Now that I've gotten some great advice from people on this site regarding my remote decisions, I need to ask one more question. Has anyone here purchased an "Open Box" MX-700 (or any other open box remotes for that matter) from Surfremotecontrol or Bluedo? If so, what was your experience like? I've read some good things about both on this site, but I've never been inclined to purchasing "Open Box" items in the past, simply because of the "used" physical appearance. I initially started off researching the MX-500 that can be bought "new" for under $100 to replace the P-O-S NeoPronto (the worst $200 ever spent) that crapped out on me after 3 short months. Then, I discovered that I'll probably be wanting the MX-500/IrClone package for around $172. But after I posted my thread regarding "IrClone and/or JP1&OFA remote", a couple of people recommended that I go for the "Open Box" MX-700 offered by Surfremotecontrol or Bluedo instead (thanks again, guys, for the great advice). At around $205, it's roughly $145 lower than a brand new one, and after reading all the reviews and features list, I have to agree that it sounds like a great deal. But it's also twice what I had intended to spend to begin with (and so shortly after the Neo), so, I wanted to get some inputs from people that actually bought such an item from them already, just for my peace of mind. Thank you in advance.

This is always a touchy issue around here but, since you're interested in saving money AND getting a new remote...

You can get a brand-new mx700 from ebay for about $160. HTM doesn't warranty remotes purchased from unauthorized dealers (like ebay) but, the seller will replace a defective remote in the ridiculously small chance that something goes wrong with it.

I bought my mx700 from ebay several months ago and it works great!

I bought an open-box from Mike at surfremotecontrol.com
1. He answered a bunch of my questions before the purchase (even on Sunday)
2. "Open-box" looked brand new to me. I "suspect" they offer open-box as a way to sell below MSRP (they can not sell new below MSRP as a authorized dealer). Maybe I am wrong and it was really open box, but it still had the plastic protection on the screen and I would have never even known it wasn't new.

I would rather buy open-box from these guys than "new" from e-bay any day (e.g. 60-day xmas return policy, warantee; support)

Great service and great price. It works like a charm!

I bought an open-box MX700 from surfremote very recently. It's condition was impecable on arrival. Even the factory protectant plastic on the IR blaster was still there, and it had the original sealed batteries and sealed cable.

Apparently, they configured it for an Audio device and nothing else (for testing or a demo I suppose) and repacked it.

It was a great deal and I'm glad to have it, along with the great support surfremote provides. No regrets here.

Dean

Great info. Thank you.

I purchased mine also from Mike at Surf Remote about 3-4 months ago on an "open box" basis and the MX700 showed up in excellent condition. I received a lot of help from Mike (and also other dealers on this board)in setting it up with macros, etc., and I love my remote. I haven't had any problems whatsoever with it.

Another BIG thanks! I'm ordering it right now!!

I got an 800 from SurfRemote open box. It was "like new", and is still working perfectly.

I'm glad to hear that because after the last recommendation, I placed the order last night. I'm expecting delivery tomorrow. Thanks, guys!

I'm also another happy camper. Purchased an "open box" MX-800 from Surf Remote a few weeks ago and it looked brand new to me.

MX-800 from BlueDotCom open box, and I'm usually snobby about that stuff. Appeared to be brand new and great value.

Tim