I use Python extensively in the lab. In addition to what you say, Python plus Arduino is a killer combination. You can use an "advanced" Arduino compatible microcontroller as a GPIO on steroids with real time functionality, then talk to it using a Python program.

While it might be slightly more awkward at first, having to hook up to external DLL's yourself, it really begins to shine when you can integrate it with all of the scientific programming tools such as data analysis and graphing.