Third-party video game controllers don't have a very glorious history. While there have been a few decent ones over the years, they typically underimpress and underperform. Subsonic's new NEO Bluetooth Wireless Controller for the PS3, which has handy DVD/Blue-ray controls built into the controller's face, both underimpresses and underachieves.
I use a Logitech Harmony. Very happy with it. Being able to control all my components with one remote _easily_ is totally worth it.
I use a gamecube controller hooked up to my computer using xpadder. it gets the job done and i love that controller. Its one of the best things you can do and I got it working with all my old controllers from nes via usb mod to ps3 and wii.