The Cheapskate

CNET calls the Logitech Harmony One "arguably the best consumer remote control currently available," and I agree. I've owned one for nearly two years, and it's without a doubt my favorite remote ever.

Alas, Logitech still sells it for $249, same as when it debuted in early 2008. But if you're willing to go the refurb route, you can get the Harmony One for $149.99 shipped from CompUSA.

For those not familiar with the Harmony line, its claim to fame is a simple, Web-based interface for setting up your devices, programming "activities" (a.k.a. macros), and so on.

This particular model features a color touch screen, a perfect button layout, and a docking station for keeping its rechargeable battery topped off.

CNET's review (and the above video) should tell you everything you need to know about the Harmony One. For what it's worth, a handful of CompUSA customers rated it 5 stars on average, while some 800 Amazon buyers rated it 4.5 stars. Needless to say, it's a winner.

Because it's a refurb, the warranty expires after 90 days. I have no problem with that; usually, a product like this either works or it doesn't. My 2-year-old One has been dropped, kicked, abused by children, and more, and it's still plugging along just fine.

Thus, if you're in the market for the ultimate universal remote, this is the best deal I've seen yet. (If you know of a better one, be sure to mention it in the comments!)

If your PC is pulling double duty as a media center, I can't speak highly enough of the Logitech Z Cinema speaker system. It's a 2.1-channel surround-sound powerhouse that cranks out 180 watts and comes with a sweet media-center remote.

Originally priced at $300, the Logitech Z Cinema is on sale for just $79.99 from TigerDirect. Shipping runs a hefty $22, but that's understandable; these are hefty speakers!

The system consists of a subwoofer that plugs into a USB port and two desk-friendly satellite speakers. On one of the satellites you'll find both headphone and aux-in jacks, the latter for connecting, say, an MP3 player.

I should note that these are new speakers, not refurbs, and they're covered by a two-year warranty from Logitech. (TigerDirect's product page says 12 months, but it very clearly says two years on Logitech's site.)

CNET hasn't reviewed the Z Cinema, but PC Magazine gave it high marks. Surprisingly, the magazine dinged the remote for being complicated, but I find it very comfortable and intuitive. The volume-control wheel in particular is just awesome.

In short, I adore these speakers. They're perfect for a den or bedroom where the PC serves up music, movies, and the like. And I'm wild about the price; you really are getting a $300 speaker system for just over $100 out the door.

Hello, and welcome to another edition of How Not to Get Ripped Off When You Buy Cables. See, fancy electronics like Blu-ray Disc players, game consoles, and high-definition camcorders need HDMI cables to connect to your HDTV. But do you really need to pay $30, $50, or even $80 for a single 6-footer?

Those are the going rates at your average big-box store (as well as places like Radio Shack), but SuperMediaStore has three 6-foot HDMI cables for $9.97 shipped.

If you're concerned that these ubercheap cables won't be as good as their heavily packaged retail counterparts, don't be: there's ample scientific and anecdotal evidence that dirt-cheap generics perform just as well.

To get the SuperMediaStore deal, head to the site, add three of the cables to your shopping cart, then use code EL50P to bring the price down to $9.97. Note that this code expires Thursday, so don't wait!

I've written many times about my love of Logitech Harmony remotes. And here's one of the best deals I've seen yet: CompUSA has the Harmony 520 (refurbished) for $39.99.

Ground shipping will run you about $8 (unless you spend another $60, in which case you qualify for $1.99 shipping on your entire order).

The Harmony remotes are renowned for offering (relatively) easy programming via desktop software, which is available for both Windows and Mac systems.

Just choose your home-theater hardware from an extensive (and frequently updated) database, then set up your desired activities ("Watch a movie," "Listen to music," and so on).

The remote's built-in help screens walk you through any problems that may crop up (like the TV turns on but the receiver doesn't), great for when grandparents, babysitters, and other non-residents are trying to operate your stuff.

The 520 is definitely an entry-level model, meaning it lacks rechargeable batteries and has a monochrome, not color, display. Even so, it definitely beats juggling all your remotes. CNET liked it well enough at $100, so you can't go wrong at $40.

Oh, and don't worry about this being a refurb: It comes with a full one-year warranty from Logitech--same as new units.

Tired of juggling remotes? Replace them all with the Logitech Harmony 550, which sold for $150 when it debuted a couple years ago, lists for $129.99 now, and is available from P.C. Richard & Son for just $49.97 shipped. No rebates, no refurbs: These are new units.

In case you're not familiar with them, the Harmony remotes are renowned for offering (relatively) easy programming via desktop software, which is available for both Windows and Mac systems. Just choose your home-theater hardware from an extensive (and frequently updated) database, then set up your desired activities ("Watch a movie," "Listen to music," and so on). The remote's built-in help screens walk you through any problems that may crop up (like the TV turns on but the receiver doesn't).

I've used several Harmony remotes over the years, including this one, and they've largely been outstanding. My only gripe with this model is that it doesn't use rechargeable batteries. But for 50 bucks it's absolutely impossible to beat. Don't take my word: Check out CNET's favorable review of the Harmony 550, and be sure to browse the user reviews as well for more real-world testimony.

Among home-theater enthusiasts, Logitech Harmony remotes have always rated fairly high. They're easier to program than most (thanks to browser-based software), they're packed with features (most notably built-in help), and they're quite comfortable to use. However, the higher-end models tend to be pretty pricey: witness the Harmony 880, which originally sold for $249. If you don't mind a refurbished remote, you can pick up a Harmony 880 for just $69.99 shipped.

Although this model is a couple years old, it's still one of the top options in the Harmony line. It features a color screen, charging station, and Windows and Mac compatibility. You can read CNET's review for more details (they gave it four stars out of five--the same as 100 or so Amazon buyers) and/or watch the above video.

I've got the newer Harmony One, which is quite similar except for having a touch screen. To put it simply: best...remote...ever. The 880 still sells new for around $140, so a refurb for half the price is definitely a good deal. The warranty expires at 90 days, but I think that's acceptable given the savings.

Last month I mentioned that you shouldn't overpay for HDMI cables: The cheap ones are generally just as good as their pricey counterparts. Of course, the best deal is when you don't pay anything at all, like with eCost's free-after-rebate Azio 6-foot HDMI cable.

Shipping is way overpriced at $9.50 (for a cable? C'mon, eCost), but in the end you're getting an HDMI cable for $9.50--a great deal any way you slice it.

The rebate offer (PDF) is good until June 30, though who knows how long eCost's stock will last? For what it's worth, I just picked up an Azio USB/SATA hard-drive enclosure--also free after rebate (same form)--and it's working like a champ.

Need to connect a cable box, Blu-ray player, Xbox 360 Elite, PlayStation 3, or other device to your HDTV? Don't let your local big-box sales weenie talk you into spending $60, $80, or even $100 on an HDMI cable. Instead, head to eBay, Meritline, Newegg, or the like and scoop up a no-brand equivalent for as little as 10 bucks.

HDMI cables, which carry digital audio and video signals, are insanely overpriced. That's the consensus of Ars Technica, CNET, The Consumerist, and yours truly. There's ample scientific and anecdotal evidence that dirt-cheap generics perform just as well as their pricey big-name counterparts (cough *Monster* cough), so don't get suckered into buying the latter.

I did a quick search of eBay and found a six-footer for $9.95 with free shipping. Newegg, meanwhile, has one for just $6.99 (plus $5.99 for shipping, dangit). Nearly 300 users rated it five stars, so you can rest assured it's a perfectly good cable.

What's your thought on the HDMI cable controversy? Think it's a mistake to trust your expensive home-theater gear to a 10-dollar cord? Or do you agree that we're getting gouged by cable makers? Hit the Comments and, um, comment!

Update: I'm not entirely sure what happened with this, but the price is now $69.99 after rebate. I tried contacting TigerDirect to see why the original price disappeared so quickly, but did not get a reply. All prices that I post are accurate at the time I post them, but unfortunately sales sometimes end without warning, inventories sell out, and so on. My apologies for the confusion over this deal!

Tired of juggling remotes? Replace them all with the Logitech Harmony 550, which sold for $150 when it debuted a couple years ago, lists for $129.99 now, and is available from TigerDirect for just $39.99 (after a $30 mail-in rebate).

In case you're not familiar with them, the Harmony remotes are renowned for offering (relatively) easy programming via desktop software, which is available for both Windows and Mac systems. Just choose your home-theater hardware from an extensive database, then set up your desired activities ("Watch a movie," "Listen to music," and so on). The remote's built-in help screens walk you through any problems that may crop up (like the TV turns on but the receiver doesn't).

I've used several Harmony remotes over the years, including this one, and they've largely been outstanding. My only gripe with this model is that it doesn't use rechargeable batteries. But for 40 bucks (plus $8-9 for shipping) it's absolutely impossible to beat. Don't take my word: Check out CNET's favorable review of the Harmony 550, and be sure to browse the user reviews as well for more real-world testimony.