I've done a LOT of picaxe programming, and can vouch for its abilities

Yes it does require a programming cable, but its a cable you can build yourself, and you get instructions on how to build the cable with the manuals

so basically ALL you need to do to get started with the Picaxe is buy it, the software is free, the programming cable is free, for a chip that you can get up and running with for $5 then what are you waiting for?