought.  Logitech's remote programming software appears to be dependent on connecting to their servers on the Internet.  One morning, I sat down to program a new device, and was greeted with an error about their service being down.  Even if your remote's hardware survives, Logitech can decide to shut down their servers or turn off support for older devices whenever they want, leaving you with a device that can't be programmed.
300716
The most important thing I need to add to the reviews here is that this remote has no ability to program keys.  It DOES control multiple devices well, but once you've designed a key sequence (an "activity" or a "macro"), there's no way to assign that sequence to an unused key.

Philips says you can "do anything" with a single key...but it's not really true, because before you hit that single key you have to scroll through all your devices and macros to find just the one you want.

Just to summarize...

PLUS
--Good looking, well constructed
--Nice heavy feel
--Nice color display
--Controls a bazillion devices
--No gigantic book of codes
--Doesn't forget programming when you change batteries
--Heavily discounted...for a reason...

MINUS
--No softkeys (you can't program keys to do sequences)
--Critical buttons are too small, poorly located
--Can't edit an existing macro/activity:  you have to delete and re-enter
--The macro/activity programs you create are always at the bottom of a nice long list...even though the ones you just created ought to be the most useful and at the *top* of the list.  You can't reorder the list at all.
--Poor manual, doesn't explain important remote functions
2061761
Great features and load ratings.  Programming not intuitive in some areas.  Keep needing to refer back to the instruction sheet even after installing 4 of these over the past year.
4485355
One would have to be a computer genius to program the remote.  Just setting the date is difficult let alone setting time for the camera to come on!!  Also, the print on the user manual is sooooo small, I had to bring it up on my computer to read it.  And, the on/test/off button is so small and difficult to find/push when it is mounted.  I asked for support but  received just a reply that my request was received.
951130
These are really "super" timers, as they do everything as advertised.  My problem is that they are NOT intuitive at all and after the initial programming, a few weeks later I couldn't re-program w/o the written instructions.  Now I think they are too complicated and when I loose track of the hard copy instructions, I'll spend way too much time figuring out how to program at some later date.  I've returned them for some other more simple choice.
3987852
Beautiful piece of Hardware , Great idea , great product , but software needs to be improved . Sometimes lose the learning cvodes from some buttons (I don't know why , but nothing serious at the moment) . E-Control needs more develope hours to fulfill all the user's expectations . Also IHC (that needs a lot of work to be very functional as I write in another review in Alexa) . If the Broadlink strategy is to avoid IFTTT and go (is a good idea) with the Amazon Alexa approach , please put the efforts to include all the necessary interfaces and appliances to work under Alexa . Is not admissible that I have more than 15 appliances (via IR and another via RF) running on E-Control and the only support by IHC is TV and STB (and limited because of the problems about changing channels at least on DirecTV DVR) . You can not expect that Alexa Users are going to buy this very good Remote Control if you are limited only to handle TV , STB and a Couple of Smart Plugs . Neither you Alarm nor other Broadlink products can be handle via Alexa .Besides you new to re learn the codes and can not be imported from E-Control to IHC . (amazing)
So , please try to put more efforts in software development (Be fast , competitors are running and you are walking) . Thanks for listening .
3824014
It's functional, but the buttons are VERY sensitive.  If I were to try to type in, say, 53, the buttons are so sensitive that if I pressed 5, it would enter as 55, then if I pressed 3, it would enter as 33.  You must press the buttons very lightly to get it to do what you want it to do.  Also, when pressing the channel up/down buttons, it often skips over channels because the buttons are so sensitive.  Honestly, I would buy another remote simply because this one is annoying and difficult.
3885201
I am a locksmith, and recently tried to program these to a 2010 Ford Mustang. Ironically, the remote feature programmed very easily, however the 80-Bit transponder would NOT program. Even with legit programming tools. I've seen mixed reviews, so it could be I got a fault model. The key-way is perfect, and when cut by code was accurate, but I'm giving this 2 stars for not being programmable with a supposedly "compatible" model of vehicle.
2783929
This review is for the URC WR7 Universal Remote:

PROS:
Backlit
Intuitive Layout
Up to Seven Components
Programmable

CONS:
Lacks Expected Buttons
Some Pre-programmed Functions Don't Work
Programability

I have the Logitech Harmony 300, but don't like it because the buttons are small, not backlit, and difficult to find in the dark when watching late-night TV or movies. I tried both the Harmony 600 and 650, but had significant quality control issues with each.  The URC WR7 seemed like the perfect replacement for the Harmony 300, particularly at the reasonable price available on Amazon (a fraction of the cost of the Logitech remotes).  Its buttons are large, backlit and visible in the dark, which is a real plus.  I can use the codes in the back of the instruction manual to find my brand of component and experiment to see which code will program the remote for my particular component, or I can use the "learning" function to directly program each button on the remote, employing the IR transmitter on the original remotes that came with my A/V components.

The advantage that the Logitech remotes have over the URC WR7 is that you can connect the Harmony remotes to your computer's USB port, bring up the Logitech website, enter the model number of each of your components, and have your computer directly program all of its functions.  Unfortunately, there is no computer interface or USB connectability for the WR7, and one must use the traditional method of entering numerical codes (found in the back of the WR7 manual) into its keypad to "discover" the proper code for one's component.  I say "discover" because many brands like SONY, Technics and others have multiple codes that one must try before finding the correct one. Sometimes, even when finding the correct code, one discovers that there are buttons on the component's original remote that are not on the WR7.  An example of this is the "list" button on the Scientific Atlanta cable box remote that allows me to directly access the menu for recorded programs on my Comcast DVR service; this button is included on the Harmony 300 and other models, but is not on the WR7 (there are a couple other missing buttons as well).  If I want that function in a button, I can program it on any WR7 button I choose under the WR7's Satellite/Cable selection, but doing so requires me to re-program all of the other buttons for that particular component, because individually programming ANY function button will remove the entire pre-programming for a particular component if I previously used the manual's numerical code to program the component on the keypad.

Another limitation is that, even when one manually enters the proper numerical program code for a particular component, sometimes not all of the functions work.  It is as if they simply left them out or forgot about them.  For example, I have the SONY BDP-S570 3D Blu-Ray player; even when entering the proper numerical code into the WR7, not all of the function buttons work.  Because there is no computer interface, the remote's firmware cannot be updated and the only way around it is to manually program all the buttons if I want to operate all the functions on the SONY.  Again, if  one has patience it isn't a problem, but connectability like that available from Logitech would have been nice.

Overall, this is a good remote for consolidating up to seven remotes and being able to see what you're doing when watching TV or movies in a darkened room. Its limitations are no computer interface and a lack of buttons found on other products such as the Logitech Harmony line.  If you have the patience and are willing to program your own buttons, it is a very good option and only a fraction of the price of Logitech's backlit products.  I'll be keeping it for now.
1325250
I'm certainly no novice when it comes to working with electronic devices.  Yet I found this somewhat difficult to program.  The instructions were not particularly clear and at times assumptions had to be made about what they meant (possibly translation issues for whoever wrote them - not certain).  But eventually I was able to control both the TV and audio, as well as the Blu-Ray player for all the usual functions.

I say eventually because at times it was difficult to determine if the device "took" some commands or not, and though the feedback several times said the device had been programmed, most functions besides on/off were not properly programmed.

One of the problems with these kinds of devices - and I'm really not sure how to get around it due to small size - is the labeling on the all-in-one remote not matching the labeling on the device-specific remotes for much more than power, channel, forward/reverse, pause, play, and volume.  The things such as "menu" and other less-used functions eventually (almost all) got programmed, but it takes some getting used to in order to remember which buttons on this device correspond to different-named buttons on the original remotes.

For the price this is currently selling on Amazon, would I purchase it knowing what I know now?  Yes.  Would I rave about it?  No, but at the same time I didn't expect that it would be an easy programming session, nor that it would be as difficult as it was.  I've used other "all-in-one" remotes, with similar issues.  Frankly, this is worth the money because it gets the job done without requiring a much higher outlay than other multi-device remotes.

It's a high 3-star rating, perhaps a low four, but I just don't feel that comfortable with the poor instructions and methods of programming to rate it quite that high.  A 5-star product, it is not - just a reasonably good buy worth considering.
3298802
When I got this remote a few years ago, I spent almost a whole day setting it up to run the macros to control my average-sized system (TV, Amp, DVD, ReplayTV, VCR). Sony's manual was terrible, but thanks to a 25 year programming career, and strong will to succeed, I was able to eventually figure it out.

Last year the batteries died & it lost the programming. Again, I sat down & worked out how to program it. Again, it took almost a day. Wish I had made detailed notes!

A month ago, batteries died again & wiped programming again. Knowing how difficult it was, we juggled 3 remotes until I found time to fool with it again. Just finished a frustrating 4 hour battle in which I gave up screwing with it due to its monumentally bad interface. Won't go into the details, but if you make a mistake programming a macro, it appears the only recourse it to erase -everything you have done- & start over. My time is worth more to me than that. Erasing the macro button (press & hold STB button to turn on the whole system & select the ReplayTV source, in this case) does not seem to be possible without erasing the custom ReplayTV setup (which needs some extra buttons not on the Sony display, which can be added in .only. 15-20 minutes...)

I'm cursing Sony for sucking me in with a superficially good product burdened with a horrible user interface. I'm cursing myself for wasting so many hours on such a poorly implemented product.

Save yourself the grief, and look for a product made by programmers with a modicum of skill in user interface design. The designers of this remote haven't a clue.

I've bought a lot of Sony stuff over the years, including several laptops, which are generally good (let's not talk about the user interface of the software they add in...) The keyboard letter paint comes off with my finger sweat, and my screen has a few bad pixels, and my second-to-last system had "relaxing hinges" for the display, and my last system camera went bad, but I love the compact form factor and built-in camera.

I'm going to avoid Sony products that allow a Sony user interface designer to screw up their usability. A less-arrogant company that cared about its customers would do some usability studies, and actually improve the product based on them. Let's not hold our breath.

Update 12/25/07: bought a Logitech Harmony 670 and LOVE IT! Works great!
2889543
I really want to love this thermostat, but there are some fundamental problems with it that should have been corrected at this stage in the lifecycle of the product. The installation and setup were very easy and went quickly. It's very attractive and easy to use. The website and the iPhone app work very well and have been totally reliable.

But then, the misses begin to add up...The Nest has the ability to estimate (somewhat accurately) how long until the desired temperature is reached, but it didn't occur to anyone to use that information to determine when to begin heating or cooling to reach the scheduled temperature. On other comment boards, Nest employees (in 2011) say that this isn't implemented and that the estimate is to give you an idea about when you should program it to turn on. Some of the cheapest programmable thermostats do this simple function already. This is functionality that I've lost by installing Nest, which is an annoyance. The auto-away feature is promising, but when I'm forced to  compensate for the absurdity of Nest not knowing when to turn on to reach the desired temperature, the auto-away kicks in and turns it off. The house is then roasting until I come home and it senses me and turns back on. I've had to turn off auto-away (and do some math) to get the basic functionality of my 12-year old programmable thermostat back. Basic testing should have seen gaps like this and they can't be hard to correct.

It feels as though the developers have been furloughed at Nest and all that's left are the marketing guys. This is like the iPhone, where one piece of hardware can have a zillion OS updates and morph quickly into an amazing product. A genius idea in product design, but this isn't happening at Nest. The product is essentially unchanged since it was first introduced with nothing evidently on the horizon.

I'm ok waiting for Nest to wake up or be bought by someone who will put the resources into it to finish the product, but I wouldn't buy it again after seeing such silly gaps in functionality. Cheap programmable thermostats are easily beating Nest in functionality. That shouldn't be, Nest should be at least capable of the same functions that other programmable thermostats are.