If you look at all the forum posts for the Auber PID you will find that maybe half of the users have trouble with the programming but in a short time learn how easy it really is and then love the unit. It's main function is as a temperature contoller which it does very well. I think everyone who owns one would agree that the display is not the best in the world when it is viewed outside in the sunlight. I have a Garmin hand held GPS that I paid almost $600 for and it is hard to view it's screen in direct sunlight. This is one feature, however, that I would agree Auber could work on. The alarm on mine is loud enough that if I am anywhere near the unit I can hear it. If I am inside the house with the door shut it is a problem I guess. I have a Maverick remote temp unit that I keep inside and it lets me know when a time or temp is reached if I need to know that. As others have posted, compared to the full on/off controller that comes from Bradley, the Auber PID is a vast improvement - far from being a POS.
You need to step back and look at what you have gained, give yourself a little time for your learning curve and I think you will end up like the rest of us - loving the Auber. If not, I am cetain you can find a buyer quickly on Ebay. Good luck with your smoking!