I use a USB-UIRT and and more than happy with it. There are cheaper solutions, including building your own, if your on a tight budget.
http://www.usbuirt.com/Here's a list I put together when I first began researching pc IR control:
[Link: htpcnews.com]and another thread discussing the differences between the usb-uirt and the IRMan.
[Link: htpcnews.com]Good Luck,
Treetop
