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The only downside is that I'd trade a remote for a wireless keyboard and mouse.

I found this wireless integrated combo quite handy for the task.

And DON'T plan on using a wireless mouse or keyboard - those things are so range-crippled now that unless you are within a couple of feet of the receiver (and I mean that literally: less than 4 feet!) they won't work (and that's not some no-name keyboard: that's a Logitech).

The trick is to buy a keyboard that is not designed as a desktop replacement - i.e. its meant to sit on your lap on the couch, not your desk 4 feet away from the PC.
I use an Adesso WKB-3000UB and it works pretty well through walls and such for about 20 feet of range. A couple of different companies put their brand on the same keyboard, I've bought from adesso and another I can't remember the name of and they were identical except for the label on the back. You can find them in the $40-$60 range.

For a multimedia keyboard that I use all the time on *both* my HTPCs I recommend the Adesso WKB-4000US. Basically a wireless with great range that is the bottom half of a laptop. The 52" LCD and 106" projector is the other half :D. A one piece solution in a form factor that most people are used to and the keyboard is large enough to be usable. http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281

Why do I have to hold "FN" for so many of them?

Indeed. The best mini keyboard I ever used was an Adesso MCK-85 (if I recall the number correctly), and it had no "Fn" key at all... and was no bigger than the Macbook keyboard. The new model has a similar key layout, see http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=54 -- the function key is only needed for the pseudo-keypad.

Adesso's done a really nice job of integrating a nice keyboard and trackball that works nice in my lap, with mouse buttons in several places that work well with various ways of holding it.

I think I paid about $60.

http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=336

Personally I own a wireless keyboard (Adesso WKB-4000US) which I am very satisfied of. I never had to charge the batteries (AAA) since I got it (6 months). And it works either on Windows XP or Linux without any drivers to install. The range of the keyboard is good and that's fine for my usage. Also, the manufacturer says that it works up to 100 feet. But obviously it's not 100 feet through any walls or floors. So, I guess that could work for you but I don't know much what you really mean by "...in an other room..."

Otherwise, I found that my laptop is a very good alternative. I just hop on my server through VNC and I control it with my laptop. And this works from a further distance since my wireless network has a very good range.

I like the placement of the buttons on my MacBook Pro.

I don't. And to add insult to injury mine's the 17" so there's plenty of room for a full sized keyboard.

This keyboard has what's close to the layout I'd like on a laptop:

http://www.adesso.com/images/big/bigger/MCK-91.jpg

The older model I have at home, no longer available, has no "Fn" key or fake numeric keypad... which is another think I'd like to see laptop manufacturers give up on. Either way, this keyboard is about the same size as a regular laptop keyboard, yet manages to fit all the critical keys with no two-handed stupidity.

Enablemart - This seems to be a third party seller but I've yet to find out who makes all the equipment they sell
3M Ergonomic Products - Notable is the Ergonomic Mouse that looks kind of like a joystick
Kinesis Corporation - Another third party place that sells ergonomic items (they have chairs also)
Perific - Their main product is the Wireless Dual Mouse
Evoluent - They are known for the VerticalMouse
Contour Design - Best known for the RollerMouse and the PerfitMouse (Contour Mouse)
Combimouse - Combination Keyboard and Mouse
Adesso - They make a lot of products
Aerobic Mouse - Looks a lot like the VerticalMouse except it has a plastic area to hold your hand
Nohands Mouse - Control your mouse with your feet
Zero Tension Mouse - seems like a mix between the VerticalMouse and 3M's Ergonomic Mouse

Yes, replying to my own message. I found a copy of very cheap wired ones, like in the 30 buck range, from SolidTek, such as the ACK-540, but the ball mouse built in doesn't work with linux and the cord is only 6'. Or they might be from Adesso, they seem to be using the same model numbers. Some of them are highly rated on newegg, others are rated very poorly. And it seems like everyone and their mother wants to charge an extra 50 bucks on top of the price to include a mouse and/or if they call it a 'media keyboard'. bleh.

There's the overly complicated BELKIN MediaPilot F8E838 for around $83, for instance, with remote, RF wireless, and linux support out of the box. SpecResearch seems to have a 50 buck one though that might fit the bill though, the 01027 or whatever, but so so reviews.

A related option is a keyboard with a built-in touchpad. Lots of folks here use the ergonomic layout with these here where I work. You get a full size, ergonomic keyboard (unlike with a laptop) but still have the touchpad. They're quite handy. Alternatively, check out the Logitech Marble Mouse. Your thumb becomes the left-clicker (like with a touchpad), and that's the only thing it does. You work the trackball with your index finger and right-click with middle finger. A guy in our office with pretty painful carpal tunnel swears it was a godsend for him.

adesso
cirque

TouchStream kb and iGesture pad look like interesting products. But for a shorter learning curve, a generic touchpad solves some of the same problems, and can be integrated into an ergo keyboard.

Mac USB Ergonomic KB with trackpad. I have one and love it. http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?producti d=118