IMac :: Won't Find Info For Apple Remote

my parents have an iMac (not sure of the exact model except its maybe 2 or 3 months old). Anyways, it's kind of in between the living room and the kitchen and is used often (among other things) to play music in those two areas using iTunes.

I was wondering if the Apple Remote Control would work well... the only catch being that the remote is IR and that the position of the computer means that a lot of times, the remote would be facing the side and backs of the computer. I doubt the remote would work but I also heard that the remote's IR is very robust.... is it strong enough to be able to used from these angles (im assuming by bouncing the signal off walls or something?).