[not use]

Rewrite your code to not use delay().  Read up on the BlinkWithoutDelay example in the playground.

4th hint: read How to use this forum.

I'm not aware of a way to integrate it.  Checking out is not necessarily needed every time, although switching branches, making a commit, pushing repos, etc. requires use of the Git GUI tools or command-line interface.

Hmm, would be nice if the IDE had a way to call an outside program, much like AS6 can (when configured.)

Nah, that's Scotty yelling for more ...  Jim would only care about the women.

I use Git. GitHub is good for online sharing and collaboration.

Do you have that integrated with the IDE, or are you manually checking data in/out every time?

You need something like this: http://r.ebay.com/9INoNM

I don't know the answer for the MOSFET.  Someone else with more knowledge can answer that.

30 LEDS per meter - 5 meters = 150 LEDs.

If you only light up one channel at a time, that's 150 * 20mA = 3A
However, if you plan on lighting any combination of channels, you're going to need more.  150 LEDS x 3 channels (RGB) x 20mA (per channel) = up to 9A

You're going to run out of juice on that power supply if you turn the whole string on full white ... it will look more like a dark yellow to dark pink.

This was earlier today when the forums were down:

Alert!: HTTP/1.1 503 Service Unavailable: Back-end server is at capacity

This is what I'm referring to having a string mounted vertically along the mounting holes.  Have the pixels right next to each server show you its status:

That's not a question I can answer.  That's your choice.  If 7-bit is enough for fading, then go for it.  If you're okay with 2 LEDs per IC (think about when you need to cut the strips into shorter pieces), then go for it.

You *can* find 30 or 32LED per meter strips of both the 2801 and 2811 varieties.  But it's up to you.  The LPD8806 are faster than the WS28* ones, however again, do you need the speed?  Probably not.  The WS2* series is pretty damned fast (faster than the eye can tell a difference.)

Those are 7-bit PWM only and 2 LEDs per IC.  I prefer 8-bit and single LED per IC, like either the WS2801 or newer WS2811.  There's also 3 LEDs per IC.  But that's a choice you have to make.

The WS28011 strips have the IC built into the LED, so they can pack more on a strip.  Those usually come in 60 LEDs/m.  The WS2801 strip is a separate IC and LED.

I actually timed it this time:

20 seconds before the splash screen shows up
58 seconds till it's fully opened ready to start using

I have a small nRF24L01+ RF network in my house, with nodes that are roughly 10-15 meters from the master node, with walls separating them.  They talk with no problem, whether the microwave is going, or I'm on my wireless phone, or with CFLs on.  Granted, I'm just sending information every 30 seconds or so from the remote nodes to the master node (which is different than what the OP wants to do.)

Coding the strips is easy.  The other stuff shouldn't be that hard to do.  I have a feeling once you get your hands on a roll of LEDs, you won't want to put it down.  Also, it's cheaper buying them directly from China, even with shipping.

Must you use XBEEs?  Why not RF modules which are cheaper?