I've been using the Logitech Harmony line of remotes for many years now. My 890 just bit the dust. Rather than spend $300 on a new Logitech 900, I've been looking at using the following options.
You have alternatives like Philips RC9800i, but I've never quite dared to purchase and test one. They are quite expensive. But again, so are the Harmony 900's I think I purchased the 900 because I installed a Harmony One for my parents, and it worked rather well. The RF part on the 900 was disappointing, so I should have tested a Philips model instead I think.
I find the lack attention to this issue iritating. I don't want pure touch screen. There needs to be a flip remote. One side touch the other side real buttons. power up down left right ok back home channel up down volume page up down. I'm so tempteded to start a DIY project with an old phone and an old remote. But I'm don't have the time or electronic skils to pull it off.
Unfortunately, Philips has finished its remote business, and I'm not sure whether someone bought it or not. I considered getting a Pronto, URC etc., but by all accounts you need to have a pro program them for you. I could learnt to do it myself, but I don't even make time to program my two Harmony Ones these days!
Why not use an Android? The hardware volume buttons work in Gizmo.
I'm using iRule on a cheap Android tablet and it works great. The best remote option I've used to control my Home Theater system. I too, had a Harmony bite the dust about two months ago and started looking into the various options. I tried the new Harmony Link - and it was awful. I then investigated about 3 other options and finally settled on iRule. I'm extremely happy with the iRule product. The best testimony, my wife can use it and is happy with it.I use the Global Cache IP2IR model to control my Denon AV Receiver, Sony LCD TV and DishNetwork Receiver.I use IP control for JRiver in Theater View - not sure how well it would work in Standard View. iRule also allows URL access - meaning you can integrate WebGizmo into the control panel along with IR commands to other devices (like the AV receiver). I've been trying this and it works pretty well - there's a bit of a navigation issue with using the back button. WebGizmo replies on the Android back button to return the previous page. However, in iRule pressing the Android back button takes you the previous iRule page. I've asked if a back and forward button could be added to WebGizmo - but nothing has developed.Here's some links to my AVS posts showing my remote layout.http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=21615892&postcount=152http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=21612069&postcount=6010
In case you get lazy and want to go with what you know already:A lot of users have had great success contacting Logitech to ask about options for their out of warranty remotes. They usually get a 50% off coupon to be used in the Logitech Harmony store.
I'm looking for a solution that will work with my receiver's many settings, be able to at least turn my TV, HTPCs, and projector on and off, be able to launch Windows software, be able to work with MC (of course) and be able to use X10 commands to turn on/off my subwoofers, buttkickers and lighting. I think iRule is the closest to doing this, and word-of-mouth (in this thread) is that it's less reliable in Android.