Gadgets: Logitech adds affordable, all-in-one remote to Harmony lineup

Logitech has added a new user-friendly and more affordable device to their product line with the Harmony 300.

The remote runs on two AA batteries (included) and can replace up to four existing remotes from your family room coffee table.

What I like best about Logitech's remotes is the programming, which is done by connecting the remote (USB) to your computer (Windows or Mac). Users then access the company's website to input the devices your remote needs to control and the programming begins.

As always, I used my Mac for programming and after a free account is setup at the Logitech site, I allowed the software to be installed, which was automatic, simple and took just a few minutes.

Next, I chose my devices and the Logitech database did the rest of the programming.

You can also choose customizing buttons on the remote for specific tasks; unfortunately cooking dinner wasn't one of them.

I didn't count them, but Logitech states that the website has an online list of more than 5,000 brands and more than 225,000 IR devices to choose from, so there is a very good chance your device will be listed.

New devices are added as they hit the market.

Once programmed, one button on the remote turns on whatever is needed. For example, if you are going to play a CD, the CD player and the stereo will turn on at the same time.

When you go to watch TV, both the TV and your cable/satellite box will turn on together.

If you have more devices to control, the Harmony 700 handles up to six different IR devices, while the Harmony 600 and 650 each handle five.

These higher end models also have features such as an LCD screen, backlit buttons and rechargeable batteries with a charging cradle, but will cost a little more.

Details: logitech.com/harmony, $49.99
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My favorite Mac utility software just got an upgrade with the Prosoft release of Drive Genius 3.

Anyone who has a slow running Mac should consider the software a necessary tool to used monthly or when needed just as your car would need an oil change or tune-up.

The software is loaded with new features in addition to updating many of the existing ones.

Among the new items is DrivePulse, which monitor's the health of your hard drive to try and find and prevent issues before they become bigger problems.

Defragging a disk has been improved with users being provided more fragmentation information in a new user interface, and results in a faster running machine.

Users can also get email notifications so some of the time consuming tasks can be run while you are away from your computer. Once they are completed an email will alert you when the program is finished.

Drive Genius 3 ($99) runs as a 64-bit application and requires a Mac running an Intel processor with an operating system of 10.5.3 or newer. Users of Drive Genius 1 and 2 can upgrade to the newer version for $49.

Details: prosofteng.com

(c) 2010, Gregg Ellman.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.