Esplora's OK With Neopixels

The Adafruit Neopixel library is Esplora compatible, having confirmed this last night.
I used a 4x4 matrix and ran it all with an external 5V supply.
(The Neopixel 'commands' have to be used for this - and not the Esplora.write LED stuff - just to make that clear.)

An external supply isn't absolutely necessary. If you have a few neopixels or similar, it's OK to use V_usb, but if you get a 4x4 or something and try and make them all 'white' then that much may over-burden "Mr. USB"

Adding wiring diagram. NB - All matrixes may not have the same pin-out as mine. The resistor is NOT optional. I used a 0.1uF decoupling cap (not shown) at the matrix power pins; good practice but maybe not essential.

OK for WS2801, too.
If you have a strip or a string then an external supply is required.

WS2801 require two pins, so you need both "tinkerkit" pins.
I used a 7 pin header (0.1inch), spanning both of those connectors, pretty easy to disconnect for reprogramming
(...or use those jumper wires you all like so much).