Logitech Harmony 555 remote control: Old skool, but still top notch

The unwritten commandment of technophiles is “Thou shalt covet only the latest gadget”. Yesterday’s gadget is not worth looking at. If it’s not bleeding edge then forget it.

However, there is value in older gadgets. Look at the world of remote controls, there are all manner of new ways of controlling your TV set and other devices, but is there anything wrong with the old point and push hand-helds. The Logitech Harmony range is probably the daddy of the universal remote, and the 555 is perhaps the apogee of their range. It is not the most advanced remote, but that is not a problem. This remote does everything you need. Even those PS3 owners can get an add-on to control your box from the same remote. What more could you want?

This one remote can be programmed with 15 devices. Programming is easy from a PC. Connect it up and chose the right code for your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player (Logitech has 175,000 on the file) and then upload them. Run your fingers over the back-lit buttons and enjoy the quality feel of the device. The keys may be a little small for some of the lesser used functions, but for the most part this is a well designed device, both software and hardware wise.

What’s more is that this is not a significant purchase. At £40 (RRP £72) this is one device you can get without much thought and banish coffee table clutter for good.