Hard buttons are easier to use on a day to day basis. You can develope a 'feel' as to where the buttons are. No need to look at the remote to operate.

By far, my favorite is the URC Home theater master MX-700 or MX-800. Both basically the same remote, but, the 800 offers RF transmition wich means the remote doesn't have to 'see' the equipment that it's operating.

They are easily programed with a computer. Check out www.SurfRemote.com Hotbuys or www.bluedo.com Openbox specials for some great buys. I believe the 700 is under $200 (lists for $350); the 800 for under $300 (lists for $500).
Either would make any man extremely happy.