Hello, My 1st post here, but I've been lurking for some years. And I'm thinking of replacing my MX-800 with a newer remote.

Part I: What I'm looking for in a remote -

Features I like/need.
Hard Buttons
Programability (computer)
Short Macros
about 7-10 devices (more is OK)
Ability to add discrete codes as needed
Learning ability (remote to remote)
RF capibility (need to control components in seperate room, just like MX-800)
Better backlight then the MX-800

Features I'd like:
Color screen
auto backlight
recharable stand
USB support
Mac Support (not a must have as I can run windows now on my Mac.)
(Ignore price range for now)

I was looking at the mx-900/950 (universal remote) as a likly upgrade, but it rumors say URC is getting stingy and difficult to deal with for software upgrades. As I have not been thrilled with my contact with URC to date (about 3-4 years?) I am researching my options for other remotes... seems there are a lot of them these days hence my post.

Part II: Hard vs. Soft -

Soft buttons (touch LCD) always seemed the way to go to me. The ability to set up each screen just the way you wanted it seemed too good to be true. However, quite some time ago and crude by todays standards, I had a Sony touch lcd remote. I could never get used to it. I just missed the tactile feel of the buttons on the remote. It seemed like I needed to look at the lcd remote, and hold it with both hands to use it, while with a hard buttoned remote I could 'feel' the keys and use it with one hand, and not have to look at it for every key press.

That said, todays LCD 'soft key' remotes seem far more capable then my old Sony, mouth watering graphics and some seem to have more hard buttons then my old Sony.

I know this is more of a personal preference, but I would welcome any comments on ease of use /reccomendations on an LCD style remote that might fit my needs and hard key bias.

TIA.