For something a little different and on the edge you might try the "free" Microsoft Robotics Studio, a laptop with a game controller and zig bee dongle, and this board
http://www.roboticsconnection.com/pc...ontroller.aspx Start with the visual programming language and get something moving. As you progress the VPL can generate C# code for more advanced work. Look at this system. Could this be the future First controller? Billy boy has put a little of his wealth toward First and robotics lately.