My pet peeve (well, one of them): Electronic gadgets for which certain critical functions can ONLY be activated/controlled by the remote because no applicable button or switch, etc., exists on the device itself.

Remotes can be lost, or at least temporarily misplaced, and their batteries can run out of juice. The control panel on the device should provide all the controls needed to operate the damn thing!

I have a (Phillips) combination CD-player/radio with no tuning knob. To change radio stations, even to switch from AM to FM, you must use the remote control. And even then, it's not easy or obvious; it is necessary to first pre-program your preferred radio stations, and then tune them in by holding down one button while pressing another, where neither of the buttons involved are marked as "radio tuner" or anything like that. Having lost the original operators manual, I need to go to the internet for instructions whenever I want to listen to the radio on this thing (which is usually in CD-playing mode).

I suppose if I used it as a radio more often, I'd learn and remember the routine. But this is wrong! A person should be able to operate the thing by physically touching it ~ use of a remore control should not be required for any normal everyday function.