I leave my 1100i off the charger for weeks at a time, it has never gone flat!
As for hard buttons, whilst I agree, the 1100i gives you the ability to place your (or customers) choice of buttons on the first page of the touchscreen. This is great for regular IR commands and even better for those buttons that are not available as Hard Buttons on the Harmony One. But each to their own!
Back on topic, how about a pic or two of said Home Theatre Systems?
Here's a teaser of mine. This Centre costs more than most Home Theatre Systems on it's own!
Grills Off!