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A simpler, quicker and more complete way to future proof a remote is by including code learning capabilities, where one remote can be taught signals from another. Most manufacturers today include some form of learning in their remotes, though several companies still hold out. Many learning remotes don't even include a preprogrammed database - a testament to this technology's capabilities - but that's not an ideal situation either, since you can't learn signals from a broken or otherwise misplaced remote. Universal remote controls should be able to consolidate as well as complete a collection of remotes.
The chicken before the egg.
The GE RRC600 is a learning-only remote and thus has no preprogrammed database. At the time such databases had never been used; an odd situation since I'd figure that adding versatile signal learning capabilities would be a more difficult feat than merely replicating a bunch of pre-captured ones. The RRC600 does include built-in codes for GE products, though that doesn't really count.
Physically, the RRC600 looks like a giant scientific calculator - from the LCD screen at the top to the myriad of rectangular metallic buttons below. In fact I'm convinced that it is based on a calculator and that some secret combination of keys will allow me to compute the maximum decibel level my room can sustain without crumbling.
Although the GE remote's packaging promises to consolidate up to four inconvenient remotes, it in itself almost occupies the physical space of two - but at least it's thin. Its footprint measures 3" wide by 8" long with a maximum thickness of 1.25" (7.6cm by 20.4cm by 3.2cm). Most of that height is created by the battery compartment, which bulges out the bottom near the front of the remote and holds 4 AAA batteries. Subtract that from the equation and the remote is only 0.6" thick overall (1.5cm). The remote weighs 8.1oz with batteries (230 grams), or 6.5oz without (190 grams).
Case ergonomics don't quite meet today's standards. Although there aren't any particularly sharp corners, little attention was paid to how the product would feel in your hand. Placing the battery compartment at the top, while beneficial for the resulting resting angle it creates, causes the RRC600 to be top-heavy when held. The battery compartment cover is a snug, secure fit.
The plastics quality is good with excellent smooth seams between the two clamshell halves, however a moderate amount of lateral case twisting is possible. I only counted one screw, so much of the remote is likely held together by plastic snaps. The back of the remote is made out of a mixture of smooth and matte black plastic, while the front is faced with a grey aluminium faceplate, a popular finish at the time. Four rubber feet on the back keep the remote from sliding around tabletops.
The RRC600 features 36 completely flat, perfectly rectangular buttons, plus a two-position slide switch (which was used way-back-when with GE's odd television channel programming method, but is of no use now). A total of 33 of those buttons can be used with devices, one being a duplicate button for safety [RECORD], the final two used to change remote functions. The remote's key layout isn't bad - channel and volume buttons are centered nicely and the numeric keypad (although low) is well sized. Missing are, of course, directional menu buttons, since that concept didn't exist when the remote was made.
Buttons are hard plastic, not soft rubber, and have excellent tactile feedback with an agreeably soft "click", but aren't free-floating and are instead fixed to the case on their bottom edge. Thus, when pressed only the front edge of the button can lower. Nothing is backlit or glow-in-the-dark... I guess no one watched television in the dark back then.
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