Logitech 688 vs. 880 remote... opinions please??

[lithnights]

I was looking to purchase the Logitech 688 remote (thanks to the positive comments I see on this site) but then saw that they also make a 880 version. It looks like the 688 would be everything that I want and need, so I was wondering what else the 880 has to offer (for about $60 more).

I see that the LCD seems to be in color and that the layout is a bit different.

Anybody else have any opinions these 2 remotes?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Zuke]

The 880 has a built in rechargeable battery pack, but it doesn't last long. I hate the way the 880 operates compared to the 676 and others I have used. I think you would be more than happy with the 688.

 

[gellor]

The battery life on the remote is what you make of it. I've had it last for over a week on a single charge.

The color screen is nice if you're looking to do any customizations like favorite channels using the channel's logo or something like that. Other than that, its just pretty. (I find it easier to read)

I also find the 880 much easier to program custom tasks. (sorry...this is the 880 compared to the 676)

Overall (if you can't tell) I prefer the 880 to the others, but the biggest difference you'll notice is the button layout. Get your hands on them and check out the location of your favorite buttons...that'll help you decide. (For example, the 676, the DVD control buttons are high up on the screen, as compared to the 880 where they're in the middle of the other buttons, but with fewer buttons to look at...vs. some of the others that had the DVD buttons on the bottom, making them awkward to use.)

The biggest thing I dislike about the 880 is the blue glowy-thing on the cradle. I hate blue lights on electronics. I find them to be visibly distracting from whatever else is going on, particularly in a dark room. So when I'm not using the cradle, I unplug it.

 

[fergusonv]

I am very satisfied with my 880

 

[MDS]

Over a week on a single charge? That is pathetic. My HTM MX-350 lasts well over 3 months on a single set of batteries. It actually still works beyond that but the backlight starts to dim when the batteries begin to get low. I wouldn't pay extra for the version with rechargeable batteries if they only last a week or so.

 

[bongobob]

I like my 880. I have no problem with the charger either. I just throw it in the cradle when I go to sleep......

 

[gellor]

Over a week on a single charge? That is pathetic. My HTM MX-350 lasts well over 3 months on a single set of batteries. It actually still works beyond that but the backlight starts to dim when the batteries begin to get low. I wouldn't pay extra for the version with rechargeable batteries if they only last a week or so.

I was just reporting how it is so far. i still haven't had to charge it, and its been about 10 days now...down to 2 out of 3 bars.

The 3 months vs. a couple weeks issue is easily contributable to the color screen, as well...they take a lot more power. Also, it has a feature I actually like that it turns the backlight on whenever you pick it up. That takes extra power as well. If it were the same setup with replaceable batteries, it wouldn't last much longer, either.

 

[Hi Ho]

I own the 688 and it's the only one I have used. I love mine. The batteries seem to last about three months.

EDIT: I wanted to add the following question. Why do people worry about the battery life when the batteries are rechargable and the device includes a charging cradle?

Everything I have that has a charging cradle stays on the charger when not in use, most notably my cordless phone and my wireless headphones. Niether have ever run out of battery power.

If I had the 880 I would keep it on the charging cradle whenever it wasn't being used. Is this not normal behavior?

 

[race4aliving]

My 688 is great. it does everything I want it to. My wife loves how easy it is to use...battery life like stated above is aprox 3 to 4 months.

 

[gellor]

I own the 688 and it's the only one I have used. I love mine. The batteries seem to last about three months.

EDIT: I wanted to add the following question. Why do people worry about the battery life when the batteries are rechargable and the device includes a charging cradle?

Everything I have that has a charging cradle stays on the charger when not in use, most notably my cordless phone and my wireless headphones. Niether have ever run out of battery power.

If I had the 880 I would keep it on the charging cradle whenever it wasn't being used. Is this not normal behavior?

Not in my situation. We have hard floors and no outlets next to the couch, so I have to have the cradle tucked away somewhere away from the primary seating area.

 

[fergusonv]

I think the point is the battery will last for a good while, days if not weeks. I put mine on the cradle when I go to bed, I really don't see how that is an inconvienence.

 

[lithnights]

Thanks for all the comments everybody. I actually found a website that has pictures of the 880 688 as well as the 676 http://www.lewishq.com/images/harmony_6XX_comparison.jpg and I am now leaning towards getting the 676 just based on the button layout. Although they are nice to haves, I don't think I really need the recharger nor color LCD. I am going to head to Best Buy to actually get them in my hand and see what I think. I think that will be the deciding factor.

Thanks all!

 

[Krisso]

I've had my 880 for a long time and I have never had to think about the batteries. (Always sits in its cradle when not in use)

 

[Giuseppe]

I have a Harmony 890, not sure what the difference is but I really like it as well. It makes it real easy to switch from one thing to the next.