Some PDAs (Toshiba e800, Dell X3, Dell X30, ..) have natively a long IR range.
There are a lot of Pronto compliant software, like NetRemote or Total Remote. A Pronto compliant software allows to use any Pronto CCF file.

With NetRemote, you’ll be able to take full control of your home theater, TV, stereo from anywhere in your house, not just within 30 feet line of sight. NetRemote allows 2 way communication with any TCP/IP/WiFi PDA.
[Link: promixis.com]

Last but not least, a PDA is cheaper than a color Pronto and has much more other features.