They both cost about the same.

Whats the better choice ?

It all depends on what you want. Do you want to be able to customize graphics on the remote? If so go with the 980 as it allows alot more customization in that aspect. That too me is 1 of the biggest differences, that to some people don't matter but to others is a huge deal. I personally like to be able to customize my graphics and backgrounds anyway I like, but on the other hand I like the layout of the 880 hard buttons better than the 980's. While there are other technical differences (which I;m too tired to get into right now) they are both very capable remotes and most likely would serve you well!

Andrew

Thanks for your reply

I have to agree I prefer the layout and look of the 880 to the 980.

How limited are the customize graphics options on the 880 compared to the 980 ?

From my experience so far you cannot customize the graphics at all. When you are creating and naming your devices you can choose a theme for a certain device, and also a graphic for the device on the watch and listen pages. All the buttons within the devices will be clear buttons with text only. Again this is just from my experience so far, maybe somebody else here can prove me wrong(hopefully).

Andrew

Anyone else care to chime in please

One differnce I'm reading if I'm not wrong the 880 comes with no charging cradle but the 980 does am I wrong ?

Does urc offer a cradle for the 880 at a extra cost ?

Graphics aside,I like the button layout of the 880,especially for DVR use....the ffw button is right next to the play button!

For everything else,I prefer the 980.
The hard buttons are more legible for people that are adjusting to the fact that they now need 1.5 reading glasses,it has a charging cradle rather than a cell phone style charger,and you can fit two more buttons on the LCD pages witch allows for a better layout for added DVR functions(a,b,c,list,record,page up,page down.and live all on the same page) as well lighting and sound field controls on each device page.

It's a tight race.

I own one of each for two different locations in my house and am currently trying to decide wich one to get to replace my 900 in the mbr!

The pick-up lighting spoils you!

Do you know if URC offers a cradle for the 880 as a added accessory ?

They don't.

I was told that if you want a charging cradle,get a 980(in a nice sort of way).

One difference that nobody has mentioned is that the 980 is much more difficult to program. Yes, it's more flexible, but that extra flexibility comes at the cost of a higher learning curve. If one has never programmed a URC remote before, the 880 may be a better place to start than the more advanced 980.

Only URC I have programed is the RF-30 and the old MX-500 Will that help ?

Still a tuff choice for me between the two

I prefer the 980 myself. 2 extra buttons, bigger display and a cradle. Don't like the spaceship look of the 880.
I have the Mx-850 in the bedroom and I'm pissed everytime I have to buy new batteries;-).

There is sort of a workaround for this to a degree. For example, I have used pages from the FAVS area to be able to at least get colored buttons for my DirecTV page. All I do is have a pge jump to FAVS page 5 and page 5 & 6 are DirecTV pages. A kludgy workaround, but it works.

As to the charging cradle, there is not one for the 880, but 1) it doesn't need charged every day or other day like the 980 and 2) you can use it while it is charging which is a nice feature if you forget to charge it.

When it comes to programming, the 980 does have a steeper learning curve, but it also has much more power with its MSC-400 type IF/ELSE logic. Multiple variables can be embedded in macros which makes it very powerful, but the 880 is powerful enough for most setups.

I love the layout of the 880 over the 980. I went to the 980 from a 900 and I am still not quite used to they layout of the transport buttons. The 880 is the easiest remote for DVR'ing I have ever used.