Has anyone successfully integrated a PICAXE with the motors, sensors, etc. from the LEGO Mindstorms kit? Seems to me this would be an awesome combination. I don't much care for the programming environment that comes with the Mindstorms.
I'd a far bit to do with the original Mind$torms, but did not stretch to PICAXEing them due to their different eras. Aside from the "unfriendly" interface you mention, MindStorm costs remain daunting- the latest NXT 2.0 retails at ~US$370 !