Pros: Easy to use software, powerful IR transmitter, well worth the time waiting for it
Cons: Unfortunately, the price is still a little steep for what it is.

If you have a room anything like mine, you know that trying to find remotes is the most time consuming pain that any TV/Movie buff has to constantly endure. When I heard that there was a new module for my handspring visor, I was a little skeptical to say the least. Yes, I did find a bug but overall I would have to say that I am awed by this new device.

What is it?
The OmniRemote module from Pacific Neo-Tek is essentially an Infared-emitting diode slapped onto a circuit board that has a module pre-loaded with a port of the OmniRemote software originally devised for 3Com's Palm products. There were a couple problems I thought of when I bought this: 1) Why pay for an IR diode when the handspring has one built in on the side and 2) Why not just get the palm software since the handspring is palm compatible?? After using this remote module for just a few days, I had the answer and I dont think I will ever use my regular remote again.

The IR Diode
The OmniRemote module has mounted a modulated IR transmitting diode on the "Back" (really the top if you hold it up) of the cartridge that has been modified to be able to transmit in most domestic electronics frequencies. The transmitting aparatus (I could not confirm this myself, a friend told me about this, dont flame me if it is wrong) is supposed to be more powerful with a longer range than the IR transmitter intrinsic to the Visor and (I did confirm this) is compatible with more devices. While I certainly couldn't get my cable box to change bouncing the signal off a mirror from 50' away (10' to the mirror, 40' from the mirror to the TV), I can get the IR to signal my TV, cable box, and my VCR from on the couch at 15'; that is all the power I really need.

The Software
While the IR transmitter was not exactly something to write home about, the software is a different matter altogether. It comes pre-loaded on the module and there is no real setup or configuration (of the visor) to speak of. Yes, you will have to have the remote detect your electronic devices but it really is a painless process. The actual software is simple, intuitive and easy to use. You can program it to do different operations for you either timed or as sort of macros for your home entertainment system. The buttons are obvious, representations of the standard buttons found on remotes and should be pretty much self explanatory. It provides simple graphical representations that you tap on with your PDA stylus to select and have the IR module transmit the message to the currently selected entertainment apparatus. Overall, the software was simple yet was able to get the job done for most of my needs.

My Opinion
Frankly, I was highly impressed with my OmniRemote. It was easy to get and use from the start with ordering right off of pacific neo-tek's website. I ordered it a while back and just recieved it recently ( I couldnt rush ship it to me but it was worth the wait.) Once I had it, it was easy sailing. I havent had to worry about searching for the cable remote or getting up when the volume is too low. The software has worked flawlessly and the IR has only had one or two transmission problems (I actually think they were due to my magnavox TV, it seems finicky with universal remotes of all sorts.) It continues to work and is well worth the money.

Overall
Overall, I would have to congratulate Pacific NeoTek on a product well worth the money I spent on it. It is an affordable accessory that addresses an ever-present problem common to a large audience. I would have to recommend anyone who has the same remote locating troubles I do to get one of these modules for only $60 if you have a Visor.