I recently reviewed the Logitech Harmony 900 activity-based IR/RF remote. It’s the best user-programmable remote I’ve ever tested. And while still an excellent value at its current street price of around $300, that’s not exactly cheap either. 

I’m always a fan of grabbing last year’s technology at a significant discount, and right now Amazon has the Harmony 890 IR/RF remote for just $99 with free shipping. More or less, it does everything the 900 does, but without the touchscreen and manta-ray styling. It also sports Z-Wave wireless home automation control, an option that was dropped on the 900.

I’m also a DIYer at heart. I want to be able to program my own remote, and I also want to be able to build things. If you have an upcoming project, or think owning some decent power-tools might motivate you to take on a project, check out the Craftsman 4pc 19.2v Drill/Light/Saw/Vacuum combo currently available for just $79.99 from Sears. 

I own a similar combo and, while the 5-1/2” saw won’t chew through 3/4” MDF effortlessly, there aren’t many cordless tools that will.  The 19.2v batteries offer plenty of power and adequate battery life, and the drill is both variable-speed and torque-clutch to prevent stripping of screw heads. My two complaints about this particular package are that it only includes one battery, and the charger is an 8-hour model. 

Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins is chief technology editor for EH Publishing. He writes product reviews, features, and focuses heavily on 3D TV, iPhone and iPad apps, and digital content.