If you're tired of senselessly pointing your universal remote in all directions while frantically flipping through a poorly translated manual for the proper programming codes, you might want to take a look at these PC-programmable universal remotes. You'll pay a bit more, of course, but these are definitely the most versatile remotes out there, and can you really put a price on convenience?

The good: PC-programmable universal remote; LCD flanked by programmable hard keys; as many as 912 macros of 190 steps each. 
The bad: Expensive; uses a serial connection rather than USB; no RF support; compatible with Windows only. 
The bottom line: The MX-700 is a great PC-programmable universal remote with plenty of high-end features--and a price tag to match.
The good: PC-programmable universal remote; separate RF/IR module; 20 customizable keys; as many as 912 macros of 190 steps each. 
The bad: Expensive; available only from custom retailers; serial-to-USB adapter needed for PC connectivity. 
The bottom line: The MX-800 RF is a comprehensive universal remote with every high-end feature you could ask for--and a price tag to match.
The good: More attractive shape than previous Harmony remotes; strong backlight; choice between device or activity usage; intuitive, Web-based programming; Windows and Mac compatible. 
The bad: No rechargeable battery option; numeric keypad buttons are too small and grouped too closely together; Web interface might intimidate nontechie users; two nearly identical Harmony models have more buttons. 
The bottom line: At less than $100, the sleekly designed Logitech Harmony 520 is a relative bargain among PC-programmable remotes--if you don't count the two other nearly identical Harmony models.
The good: Better shape than previous Harmony remotes; strong backlight; choice between device or activity usage; intuitive, Web-based programming. 
The bad: No rechargeable battery option; numeric keypad buttons are too small and grouped too closely together; Web interface might intimidate nontechie users. 
The bottom line: The PC-programmable Logitech Harmony 550 universal remote control offers a sleek design, an impressive feature set, and a manageable price tag.
The good: Web-programmable universal learning remote; superior ergonomics and button layout; activity-based programming; fully backlit keys and LCD; compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines. 
The bad: Web interface may frustrate some users. 
The bottom line: Harmony's latest Web-programmable universal remote hits the sweet spot of design and usability.
The good: Web-programmable universal learning remote; activity-based programming and usage; DVR-friendly button layout; fully backlit keys and LCD; compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines. 
The bad: Mushy rubber buttons; lack of spacing between keys makes it hard to navigate by touch; no RF support; Web interface may frustrate some users. 
The bottom line: The Web-programmable Logitech Harmony 688 universal remote is a must-have home-theater accessory.
The good: Web-programmable, universal learning remote; activity-based programming and usage; DVR-friendly button layout; backlit keys and color LCD; compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines; rechargeable battery and docking station included. 
The bad: No RF support; Web interface may frustrate some users. 
The bottom line: Logitech ups the Harmony ante with a color screen, a rechargeable battery, and freshly designed buttons.
The good: Logitech's first universal learning remote to incorporate both IR (infrared) and RF (radio frequency) wireless operation includes a rechargeable battery and docking station, an RF base station, a DVR-friendly button layout and backlit keys. As with other Harmony remotes, the Logitech 890 is Web-programmable and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines. 
The bad: Compared to the IR-only 880, the Logitech Harmony 890 is pricey. Its Web interface may intimidate nontechie users, and it lacks the Wi-Fi connectivity that's beginning to appear on some rival high-end remotes. 
The bottom line: While it isn't perfect, the Logitech Harmony 890 should be near the top of your list if you're in the market for a sub- $400 RF remote that can operate equipment that's hidden behind cabinets or closet doors.
The good: Better shape than previous Harmony remotes; strong backlight; choice between device or activity usage; intuitive, Web-based programming. 
The bad: No rechargeable battery option; numeric keypad buttons are too small and grouped too closely together; Web interface might intimidate nontechie users. 
The bottom line: A sleek design, an impressive feature set, and a manageable price tag make the Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote an excellent choice for Xbox 360 owners.
The good: Interface is highly customizable via Pronto Edit NG software; large LCD touch screen; blue backlight senses room lighting; remote learns codes well; huge online community can provide many preconfigured files. 
The bad: Slow response; touch screen isn't sensitive enough; software is clunky and difficult to use; you must charge the station for the best results; Windows only. 
The bottom line: This attractive remote enables nearly infinite customization, but casual users will want something simpler.
The good: Sleek universal remote with sharp color screen; solid mix of touch-screen and hard buttons; highly customizable interface; built-in Wi-Fi; allows you to wirelessly stream digital music around the house (with a PC or digital audio receiver). 
The bad: Pricey; professional installation and maintenance a must; Wi-Fi drains the battery quickly. 
The bottom line: Built-in Wi-Fi and extensive control options make the Universal Electronics NevoSL a strong competitor to Philips's high-end Pronto remotes.

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