![]() However, it is worth noting that context-specific side keys-volume and channel up/down-are raised nicely in just the right places. For this model, Logitech has gone with all hard plastic buttons-generally a good thing, though buttons such as the video-transport buttons (record, play, rewind, fast-forward, pause, and stop) and the 12-digit keypad are still spaced very close to each other, so it's hard to operate by feel alone. Previous Harmony remotes featured soft, rubbery buttons that sometimes weren't as responsive as we would have liked. One thing we didn't love was that the activity-based icons could have been a little cleaner-looking and easier to read hopefully Logitech will tweak them in due time. The 128x160-pixel color display is pretty low resolution (read: early Palm color screen), but it's a big improvement over the monochrome screens found on such models as the Harmony 688 and 676. That's up from six on previous Harmony models. The increased screen real estate offers room for a total of eight contextual icons, corresponding to adjacent hard buttons. In addition to the screen's color capabilities (previous models were limited to black-and-white), the LCD is larger. However, a couple of significant differences separate it from previous models. Though slightly larger than its predecessors, the 880 retains a similar dumbbell shape, measuring 8.1 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 1.3 inches deep and weighing 5.8 ounces. It's also the first Harmony to feature a color screen and a built-in rechargeable battery along with a docking station. ![]() The new parent company finished out 2004 with a couple of models that were already in Intrigue's hopper, but the $249 Harmony 880 is the first Harmony remote to be fully conceived by Logitech's designers. The brand was originally developed by Canada's Intrigue Technologies, which was purchased last year by accessories giant Logitech. Over the last couple of years, we've developed a fondness for Harmony Web-programmable universal remotes. (Given the age of this product, CNET suggests choosing the Harmony One or Harmony 700 instead.) While 880 owners who purchased the unit with the original cradle are now out of warranty, they can contact Logitech customer service to receive a 50 percent discount on new products. Editors' Note: From 2007 onward, Logitech included redesigned charging cradles with the Harmony 880.
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