I currently have an old SL-9000 and like it alot. It's a bit beat up and I'm in the market for a good button remote. I see MX-500, 700, and 800 now. Would I be killing myself in getting the less expensive 500 model and not the 700 or 800 models? I do like the color and finish of the 800...but it's damn expensive. Any feedback from people since now you know I'm coming from an SL-9000?

It really depends on what you need to do and what devices you have. I went from the SL-9000 to the MX-500 and I use it to control 8 devices including a TIVO and I use about 25 macros. It does everything I need (except backlight the keys when I press them).

I also use it with the MX-500 Editor and IRClone so I can back it up and program it on the PC. Having the joystick and selection arrows in the middle of the transport keys is a big improvement over the SL-9000.

Yes, I would love to have the joystick type buttons, then also the surrounding ones. The SL-9000 does not have these and most cable systems use these buttons. I may even look into the MX-700 to lower my cost. I heard some fishy things about the MX-500 and buttons. There's like 5 revisions out of this model and it would be hard to track down a late model. Does some thing confirm the revision on the MX-500?

The current version of the MX-500 has been around since February, 2002. It's highly unlikely that you'd find a previous version for sale anywhere (other than a used one on Ebay).

Mike
www.SurfRemote.com

How would the MX-700 lower your cost? The MX-700 with cable is about $350 and the MX-500 with IRClone is less than $175.

Compared to the MX-800. You'll see that in my first post. I ordered the MX-700 unit. I have no desire for that RF stuff. At least not until I buy a new home. :)

You'll be very happy with your purchase!