Check out the reviews of both these remotes, on this site. The 500 is much more powerful overall in terms of macros. But as for "wife" friendliness, that's a diferent call. The 616 has very few hard buttons, and is a touchscreen remote. The 500 is not a touch-screen device (it just looks like it is). Check out the 525; it is a nice combination of buttons and touchscreen. ... Mike