If a touchpad doesn't bother you, the Pronto is the best remote I have ever used. Unfortunately for me, after about 3 years of use, the lack of hard buttons really got to me. I just missed not having to look down at the remote for almost everything. I now own 3 mx-700s and 1 mx-500 and will say they are the single greatest remotes I have ever used. The mx-700 is the crown jewel of remotes IMO. I bought all of mine for about 175 each and have not had a problem.

Here is my mini breakdown:

MX-700 - Best Remote I have ever used.
Pros: Hard buttons, unlimited macros, great design and layout.
Cons: slower than Pronto executing Macros, software is less intuitive, not as customizable as the Pronto.

Pronto: If not for lack of hard buttons, the best remote out there.
Pros: Ultra-customizable (can almost become a hobby designing it), Super fast Macros available on every button, Great programming software.
Cons: No hard buttons, strange shape that requires two hands for most operations, delicate.

MX-500: The best remote for the money, period. I originally got rid of my pronto for the MX500 but after 7 months of use, I knew I needed more customization and the MX700 was the answer.

I have never tried the Harmonys but I always hear good things about them. I am just one of those sick puppies that really likes to program remotes.

After playing with the Pronto over the weekend, albeit without the pc cable, I'm starting to lean toward the MX700. It does appear to have a nice combo of hard and soft buttons. Hopefully I'll get the pronto cable soon and then I can really play with it.
Like you, Jed M, I also like to play with the programming. BTW, where did you get your remotes?

------------------
The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. But what IS the Question?

CBWills,

I am not sure if I can post links online. Email me at jmcchesney@cox.net and I will send you the info.

Jed M,
On it's way. Thanks for your help.

Chris

------------------
The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. But what IS the Question?

Well, I decided to get the MX-700. The fact that I was able to download the MX Editor program to my laptop (which runs Win98, thank goodness) made the decision for me. I started the preliminary programming last night.

Now all I have to do is wait.....

------------------
The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. But what IS the Question?

You should probably check out the attached link. I found downloads of most of the equipment that I have on that site.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=mx700

Take this for what its worth, but I used the mx-700's main 2 as my true "device" page. I saved the front page for activty macros (e.g. HDTV - turn on the HDTV, select video 3 input on my 1050, have the HDTV select cable as the input and put the HDTV into Natural mode and switch to the HDTV device page). That page is setup as a clone of the device page for my Toshiba HDTV (with the appropriate punch throughs for volume, etc) and soft buttons for the HDTV stations. The soft buttons are macros that enter the channel number directly. Bottom line if my wife want to watch HDTV, she picks up the remote, hits the HDTV button and then selects the channel she wants to watch. She doesn't have to know that CBS is 1102 and HBOHD is 1170, etc.

73Bruin,
I have also looked at those downloads and the whole system configurations. Very nice, indeed.
I may do something like you have done, making the first page activity macros (something like the Harmony SST-659)and assign the second page as the device page. I don't have that many items to control, so I'll have plenty of space.

Of course for the remote itself,

I'm still waiting....

------------------
The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. But what IS the Question?

Well,
I asked for and received the MX-700. Very nice, but...the light doesn't work!
When I put the batteries in, it goes through the system check, and at "LIGHT" it lists "SKIP", not "GOOD" (like the other systems). I told my boss (who got it for me) and he said to check the HTM website. Well, no info there. Also, the light button makes what I think is a distracting click when pressed.
Other than that, I really do like it.
Does anyone have an idea that could deal with this remote? I don't have a problem with sending it back and waiting a little more.

------------------
The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. But what IS the Question?

Sorry but mine is absolutely quiet - no clicks on any buttons.

I would return it. If it fails the diagonistics now, that doesn't bode well for the future.

I don't know who you purchased it from, but my vendor was surf remote control was super on support issues.

My boss bought it through Powersystems in Texas. They are listed in HTM's dealers section, so it should be under warranty and/or returnable.
I don't anticipate a problem.

------------------
The answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42. But what IS the Question?

[This message has been edited by CBWills (edited April 22, 2004).]