Cheers Dave. I've obviously got a learning curve on this, mixing terms like codes when I mean signals. Was not aware of consumer IR vs. IRDA, thanks for that tip.

If I can get LIRC to execute the keyboard-combo keystrokes I want by pressing any key on my remote that I define, that's seemingly great; was not comprehending that. Downside is the LIRC program presumably has to be running all the time to do that, meaning more program bloat however small it may be, and more important, opportunity for malfunctions with program interactivity. Plus presumably a lot of time-consuming messy programming to set it up correctly. But I'll definitely look into it.

The amazon page of that mini-keyboard I linked says "Quick Learning IR Remote; easily program to control other electronics and appliances with ease" -- are you reading from that that its functionality is to learn incoming IR signals, but transmit them in RF? I'd interpreted it to mean the opposite, that it could transmit in IR -- how else could it control those IR-only "other electronics and appliances"? Or does it IR transmit only those codes it's been 'learned', and transmit all its keyboard functions in RF only? Unfortunately, their coarse Chinese-translated manual doesn't discuss this feature, and there's not enough user reviews to tell.

I'm quite sure the iphone solution isn't for me: I don't have a home LAN set up nor wish to, and as said would need to purchase three of them to provide the convenience I currently have, and the ergonomic comfort of any smartphone is a nightmare compared to the Sony VL700 -- no way am I hanging on to a rectangular pad comfortably for extended periods and reaching its core 'buttons' with total easy like I do with the Sonys... and if I drop it like I have the Sonys many times with no ill effect whatsoever -- dang, broken screen! It's still unclear if the Mobile Mouse solution also controls the IR-enabled TV, cable box, and receiver?

Am not about to give up the VL700s, their ergonomic superiority and programmable versatility is just too darned good. I'm already almost there, if I can just find a device to IR-transmit those few particular keyboard combos I'm seeking (and perhaps others as things evolve), that's all I need... no third-party programs to install, program, and run in perpetuity, no phone purchases and home LAN setups... pure & simple!

Standard cheapy WMC-oriented IR remotes seemingly easily transmit basic Windows keyboard and mouse commands like Close Window, Enter, Left Arrow, mouse movement etc. I simply want one that provides more keystroke versatility than they provide -- basically the whole 102-keyboard suite of keystrokes. Does anyone know if higher-end ones do?