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December 19, 2008 6:15 AM PST

Get a Logitech Harmony 520 remote for $39.99

by Rick Broida

One remote to control them all: The Harmony 520.

(Credit: Logitech)

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.

Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (9 Comments)
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by bl1001 December 19, 2008 6:38 AM PST
The Harmony remotes are great (on my second one after my dog recently used my first one as a chew toy). You can get a new 550 for $50 shipped at www.pcrichard.com. So for a few bucks more you get a new remote with more functionality (more buttons, sound/picture mode) over the 520. I think Rick actually posted that deal about a month ago..
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by absentspace December 19, 2008 7:33 AM PST
Best Buy has the 550 on sale for $49.99 in stores or online, brand new. I've had one for over a year now and it's a fantastic remote. I paid $99 for it when I bought it. My only complaint is that it lacks a rechargeable battery. Eventually, I will upgrade to an RF harmony, remote and get some automated lighting, but for $50 the 550 can't be beat.
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by Nychocolips December 19, 2008 8:17 AM PST
I love harmony remotes. Just keep in mind who you are buying it for. If it is for older folks (Mom or Grandma visiting) who might not have the greatest eyesight or dexterity you may opt for a more expensive Harmony with a bigger display.
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by JDB9383 December 19, 2008 8:50 AM PST
Why buy a refurbished Logitech Harmony 520 when you can buy one new for cheaper?

Go to ebay, search for Logitech Harmony 520. The one of the featured items is the new remote for $29.99 with free shipping! The seller is "websbestdeals". I bought three last friday and received them last night. They work great!
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by rickbroida December 19, 2008 9:02 AM PST
Just goes to show: The Cheapskate attracts the smartest readers in the blogosphere. :)
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by robertorosco December 19, 2008 9:25 AM PST
I sooooo want one of these!
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by MysteryMT December 19, 2008 11:06 AM PST
Ebay has the Logitech 520 going for 29.99 Shipped under "Buy it Now"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230313138022

Saves 18 dollars if you pay the 8 dollars shipping on this one.
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by riotten22 December 19, 2008 11:59 AM PST
I purchased the 520 off Ebay and it is New in box. I used MS live.com cash back and got this remote for $27 shipped.
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by the_iceman December 23, 2008 7:08 PM PST
JDB9383- Thanks for the heads up, I also got one from websbestdeals for just 30$ new
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About The Cheapskate

The best things in tech are cheap. "The Cheapskate" scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets, and all the other tech stuff that makes life worth living. Send your own cheapskate tips to thecheapskate@gmail.com. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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