Harmony 550 ($69) and 720 ($86) all in, shipped

[RedMosquito]

I've been watching for deals on Harmony 550 or 720 and ran across this guy selling them on eBay, looks like he's sold Harmony stuff before with good feedback. He is from China but whatever, I've ordered tons of stuff from Chinese sellers on eBay and never had a problem or charged duty or whatever.. Not sure about the warranty either, but Logitech has always been good when I've had to call them for replacement items (they replaced my 880 out of warranty last year). He also has free shipping.

720, $86 CAD:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Logitech-Harmony-720-Advanced-Universal-Remote-Control_W0QQitemZ280280913187QQcmdZViewItem?hash=i tem280280913187&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 08

550, $69 CAD:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Logitech-Harmony-550-Advanced-Universal-Remote-Control_W0QQitemZ280280925810QQcmdZViewItem?hash=i tem280280925810&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 08

I picked up a 720.

Win?

[brunes]

Considering you can get the 880 from Amazon.com for $80 US shipped, this seems like a warm deal at best to me.

[h00ch]

I don't know about the 720, but stay away from the 550 and other similar models. The paint wears off on the rubber buttons pretty quickly (depending on how often you use it I guess). Also, even though the seller claims these are new, the description says there may be some small scratches on them and do not come with the original packaging, just the remote by itself.

[RedMosquito]

Considering you can get the 880 from Amazon.com for $80 US shipped, this seems like a warm deal at best to me.

And how do you propose to get this for $80 USD from Amazon.com, living in Canada?

He also has the 880 for $103 CAD shipped: http://cgi.ebay.ca/Logitech-Harmony-880-Advanced-Universal-Remote-Control_W0QQitemZ280280646760QQcmdZViewItem?hash=i tem280280646760&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 08

The cheapest I have seen the 880 in Canada is during the Dell Deals for $99 + TAX.

[Mendes]

Considering you can get the 880 from Amazon.com for $80 US shipped, this seems like a warm deal at best to me.

Thats a refurb

And the 720 is a very different remote from the 880 button layout wise.

I would rather the 720 then the 880 personally

[Mendes]

"Please note that the item doesn't come with the retail box, and the installation CD is not included"

Thats Sketchy

[RedMosquito]

Thats a refurb

And the 720 is a very different remote from the 880 button layout wise.

I would rather the 720 then the 880 personally

Yeah, the buttons are raised and feel better on the 720 or 550, I am sick of the buttons on the 880.

[h00ch]

"Please note that the item doesn't come with the retail box, and the installation CD is not included"

Thats Sketchy
I guess those didn't make it when they fell off the back of the truck or maybe the box got a bit soggy after floating at sea for a while.

[RedMosquito]

"Please note that the item doesn't come with the retail box, and the installation CD is not included"

Thats Sketchy

Yeah sounds like refurb packaging? Looks like he just started selling these and there are 3 positive feedbacks for 890's he has sold.

[bigkyle]

I'm ready to pull the trigger.. anyone else?

[zoolander]

I'm ready to pull the trigger.. anyone else?

For a refurb/opened package/install off the web/difficult return and warranty? That's tough.

Win for people if that doesn't matter.

[RedMosquito]

I'm ready to pull the trigger.. anyone else?

Like I said, I ordered a 720 myself - don't let me be the only sucker here lol

[mucat]

Harmony 550 could go to $59 from time to time.

[grappos13]

550 would be 69.99+ tax at amazon.ca using the 10 off coupon

[scoobydoo]

I love the feel and look of the 550. Do the buttons really rub off that quickly? Too bad.

[bigkyle]

now it's just whether or not I should go for the 880 or 720
any insight?! Thanks!!

[brunes]

Yeah, the buttons are raised and feel better on the 720 or 550, I am sick of the buttons on the 880.

It's a matter of taste. from my POV the 720 is butt ugly and boxy. I have the 670 (which is very simmilar in button layout to the 880) and much prefer it.

[Anonymouse]

Thanks, OP. I just bought a 720. (raised buttons>flush buttons)

[ViperZ]

I love the feel and look of the 550. Do the buttons really rub off that quickly? Too bad.

I have 520 and 720. I love both remotes. And I really think that 670 and other 6xx series are butt-ugly.
I have had 520 since brand new for over a year - using it once a day (watch TV, DVD, listen to radio, etc.) - all buttons are like new, nothing ever rubbed off.

[Hothersale]

I have had a 520 and a 550 for years with no issues with the button markings rubbing off.

[bigkyle]

picked up two 720s.. Now can anyone point me in the right direction for the adapter I need for my PS3 to work with this remote?

[JonnyCash]

I purchased an 880 from dell for $99, I have had a strange problem with it though. Whenever I leave it in the charging dock, it starts to beep randomly.. and often.


Very strange

[TheGamer2400]

I love the feel and look of the 550. Do the buttons really rub off that quickly? Too bad.

No problems with my unit. By the way, I wouldn't buy these refurb remotes from this eBay seller. You're better off buying brand new in case something goes wrong, you can return it.

[Happy13178]

If its a refurb, the S/N and/or P/N will be blacked out on the unit with black permanent marker. Ask the guy if it has that...if not, 9 times out of 10 Logitech will cover it under warranty...from what I've seen, they have a good reputation for that.

[Happy13178]

I purchased an 880 from dell for $99, I have had a strange problem with it though. Whenever I leave it in the charging dock, it starts to beep randomly.. and often.


Very strange

Thats a common issue with the 880/890 charge docks...just means it doesn't have a solid charge connection with the 3 charge points.

[zoolander]

picked up two 720s.. Now can anyone point me in the right direction for the adapter I need for my PS3 to work with this remote?

That's Sony's way of making you buy their BT remote.
No IR capability in PS3.
You have to find the adapter end of one of these...

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2006/12/12.23.06-ps3irremote.jpg

Logitech forum thread http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=remote_hardware&message.id=813

Or if you can find one of these... http://www.schmartstuff.com/sony-ps3-ir-upgrad.htmlhttp://

More...http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9779733-1.html

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20070917/USBIRX3_Full_270x349.JPG

ebay?

Here's a good thread...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=761809

[deezz]

I don't know about the 720, but stay away from the 550 and other similar models. The paint wears off on the rubber buttons pretty quickly (depending on how often you use it I guess). Also, even though the seller claims these are new, the description says there may be some small scratches on them and do not come with the original packaging, just the remote by itself.

I used my 550 for two years and have never had any issues with the paint wearing off the rubber buttons.

LOVED that remote, layout-wise. When I upgraded to the 720 with the Costco deal a month or two ago, I loved it too....but the "clicking" is starting to drive me mad now lol. Still, I MUCH prefer the layout and buttons on the 5xx and 720 than the pushed together layout of the 8xx series.

[deezz]

picked up two 720s.. Now can anyone point me in the right direction for the adapter I need for my PS3 to work with this remote?

IR4PS3 - hands down best solution FOR CANADIANS.

The maker is from Montreal, the unit costs $40 + shipping ($8). Takes 2 days to receive. Plus you have to buy Sony's own BD Remote ($25 - or if you wait for another BB or FS customer appreciation sale, get about 10% off), who's motherboard you use to put into your IR4PS3 adapter. Takes 30 mins to do and you're set to go.

Google IR4PS3. I've had mine three months now and am LOVING it, especially if you watch a lot of videos and stuff on your PS3 (which I do - stream from my upstairs computer).

Highly highly recommended because it piggy-back's onto Sony's remote thus it'll never be rendered useless by a PS3 Firmware update, which has happened to other IR to Bluetooth adapters.

I give it 5 stars :D

[ZiggyStardust]

Just an FYI:

I have a 550 and the number pad on the bottom as well as the right directional button no longer function. I opened up the unit and there appears to be a metallic paint on the underside of the keypad that acts to complete a circuit when pressed. The paint has worn off over time, the result being that the buttons no longer function.

Considering an initial retail value of 100 dollars (when I first saw it, anyway) I'd expect these to last a good deal longer than 2 years.

It's great when it works, but (in my case, at least) it doesn't work for long.

-ZS

[rambokid]

I have had a 520 and a 550 for years with no issues with the button markings rubbing off.+1 on 550 ;)

[llcooljayce]

I have had both the 880 and 890 and both are good remotes ... I would just warn anyone that is buying the remote to prepare at least an hour to program it if you have any sort of complex setup.

The interface is not that intuitive and there are a lot of hidden options if you dig down deep enough ... the problem is that half the time you can't figure out how to get back to those options because they are so deep down ...

[bigkyle]

thanks for the help!!

[rockleet]

I am looking for the harmony remotes made specifically for the xbox. cheapest I found was like 90 bucks before shipping. Are these any better/worst/the same if all I do is watch tv and play xbox(games and watch dvds/videos)?

lastly, wanted to throw out there that I have a logitech mouseman dual optical mouse from like 5 years ago purchased off ebay as a refurb(blacked out SN) and it is amazing. Still use it to this day.

[h00ch]

Just an FYI:

I have a 550 and the number pad on the bottom as well as the right directional button no longer function. I opened up the unit and there appears to be a metallic paint on the underside of the keypad that acts to complete a circuit when pressed. The paint has worn off over time, the result being that the buttons no longer function.

Considering an initial retail value of 100 dollars (when I first saw it, anyway) I'd expect these to last a good deal longer than 2 years.

It's great when it works, but (in my case, at least) it doesn't work for long.

-ZS
Are you sure the carbon coating is worn off and it's not just dirty? There's lots of people in various forums who have been able to clean the bottom of the button and the metal pad on the circuit board with rubbing alcohol to bring the buttons back to life.

[bwhizz]

"Please note that the item doesn't come with the retail box, and the installation CD is not included"

Thats Sketchy

i am surprised red mosquito actually posted this. What a ****** deal for a ****** remote thats probably used and not refurb... hahah no cd... bad move mosquito on picking it up.

[RedMosquito]

I purchased an 880 from dell for $99, I have had a strange problem with it though. Whenever I leave it in the charging dock, it starts to beep randomly.. and often.


Very strange

this is because the battery in the 880 has too much play in the battery compartment - if you take a small rolled up piece of paper (very small) or a shim of toothpick or something and wedge it in the opposite end from where the battery contacts meet the remote so that there is less play, that should fix it.

[bigkyle]

i am surprised red mosquito actually posted this. What a ****** deal for a ****** remote thats probably used and not refurb... hahah no cd... bad move mosquito on picking it up.

1000 units that are used and not refurbs.. wow

[edmonite]

FS has the Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote on for $79.99 (after $20 instant savings). BB shows the price on this same remote for over $130 ...

[h00ch]

Best Buy has the 659 for $70

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10032938&catid=21976