I use one and it's fine - takes a bit to program (I have the 1100i) but it makes it really easy for those who are more "input challenged" to turn everything on and off in the right order in a home theatre setup - even the MIL can switch between TV, Blu Ray or XBOX when she's babysitting. 

I still use the  TBox remote for some things, but thats just because I haven't hidden it away.