Another IDE to consider...

My editor of choice, is Komodo IDE by ActiveState, and I have been using it since about 2001. I can carry it with me anywhere (Win/Lin/Mac), and it supports a wide range of languages, including Python. It is actually extendable using Python, and I believe the IDE is based off a combination of the Mozilla platform, and Python.

They have a free version called Komodo Edit.
Komodo Edit href=”http://www.activestate.com/Products/komodo_edit/”>http://www.activestate.com/Products/komodo_edit/

It deserves an honorable mention, especially since these guys also maintain the ActivePython distributions. They do great work.

I have to maintain Python scripts, but I’m not using the language myself. I have high hopes for this book to finally get me thinking in Python. I like the “practical” approach that you are taking, and look forward to reading more of this book!