AT A GLANCE
- Compatible with over 5000 brands
- Set up takes only a few minutes
- Using five different remotes to watch one program is a thing of the past!
In my Snapshot Review I blatantly proclaimed that this remote has rocked my world in the nerdiest way. I still stand by that. But I think you deserve a more in depth review of exactly why my world has been rocked. First, let’s talk about the product itself...
This remote is a remote that will outlive all others. It’s what your basic Telefunken remote wishes it could be. What you do get is a comprehensive set of buttons; 55 in total. Now, although that might sound daunting to the average female user, I can guarantee that your husbank will be appreciative of its buttony gluttony. Every button is pretty much customisable, and the beauty about the Logitech Harmony 300i Universal Remote is that you can make it what you want it to be, at the click of a mouse using your computer.
The hardware seems to be simple enough for not-so-technical users, but how about the setup process? Previous Harmony remotes required the patience of a Saint in order to set up, but with a new market in its sights, Logitech has revamped the Harmony 300 setup to make it easier than ever before and most users should be up and running after no more than 5 to 10 minutes.
So, to get started, there are a few important provisos that less-technical users should be made aware of.
- In order to configure the remote, you'll need two key pieces of equipment; a PC or Mac computer and an Internet connection. Without those, you're shit out of luck.
- Logitech supplies the cable, and once the remote has been attached, you visit the new myharmony.com web site, punch in your email address and password, and download the web-based configuration software.
- From here on in, it's very, very simple, with Logitech's interface carefully guiding the user through each individual process.
- Follow the instructions, don’t panic and remember that if at any time you’re unhappy with the way you set things up, you can just plug it back in and start again. One of the biggest mistakes when trying to use technology is the misguided notion that you’re going to screw it all up and break something. Most things can be undone, fixed and redone. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Like all new remotes, it can take a while to remember where individual buttons are located, but the remote feels comfortable to use and its ability to replace up to four others certainly has appeal. There are some features that haven't made the cut – like including an LCD display which would probably be missed by more advanced users, but for beginners looking for a simple all-in-one solution the Harmony 300i is, and please forgive my shameless little pun, right on the button.
Bottom line:
The Harmony 300i Universal Remote - It’s not perfect, but it tries pretty damn hard.
Turn ons:
- Easily obtainable online and in person
- Costs under R300
- Easy to setup and configure
- Comfortable in use (nice and small for lady hands!)
Turn offs:
- Although compatible with thousands of brands, it only really controls four devices
