Logitech 600 and 650 remotes bring Harmony for under $100

Logitech's most recent offerings in the Harmony line, the 900 and the 700, were much more affordable than the $500 touchscreen Harmony 1100 we reviewed last year, but neither crossed beneath the magical $100 threshold. Finally Logitech has a few new models that'll set you back less than a Benjamin, the $79 Harmony 600 and $99 Harmony 650, said to be shipping by the end of the month. Both share the same shape as the 700 but have been gimped somewhat to control a maximum of five devices -- a curious step back from the 700's six. Likewise the 600 offers only monochrome screen while the 650 offers color, but given your dog's lack of chromatic acuity he'll be perfectly content chewing on either.

Logitech Harmony 600 and 650 remotes

[afgoody Posted Mar 2nd 2010 3:44PM]

True, but when can I expect the Harmony 900 with the following:

1) Macros (real macros in addition to activities)
2) Native RF support for those devices that support it (a la Xbox 360)
3) QWERTY keyboard (future proofing because the web is here to stay...just look at the Boxee Box). OK, maybe this would come at the expense of ergonomics, so nevermind.
4) Beefier warranty. One year? Industry standard or not, either stand by your product and it's design or drop the price so I can afford a different brand when the keys stick and the touchscreen goes caput at day 366.

Everything else about the 900 is great (including recharging...obviously), but until they bring back the macros without taking something else out, then I'll keep waiting to throw down 3 bills and keep using my old school HTM MX-500.

Engadget dudes, when are you going to interview Logitech on the Engadget Show?

[brie987 Posted Mar 3rd 2010 12:23AM]

I have a Harmony 520, very simple and I really like it but it does not have "favorite" channel selections, do these new handsets have?