For now, I'd like to just a simple/cheap control set and minimally working, probably using AutoHotkey on the software side, just because that's pretty flexible for control purposes, and the forums contain a ton of examples (not just for apps, but games too, not that that matters for this purpose, but clearly it's very adept, if you understand how it works). The fancy programable remotes seem cool, but at the moment, I'm just interested in getting basic PC control working, so it'd be far easier to have any scripting/macro implemented on the PC side rather than the remote side. (though obviously remote-side macros are useful when interacting with non-PC components)
A universal IR receiver over WinLIRC ⇒ AutoHotkey would be ideal, since I could use ANY IR remote control with it, and it wouldn't require any specific expensive remote. However, I'm having trouble getting WinLIRC to work.
Also, it'd be nice to have RF control so I could control iTunes from bed. Alternatively, if there's an IR extender that's not too expensive, that'd be be acceptable as well, especially since it'd let me use my other remotes from my bedroom as well.
Ahh, the MX-350 + MRF-250 seems pretty good and cheap. MRF-250 comes with 6 stick-on emitters, as well as having 6 built-in transmitters that can be used across the room. And the MX-350 has a decent backlight, and has fairly comprehensive macro features (perhaps not quite as good as the Harmony remotes, but it's clearly the next-best alternative, at half the price).
Alternatively, the Media Center Universal Learning Remote Control Gyration Media Center Universal Learning Remote Control (manual) seems good as well. See the manual, the RF info gets sent to the PC via the USB dongle. Then, I think most MCE remote drivers just end up sending normal keyboard keystrokes to applications. [1] [2] Apparently there are also some internal Windows messages that get sent as well.[3] (the WM_INPUT messages at the bottom can be trapped by AHK as well, see OnMessage? Or perhaps this is required instead (read more here or maybe here)) It even works with Linux!
Granted, the SideShow devices look cool, but: