An interesting, critical review of the H659 Harmony (Logitech) universal remote (a somewhat older model). Interesting because usability guru Donald Norman had hailed it as an example of good design. And because Logitech recently launched a new range of Harmony universal remote controls that are supposed to solve all our remote control annoyances. Let's hope Logitech took a serious look at the e-mail that the aforementioned reviewer sent to Logitech's helpdesk. But I don't think that's the case, considering the answer he got:

"I'm sorry you're not happy. Let us know if you have any more problems"

By the way: don't forget to take a look at the reactions to the review where we find this little gem:

i think your a loser,becuase you are complaining about simple little things. there is nuthin wrong with shfiting the remote in your hands. you are just lazy the harmony remote works great.

Apart from the spelling particularities, I find this to be one of the most beautiful occurrences of someone not being able to see the user perspective.

Bonus reading: Remote Controls Run Amok, story by CBS news.

See also:
> Universally Annoying Remotes, review of the H659 at Coding Horror
> higher resolution picture of the H659
> CNET reviews (mostly enthusiastic about the functionality, a number are more critical on the usability)