Why Oh Why didn't they include hard buttons on the MX-1000 for Menu, Guide, Info, Exit, like on the SL-9000 or the upcoming MX-500? Cable, Satelite, DVD, CD, VCR... they all use some combination of these buttons regularly, so why force them to LCD? I channel surf my digital cable all the time, and use Guide, Menu, Info and Exit A LOT. Hard buttons would be the way to go for me.

I'm holding out for Daniel's review of the MX-500 before I decide on which to get. The joystick does look cool, but at least the MX-500 has seperate cursor and transport controls.

The Pronto is extremely powerful; I just prefer a better balance of hard/soft buttons.

imho, Scott