I want a good, modestly priced universal remote control. Somethng very easy to use for my wife (ie: play dvd-and all the components turn on and selects the right inputs automatically).

I have $75 in Dell Dollars to use (although, if they are ripping me off too much, I'll use the coupon for a backup battery for the laptop.

Looking at what they have:
1) Harmony One $250-$75: $175 (I can get this for $180 without coupon right now on Amazon, so I would not use the coupon for this)
2) Harmony 550 $99-74=$24
3) Harmony 880 $159-$75=$84

My system consists of the following:
1) Panasonic TH-42PX6U 42" plasma TV
2) PS3 (I know, nothing works on this, but at least to get the other components set up)
3) Wii (ditto)
4) Zune 30 home AV with remote control (do universals work on these???)
5) Dish Network HD receiver (no DVR) VIP211
6) Sony Receiver STR-DG600
7) Sony DVD player DVP-NS77H

There are no line of sight issues.

Thanks!

Any of those models will work (I'm not sure about the Zune 30). It comes down to personal preference.

You can try the Logitech Harmony Remote Database Checker to see if your Zune 30 is in their database. You can also check your other devices.

Here is the link:
http://www.logitech.com/harmony/components

I would recommend you go to your nearest Best Buy or Circuit City store to look at the different models and pick them up to see which you like the layout better on. I am very happy with both my 880 and my One, I was not a big fan of the button layout on the 550 when I looked.

As far as your components go everything should be there (I found Microsoft Zune under Music Player, Digital Music Server). And if you are interested in controlling your PS3 with the new remote I would suggest you read through this thread.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016741