In the I-told-you-so category, here's my quote after seeing the new guy in the flesh at CEDIA...

"The new case is also a huge improvement-think Checker Cab vs. Jaguar, Roseanne vs. Elizabeth Hurley, etc. Between the new cosmetics and the color screen, this is really going to be a very good looking remote."

[Link: remotecentral.com]

I think philips has overpriced there market on this one. If I spent 25,000plus on my home theater i would be looking at a crestron system or something like it. I feel most of the market for the original pronto were guys and girls like myself,spent around 10,000 on system, spent lots of time on the web looking for reviews, chatting on forums just like this, but most importantly people who enjoy spending hours programing and customizing these wonderful toys. IMHO people who spend $799 and up for these are not the same guys who post to this website and create custom ccfs for all of us to enjoy.

Mark,

Whilst I agree that the price of the ProntoPro looks high it is about what I, and I'm sure most people expected. Overpriced? Don't know. What dictates the true value of a product? I know I will be buying one at the first opportunity and my system cost under £5000. I love my Pronto and can't wait for the ProntoPro. The thing I enjoy most about these remotes is the programing and customising and I do post to and read this web site!

Ouch, the price IS high. Nevertheless, I will consider it once it's out. The things that might convince me would be the 1) real-world display quality, 2) the memory, and 3)the RF capability:

1)I'll be interested to hear real world feedback on the display quality. Sometime ago I transitioned from a B&W PDA to a color one, and still prefer the B&W one in the range of lighting situations I use it in, due to simple visibility issues. The color is snazzy, and when the display is optimally viewable, preferable. However, depending on the technology used, it may not be better in all lighting conditions, and this is one complaint I already have on the current Pronto. This forum will be a great place to get a lot of feedback on this. If the display is actually SUPERIOR for visibility, then when combined with color this will be a big plus.

2)The larger memory is nice. This is only true, however, if the newer Pronto doesn't require more memory for the same functions. Color icons/buttons have to take more memory, but how much more is the $999 question. I have channel icons for all my satellite channels, and am close to filling the Pronto up. This has prevented me from pursuing Nudelist-like CD catelogging. If there is enough memory for easily adding this, even with the extra memory required for color, then this is a real functional advantage.

3) RF has some advantages for me, definitely. I've set up my HT to be a multiroom system. If I can have my CD collection at my fingertips from any room, and can adjust the volume of ceiling speakers, this would be sweet.

So, I may fork out the $$$ for this, once we know more. An interesting question will be how easily upgradeable the current CCFs will be to the new Pronto.

Also, I agree about the comment above about the cursor buttons and Enter key. I wish these were included. In fact, I agree so much, that my current CCF uses CH+- for Cursor Up/Dn, and Left Right keys for Cursor L/R on almost every device. I have added an enter key for most panels. (I don't miss Channel +/- functionality, because I have icons for all channels anyway, and my Satellite doesn't scan quickly enough regardless). With the new Pronto, I guess I could do the same, plus assign a dedicated hard key at the bottom as Enter.

Bottom line, I'll be listening for the real world reviews! Larry

So is there color tetris on the Pronto Pro?

Don't forget the Crestron STS system control. It is in that price range. Unlimited possibilities ,full-screen capability and buttons any way you want. Anybody can program their basic system. It is rf based to a processor and a IR database that rivals this site.

look at it this way
tho only next step in color remote is a $3000.
crestron or elan and then you need to program it
by the way $599 is significantly lower than dealer cost
Kevin