"Roland Ready" and other synth stuff

Lately I've been looking at modeling guitars like the Variax and the Fender VG Strat. The VG has been 'discontinued' but I've noticed some 'Roland Ready' stratocasters now being produced. I'm guessing the VG had all the Roland stuff on-board but the Roland Ready has a pick up installed but still needs a foot pedal or something.

Does anyone have any experience with the Roland stuff? How does it work and how do you set it up? I've been reading up on it but everything seems to be written for electrical engineers that already have 3 or 4 synth devices. (ie WAY above my head). Can someone explain the function and uses to us mere mortals who have never actually seen or heard one? (or if I've heard it I didn't know it.....)


Thanks

GG