It seems perhaps new remotes are coming? I just picked up two 900s this week while on vacation and they were $110 off each at Best Buy. I know this is might be the on-line price already but does this mean that they are clearing out inventory?
I have had my share of Harmony remotes over the years and they have ALL ended up in a box and then eventually tossed. Perhaps I was one of the unlucky ones but I had nothing but issues with the charging cradles for all of them. Above and beyond that I just could not deal with those tiny IR transmitters. Seriously, I would stick them and they would fall off. I would use tape and get permanet residue on my equipment and cabinet. The lengths were short so when I had to roll my cabinet out to get in the back to make equipment changes or adjustments the dang tiny IR transmitters would fall again and it was a constant battle. I hated those tiny IRs more than anything and the poor charging cradle wasn't far behind.
My past experience was a 1000 tablet and an 890 wand. It just did not work out. I have been living without a universal for several years now and I guess it was time to try again. The sale price on the 900 and my discovery that the IR blaster and mini-blaster had been revised pushed me over the edge and I picked up one for my living room and one for bedroom.
What a huge improvement over the others I have owned. The IR blaster is such an improvement over those tiny piece of crap emitters it's not even funny (for my applications) although I have an issue with two pieces of equipment in the right side of my cabinet. Not sure if the min-blaster is DOA. Gonna play today. Might need a mini replacement (qty 1).
The tactile feel to the remote, the MUCH MUCH improved IR set-up (no longer need to update when making changes-HUGE and can set via the remote) and it appears an improved charging cradle are all steps in the right direction. I am really pleased thus far (two days in
). I hope the quality is there.
I know and read what a lot of you guys are asking for with sequences etc. I can see this as an issue for many but really the 900 seems to me like it was a huge step in the right direction. I know I am late to the game with this one and it's three years old but still a really solid remote.
The next remote might even be pushed further on my wishlist. I would like to see a heftier remote. A little more weight. Take the improved IR and mini blasters even further. Maybe add a third mini-blaster. Keep improving IR transmission devices for ease of use and set-up. My small gripe thus far as it does not come awake on occasion when I pick it up. Need to give a little shake at times. Improve the sensitivity here.
I am really pleased with the advancements of the 900 although I am three years late to the party. Add sequences, continue to advance IR blasters, and take the hardware even further from a materials/heft standpoint. I will remain mum on the 900 charging cradle but if I have issues within six months like all the others I am going to be pissed. Build a better charger.
Is Harmony ready for the next level in HIGH-END? If it's improved over these 900s I just bought I would consider it but really I am quite impressed with these two 900s I just picked up (except for the problem I am having with the mini-blaster in right cabinet.). If this mini is defective another example of the next generation Harmony and improved quality control. I know many want better software but I say continue to improve materials/quality on the remote, blasters and charging cradle. I will pay for it.
The 900 is a fine remote at its current price of a $220 or so. Quite impressed and glad to be universal again after several years!!
Rick