In watching this forum for a couple months now, most of the people are in 4 categories:
- People who know electronics but are weak on programming;
- People who know programming but need to be reminded which end of the soldering iron to hold (I am in this category, since I work as a programmer);
- People trying to learn both concepts at the same time;
- Masters who know both sides.
Obviously the 3rd set is the hardest since you have to learn 2 different things at the same time.
Just remember, when doing programming, have an idea where you want to end up, but structure your project so it has several intermediate steps, such as adding one effect at a time. A sure route to frustration is trying to get everything done all at once in a short time period. It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account, it is going to take longer.
Even if you eventually are going to need the Mega, I would say start with the Uno, as a lot of people have it, and also it isn't as much money spent if you eventually decide to change gears. The idea is to learn the programming side. Remember, even the hotshot programmers did not start out knowing everything, and take time to learn the concepts of what you are doing, ie don't just copy examples and modify them without knowing why you are doing it.