Python learning environment
Not sure what you mean.
For development
First choice: idle -- you already have it.
Second choice: Komodo Edit -- very easy to use, but not as directly interactive as idle.
For deploying applications, that depends on your application.  If you're building desktop applications or web applications, you still use similar tools.  I prefer using Komodo Edit for big things (either desktop or web) because it's a nice IDE.
What are you asking about?  Development tools or final deployment of a finished product?
I'm looking to get up to speed on Python, is it worth working locally via the ActivePython interface, then progressing to a website that supports one of the standard frameworks (Django or Pylons) OR utilize the Google Apps environment?  I want to stay as interactive as possible - making feedback/learning easier.