it could be used as a multiplexer for LED's or a display driver.
the pins have a max current of 6ma
and no it does not include the IDE, you might want to start that process now, you have 2 things to download (just under 600mb) and the second you have to fill out a US government form and wait for approval
(honestly for the applications your talking about get a attiny and one of the core files, and its cheaper and you dont need to learn a new language)