Logitech Harmony 300 eschews LCD screen for universal affordability (video)

Logitech's Harmony remotes have a well earned reputation that treads the fine line between overkill and power user necessity, and while the 600 series brought the entry price down below the $100 mark, this latest Harmony 300 set is aiming to limbo even lower. Priced at $49.99 in the USA and £29.99 in the UK, the 300 touts a supposedly effortless web-based setup -- via a USB hookup to your nearest computer -- and compatibility with more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 brands. Of course, the lower price comes with some sacrifices, namely the removal of the LCD screen found in the higher models, and the limitation of controlling a maximum of four devices. If neither bothers you too much, expect this universal remote to land in your lap some time in early April. Video after the break.

[mattcoz Posted Mar 31st 2010 11:59AM]

@wobbl Considering you can't switch between activities, there really isn't much need for the help button.

[crshepard Posted Mar 31st 2010 2:33PM]

@wobbl
A universal remote worth buying doesn't get confused and doesn't miss commands.

[ben55124 Posted Mar 31st 2010 11:54AM]

I like my xbox branded harmony -- I don't think dropping the lcd would be a good idea. If one of the activity commands gets missed, I use the lcd to go searching for the device/command that was missed.

This device could leave you stranded on your couch in a world where your devices are out of sync.

[SuperDre Posted Mar 31st 2010 1:01PM]

Hmm.. maybe my next try, I never used the displays on any remote I had anyway.. Now if it's also sturdy and not as flimsy as most logitech remotes than it really is something..

[tamosius Posted Mar 31st 2010 1:53PM]

I still like using smartphone as a remote better, having it as one of home pages.

[crshepard Posted Mar 31st 2010 2:29PM]

They found a way to make the Harmony line even worse. Awesome.

[cadster Posted Mar 31st 2010 2:56PM]

You can still get a Blu-Link remote control that supports the PS3 and 5 other devices for cheaper than this. Get it together, Logitech.