IRDA is for data only. its a completely different device than the IR receivers used for remote controls.you can get the apple remote to work with a pismo if you can get your hands on one of the 3rd party external receivers or an internal apple receiver from a dead mac. just solder an usb connector onto it and plug it in.
if the pismo has internal headers for usb somewhere you cold also place it somewhere inside the book itself. (expansion bay comes to mind
)
i got an usb IR receiver from a dead iMac G5 on my MacPro and it works like a charm.