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(Credit: Logitech)

If you decided to take advantage of Tuesday's mention of an Xbox 360 deal and plan to utilize the console's media-center features, you'll want a good remote to go with it. Look no further than the Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote for Xbox 360, which eCost has on sale for $49.99 (plus shipping).

In case you're not familiar with the Harmony line of remotes, their claim to fame is browser-based programming, which makes for relatively easy setup of devices, activities, and so on. Plus, they have built-in onscreen help, which is great for visiting babysitters, grandparents, etc.

I've used several Harmony remotes over the years, and while they're not perfect, they're definitely the best of their breed.

This particular Harmony was designed with the Xbox 360 in mind, right down to the four controller-colored X, Y, A, and B buttons. You can use it to operate not only the 360's media-center functions, but also your entire home theater. CNET's review of the Harmony 360 has more details.

These are new remotes, not refurbs, and you don't have to deal with any rebates. Definitely worth a look if you're an Xbox 360 owner.

(Credit: CompUSA)

I admit it: That headline is a bit misleading. But let me 'splain. Not many people know that the Xbox 360 can double as a media-center extender, meaning it can stream to your TV all the videos, photos, music, and whatnot stored on your PC. To my thinking, it's superior to all the standalone extender products because a) It's cheaper; and b) It's an Xbox! (As you might have heard, they're not bad with the games.)

All of which brings us to my bit of headline trickery: CompUSA has refurbished Xbox 360 Core systems on sale for $169.99 (plus $15-ish for shipping). Now, the Core model is the baseline Xbox, meaning it has no hard drive for game storage and comes with a wired controller instead of the famed wireless one. Xbox zealots typically scoff themselves silly at the mere thought of buying a Core. But look at it another way: For $170, you're getting a killer deal on a media-center extender, with one of the world's best gaming consoles thrown in. (You can always add a hard drive, wireless controllers, etc. later on if you're so inclined.)

What do you think? Does my take make sense, or am I cuckoo for recommending a Core system? I'm more into media-center stuff than I am gaming, so if you're anything like me (and if you are: get help), this really is smart buy.

(Credit: Buy.com)

I'm hoping this is the start of a trend. Last week we had a 22-inch Soyo LCD monitor for $179.99 shipped, no rebates required. On Monday, Buy.com has a 22-inch AOC Envision LCD monitor for $179.99 shipped, and it's even better: Unlike the Soyo, it supports HDCP. That means if you plug it into a PC equipped with a Blu-ray drive, you'll have no trouble watching movies.

In other respects, the AOC stacks up nicely. It has a native resolution of 1,680 by 1,050 (not quite 1,080p, but more than sufficient for a monitor of this size), a 5ms response time, a 170-degree viewing angle, and built-in speakers. In addition to its HDCP-lovin' DVI interface, it offers a regular old VGA input.

In short, it's slightly more killer than last week's killer LCD, at least in the spec department. CNET hasn't reviewed this model, but does have more specs and an overview. If you already own this model, hit the Comments and let everyone know if it's a winner.