I received my mx-500 from AVSmarts.com last week and now I'm wondering if I got the bad thumbpad (GS1). Looking at the comparison picture posted in the mx-500 review I noticed my thumbpad has a "flat" bottomed thumbpad. The GS2 has a raised center area, right? My button is very hard to press. Half the time I end up pressing a directional button. Did AVSmarts send me the old bad design? By the way, this mx-500 is replacing my mx-1000. More on that later...

Check out Daniel's comparison pictures:
[Link: remotecentral.com]

The 3rd and fourth (going from top to bottom) are the "GS1" and the most recent "GS2".

Randy
www.BlueDo.com

Contact AVSmarts and get them to send you the latest version. You have a GS1. The latest GS2's are still somewhat stiff, but do not have the "wobble" problem.

At least the two that I have don't.

... Greg :-)

I have a friend that has a GS1 and I have a GS2. The GS2 IS easier but I also feel that one could get used to the GS1 too. My friend has tried my GS2 and has said that he feels no need to update...

Thanks for the responses. I will contact AVSmarts. My only concern is that the return has to be DOA for them to pay for shipping according to their return policy. They will also charge a 15% restocking fee!!! Sounds like I'm screwed. I hope I don't end up paying for all that just to get a working remote.
And to top it all off, if I have to ship it back in order for them to send me a GS2, I'm going to loose my perfectly customized setup!!!! I spent hours on it. I keep trying to get used to this GS1 but so far I can't.

AVSmarts may direct you to send it to Home Theater Master to get the thumbpad corrected.

Email Mike Gifford at [email protected] and tell him your problem. He will probably get you to send it in, where he will either replace it with a GS2 or replace the thumbpad.

... Greg :-)

IMHO, both GS1 and GS2 are Thumbpad flawed and I have owned both. I swapped them both out w/Mike for the original.

Jim

I have 2 'GS2's. They both work well but one thumbpad is softer than the other. If you return it to Mike Gifford at URC, he will usually 'clone' the replacement for you so you won't lose your porgraming. I cloned my new one and it only takes about 30 seconds and it is really simple to do.

I didn't need all that remote power in my den (TV & Cable box only) but the button layout on the MX-500 is really good. I was jealous of my wife's using the MX-500 downstairs while I fumbled with an SL-9000.

Tom

Update on thumbpad problem. I think I figured out how to press the button so that it doesn't wobble as much. Instead of pressing down with the tip of my thumb, I tried pressing with the joint section of my thumb right over the center of the button. The button still feels unaturally stiff but at least I'm hitting the mark more consistently. I'm going to give it a few more days to see if I get used to it. The rest of the remote is amazing though. Bad thumpad and all, it's a great remote. I like it way better than my MX-1000. Thanks to all for your responses.