The MX-500 button layout was never changed, as far as I can remember.

What changes were made?

I know they changed the actual buttons to the GemStone buttons, but I don't remember the design of the remote changing. In fact, I'd put money on it.

Thumbpad changes. Yes.

GemStone buttons. Yes.

Backlight. Yes.

Anything else? No, AFAIK.

I agree, I've done the 900 with all the base stations (including the 250) and it just flat out works better than there old remotes. I have not had problem one with any of the configurations I've done (knock-knock). Also the remote has a great feel to it, I've stayed away from the 950 because it may be misconstrued for a whoopin stick (too big) but I've got a feeling there alot of performance improvements in there as well.

I've really grown to like the watch/listen set-up.

I always set them up so that an 'activity' selection powers up all of the required devices and turns everything to the proper inputs.

On my shop/office 900 my 'listen' page includes.... PATIO,CABLE, XM,RADIO,MEDIA(media cntr pc), and CD.
All of these, with the exeption of the MEDIA don't turn on the TV. The PATIO takes me to a page that is identical but sends out zone 2 codes to my Integra receiver.

The 'watch' page includes.... DVR,MEDIA,DVD, and TV.

My 950 in my living room is set up similarly.

My 17yr old loves to listen to the music from the cable box stations.

When she selects CABLE from the 'listen' page, my (our) Plasma isn't running all day because she wants to listen to music in another part of the house!

I've included a couple of pages that include the channels she wants to listen to(like the favorites on an 850) so she doesn't need the tv on.

I've owned a 600 and 700.
Currently have an 850,900,and 950.(running through 2 mrf-300's).

The 900 and 950 lay out is far superior and the ability to have a source on the 'main' page jump to another 'main' page with full macro ability on any button is th sh*t!

Oh, and my clients like them better as well. It's easier for them to understand.

Granted, my clients aren't really into the logistics of operating or installing a system like most of you.

They just want to be able to press 'watch- DVD and be watching a dvd or press 'listen'-cable, and be listening to their favorite cable music station WITHOUT the display being on.

I guess they just want it to be simple and work.

And it does!

What do you know, pilgram? Are you a pro or something? ;-)

Well, I'm probably not as good as you guys but I do make 400 or so people really happy every year ;-)

I have no doubt that you do! Putting in 12 hour days has got to make SOMEONE happy, dang it all! :-)

Hmm, I coulda sworn they did something with the prev channel and mute, but it's probably just because i'm used to seeing the 700/800/850s all the time. All though they did reshape the off button to be round instead of flat! :D