Holiday gift idea: Logitech Harmony Universal Remote 56% off at Amazon
Excellent update! (12/4, 9:27am PST): Hey! Right now, the price is $59.99, even better than when I first posted! Get it quick -- the price appears to be bouncing all over the place.
Unfortunate update: Based on JEP's comment, I checked the price later in the day and it went up to $79.99! That's still a good price (47% off), but grrrrr anyway. I'll keep my eye on this to see if it goes back down in the days ahead.
The Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote
Turning on the TV used to be a one-button operation, but as "entertainment systems" have gotten more complex, it now requires several devices, input switching, and mysterious incantations uttered while facing the direction of the sun.
The hypothetical answer is the universal remote: a programmable remote control that works on all of your entertainment system components. But If you've tried universal remotes before and been disappointed (as I have), you'll love the Harmony. Simply: it works. I was skeptical when Rael brought one home, but now I'm convinced. I can now turn on the television BY MYSELF, and I can even operate TiVo, play a DVD or switch to the Wii. Bonus: I can turn it off!
It has actually come in most handy for the kids and the various babysitters and guests who might like to watch TV without our involvement. You know that paralysis you get when trying to a) open someone else's stroller, b) operate someone else's baby gate or c) turn on someone else's TV? We've outgrown the first two problems, and we've solved the third with the Harmony.
Oh, and Amazon's got a special offer going right now: if you purchase $75 worth of electronics, you get a free 1-year subscription to Wired magazine (click the link for details).
(or any Amazon link at Parent Hacks), you throw some change into our tip jar without any extra steps or cost to you. Thank you!
I'm not seeing that price; it shows up at $79.99 for me.. :(
Posted by: JEP | 02 December 2009 at 11:45 AM
now you're just feeding my amazon.com addiction and my hopeless inability to manage the 4 remotes in our family room. ORDERED - based on your recommendation (and 300+ amazon users).
Posted by: Lisa | 02 December 2009 at 11:49 AM
Yes, Amazon's prices will change regularly. If you put an item in your cart, you can keep an eye on the price easily (and there will be a notification at the top of the page showing you the price difference). I've seen prices swing 50-100% up and down on items. Good luck
Posted by: Aaron | 02 December 2009 at 10:01 PM
It's 12/3 at 9:30pm PST, and the remote is $59.99!!! Buy, buy, buy!!!
Posted by: Aaron | 03 December 2009 at 09:31 PM
"gadget ($65.99, 56% off the usual price of $149.99)" If that ture. I will go to ahve a look then.
Posted by: Electronic Gadgets | 27 June 2011 at 08:30 PM