Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control

When I discovered that I had been chosen to receive a free Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control I was ecstatic! I had never been chosen to test an electronic before, so I was pretty excited.

I learned first that this Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control was price tagged at $250.00! Due to the high end price tag I immediately assumed that this would be the coolest freaking remote available!

What Makes TheLogitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote ControlSo Cool?
 
First and foremost theLogitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control literately can replace every stinking remote you have in your home. The Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control is universal, but unlike other lower end universal remotes; the Harmony One can store up to 15 devices in it's memory, basically meaning you can rid your counter space, coffee tables, and end tables of 15 table hogging remotes.

Seeing how we have 4 remotes for the living room alone, the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control would be something we could truly use. Something that would simplify life. (I don't know how many times I have turned the CD player on accidentally, while thinking I was turning on the TV).

While this all sounds pretty tempting, the best feature in my opinion is the gorgeous vibrant touch sensitive screen on the remote. Yep! I said touchscreen. The Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control looks as if it is related to new high end touch screen cell phones. It was the first feature that made me go, 'Oooohhhh.... Ahhhh....Niiiccce!!!'

Packaging:
 
The Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control comes in a plastic protective case.

Inside the box you will find your slim sexy stylish remote, a CD Rom, Instructions, and a base charger.

(The base charger plugs into the wall and will automatically recharge the remotes batteries).

According to the box, and the manual, the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control would be easy to set up. Looking at the included CD Rom though, I had a different theory.
 
I personally HATE electronics that ask for software to be downloaded onto my PC. The Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control though didn't just ask... it demanded. Without a PC you cannot store information into the remote. Without a PC the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control is rendered pretty freaking useless.

Seeing how I had no choice in the matter. I placed the CD into my Laptop and waited for the program to install. 5 minutes later, the Logitech software is installed, and I am asked some information. My name, email address, and so on.

Next I HAVEto make sure my online network is up and running. Another suck factor added to the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control is that you must have a computer with online capability. Otherwise, 'sniff, sniff', you cannot use the remote.

The Website:
 
Now that I am all registered into their site, I plug my remote into an available USB port, and I begin browsing the Logitech Harmony One site. From here everything looks like it is going to be as easy as pie.

Before beginning though, I am asked to locate all devices I want the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control to control. I go to my TV in my room, the living room TV, the audio speakers, the DVD player, my Cable box, the CD player, and everything else we used remotes for.

I must get the model number and make. Easy enough.

After having a sheet filled with around 10 devices with the model numbers and manufacturers name, I am now ready to plug this information into the website.

I was surprised that every single device I wanted the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control to work with, was on the list. This is because Logitech's Universal Remotes have a list of 5,000+ manufacturers, and 175,000+ devices that will work with the remote. The list is updated often too!

Setup:
 
I plugged in my device information, and once I was done, the information began downloading into the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control. All seemed well. I was happy! That was easy!

-Then things got ugly. Really ugly!
 
I went to the TV to turn it on. Nothing. I hit the remotes touch screen button that read 'help'. Still nothing. Nothing.

I went back online after realizing that out of the 10 things I added to the remote, only one worked.
Back online, pissed off, and knowing that everything from here on out would be 4 hours worth of trial and error BS. Which is exactly what the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control became.

You see everything looked simplified. Yet when I wanted the remote to work, it offered me more headache's than it was worth. Yes the touchscreen feature is sweet, but truly it was not worth 4 hours of hair pulling aggravation.

Still the goddamn thing refuses to work with my CD player, no matter how many times I went online to tweak its specifications. I'm usually really, really tech savvy, but the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control screwed with my patience for far too long.

What To Like About The Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control:
 
-As mentioned, it has a gorgeous touch screen, that is bound to make visitors jealous.

-It has a slim sleek design which fits comfortably in your hand
-You can store a few photos in an on screen slide show
-You can replace up to 15 remotes with just this one
-It comes with a recharge base
-You can control things such as heat, and lighting in your home if you have such systems

What Not To Like:
 
-It is not as simple as Logitech leads you to believe
-You NEED a PC, and an internet connection
-It is WAY too expensive
-Needs a lot of tweaking
-God forbid it breaks and you threw out your old remotes! Hah!
 
Overall:
 
I was impressed with the design, the style, and the appearance of the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control, but all in all, I absolutely hated setting this remote up. It was seriously a long night for me, and was the cause of a migraine. The remote is advanced indeed... but to be honest, you're everyday Joe would end up throwing this sucker against a wall. The advanced remote, that requires an advanced user to fully understand the settings. For you electronic advanced techy geeks though, this remote is pretty kick ass.

I'd rate the Logitech Harmony One Universal Advanced Remote Control 3 stars out of 5.

Design: 10 out of 10
Ease Of Use: 4 out of 10
Price: 1 out of 10