I used to frequent these forums but I haven't been here in a while.
Since I got my MX-500 tweaked in just right I haven't been paying much attention to the URC market.

My MX-500 still works but it's seen better days.
It's gone through a spill or two and the backlight no longer works.

I was thinking about buying another one and thought why not upgrade to the MX-700 since the prices must have come down by now. I could definitely improve things with the better macro capabilities of the 700.

The MX-500 has come down to under $100 but the 700 seems to be out of production and unavailable anywhere.
Looks like the MX-850 replaced it but the price on the 850 is still in the $400 range.

I have absolutely no need for RF capability.
Anyone know if the 700 can still be found anywhere for a reasonable price?
Sidekick included would be preferable. I'd like something my in-laws can use easily when they are over babysitting.

Not that I know of. It's been discontinued for quite awhile. Surf Remote had them a few monts ago, but not any more.

But email some of the authorized dealers (www.surfremote.com and www.proremotes.com) and ask for unadvertised specials on the MX-850...you'll be suprised.

Some detailed searching finds the 850 available from a few places as low as $180.
I might go that route.
I assume the 850 can be used WITHOUT the RF reciever? It sends IR directly right?

There's also a MX-700 or two on Ebay but the pickin's are slim.
Nobody has a package with an MX-200.

Is there a Sidekick available for the MX-850?

I could probably create my own sidekick by programming a simple cheap remote for just basic TV watching. It would need macros for my setup though to change the necessary inputs.
Any suggestions?

Make sure you do NOT buy the MX-850 from any place other than an Authorized Dealer. You don't get updatable software, nor do you get warranty or support from URC.

That means do NOT buy them from ebay.

I know you can get an MX-850 for as low as $200 from an authorized dealer (see my above post). For the extra $20, it's stupid to do it otherwise.

Yes, you can use the MX-850 IR only. No RF receiver is required.

I haven't seen a Sidekick in years. It was harder to come by than the MX-700.

You could use a cheaper learning remote...take a look at the Sony RM-VL710 (discontinued but on ebay) or RM-VL600. Use the MX-850 to teach discretes when necessary.

Have you looked in the Home Theater Marketplace on this site for a used unit?

The sidekick was quickly removed from the MX-700 bundle to reduce the price, and as far as I know it was never readily available by itself. And certainly not any more.

I do with URC would explore accessory remotes like the Sidekick; I had come up with a design a few years ago that made something only slightly larger than the Sidekick a whole lot more useful. :-)

I don't suppose you're able to share that design?

i have the sidekick that came with my mx700 and never used it, I would be willing to sell it if anyone wants it, just email me at [email protected] with an offer.

I ended up finding and buying a New MX-700 on EBay for ~$120.
I had no trouble downloading the software from HTM.
They are popping up on EBay used and new fairly often.
In fact there are even a few MX-200's there now for a steal.

I like the more sophisticated programming capabilities of the MX-700 but I have to say i don't like the difference in the layout of the transport controls. It'll take me a little while to get used to it

All in all it's a definite upgrade. The 700 is much more visitor friendly.
Macros are much faster and the IR output strength seems much more powerful, but it could be that my old MX-500 was just getting weaker.

After a while it feels "wrong" going back to the MX-500 transport layout...