Remote recommendations - Logitech or Gyration?

adamw · **19th April 2008, 08:29 PM**

Hello,
I'm looking for recommendations for a new remote for my MCE2005 machine - Im not sure which one would suit my needs better.
The two most important features for me are; 1, the ability to enter text with the remote similar to the standard mce remote (triple tap or sms style). 2, I also want to be able to turn on my TV, switch it to the correct input and turn on my amp/receiver using the same remote.

Can anyone tell me which if any remote will do these dutys, or perhaps suggest an alternative? I'm in New Zealand but to give you an idea my budget would be about USD$200.

Oraclimit · **19th April 2008, 10:49 PM**

Hi,

I bought a Logitech Harmony 880 about 18 months ago and have been very happy with it. It's taken a little bit of work to get it working perfectly for all the equipment, but WAF is very high.

Don't know anything about Gyration.

Not sure you can get the 880 anymore - I'm sure they're equivilent models available.

Regards,

Orac.

adamw · **20th April 2008, 11:49 AM**

Thanks for the comments Orac, One thing I havent been able to confirm - can you enter text with the logitech? I dont use a keyboard so it would be nice to search music etc if I can enter alpha-numeric text like the standard mce remote does.

skypilot · **20th April 2008, 01:21 PM**

I have the logitech 785 (as I think the touch screen on the next model up would wear out too soon) - it is a good remote you can full customise the buttons on the remote - it will turn on all the required components and set the correct input and turn off all the unnecessary items if you so desire. Although the setup is reasonably easy and intuitive, it does take a lot of patience and trial and error to get it right and working the way you want - it does rely upon an internet connection- You can rearrange the buttons on the screen and add/delete any unnecessary ones.

I am not familiar with the gyration one - but you can check out the linux MCE web site http://www.linuxmce.org/ to see it in use in the Linux MCE demo (I sometimes wonder if they are demoing the Linux MCE or the gyration mouse/pointer - I apologise if mentioning linux MCE is a no-no here)

AdrianW · **20th April 2008, 01:45 PM**

Yes, all the Harmony remotes can enter text in exactly the same way as the MS remote - but you do need to use it with the MS infra-red receiver.

adamw · **22nd April 2008, 05:08 PM**

Thanks for all the comments guys, the logitech is avail fairly cheap locally so I will probably go that way.