The 550 is quite outdated, IMO. It's not cabable of enough, probably.

Is the only thing that's stopping you from getting the TC-30 lack of Logitech tech support? You should be able to get it from HK then, I'd think.

I don't think that the 880 or 890's shapes are "dreaded." I also don't think the button's are too small. But if it's a concern, then don't get it.

Maybe you'd be better off with something from URC, say the MX-700? It's about $150 (make sure you get it from an authorized dealer...surfremote.com carries them) and although not with a color screen, I think that it is a much better remte than any of the Harmonies mentioned. The buttons are good size, in my opinion, and the buttons next to the LCD screen are smaller but spaced far enough apart to facilitate use. The URC remotes are slightly harder to program, but overall much better remotes.