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.

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.

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little spoiled by all the free software out there. Seriously, I feel for the developers working hard to make a buck when there's so much good freeware. Like these five gems, all of which I use almost daily and love dearly:

• CrossLoop - Need remote access to another PC? It's hard to find a simpler solution than CrossLoop. Just run the small client app on your system, then instruct the friend/grandma/user at the other end to do likewise. Presto: You're connected, able to see and control the other PC and even transfer files.
• Revo Uninstaller - If you routinely install and uninstall new programs, ditch Windows' crappy uninstaller and use Revo instead. It works faster and removes all traces of the selected program, leaving behind no system-clogging Registry debris, icons, etc.
• SyncToy - One of Microsoft's little-known XP/Vista PowerToys, SyncToy offers soup-to-nuts folder synchronization between networked PCs. It's not particularly well-documented, nor does it come with technical support, but I find it indispensable.
• Windows Live FolderShare - Another little-known Microsoft jewel, this free service not only keeps folders in sync between two or more non-networked computers (like, say, your home and work PCs), but also lets you share files with others and access them remotely.
• Xobni - Best. Outlook add-on. Ever. Xobni can automatically extract names and phone numbers from e-mail messages, search e-mail in a flash, thread your e-mail conversations, and analyze your e-mail to provide all kinds of useful information.

Okay, your turn: What lesser-known freebies did I leave off the list? Hit the Comments and list your favorites.

If you decided to take advantage of Tuesday's mention of an Xbox 360 deal and plan to utilize the console's media-center features, you'll want a good remote to go with it. Look no further than the Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote for Xbox 360, which eCost has on sale for $49.99 (plus shipping).

In case you're not familiar with the Harmony line of remotes, their claim to fame is browser-based programming, which makes for relatively easy setup of devices, activities, and so on. Plus, they have built-in onscreen help, which is great for visiting babysitters, grandparents, etc.

I've used several Harmony remotes over the years, and while they're not perfect, they're definitely the best of their breed.

This particular Harmony was designed with the Xbox 360 in mind, right down to the four controller-colored X, Y, A, and B buttons. You can use it to operate not only the 360's media-center functions, but also your entire home theater. CNET's review of the Harmony 360 has more details.

These are new remotes, not refurbs, and you don't have to deal with any rebates. Definitely worth a look if you're an Xbox 360 owner.

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.

Know how I'm always going on and on about TV tuners and Windows Media Center? One ingredient that's almost always missing from the equation is a remote. Enter the Pinnacle Remote Kit, which lets you operate Windows Media Center from afar (or from the couch, anyway). Woot Sellout has the remote on sale for $14.99 (plus $5 shipping), a decent savings over the $29.99 list price.

To use the kit, you need Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate. (Rumor has it there's a hack that'll allow it to work with the XP version of Media Center; try Google.) A TV tuner is optional, though definitely recommended if you want to make the most of Media Center. The IR transceiver, which plugs into a USB port, includes a suction cup so you can mount it in an out-of-the-way location.

As with all Woot deals, when this one's gone, it's gone--so don't wait if you're in the market for a remote to control all that hot Media Center action.