Lpc2000

Newbie here, I just joined to look around for links,files,advice in 
choosing a new micro. I recently got a little spare time on my hands 
and decided to break out a few odds and ends i had played with a couple 
of years ago.
 I currently have an OOPic micro if anyone is familiar with these. I've 
used it mostly for small mobile robotics. But after working with it for 
the past few days i quickly decided i wanted something a little faster. 
I've still got a ton to learn about programming, mechanical interfaces 
are my strong suit.
 I believe at this point i would like to have speed,USB instead of 
serial or bluetooth would be even better, larger memory until i can 
learn to clean up messy code,I2C mostly for lcd, PWM for motor control, 
and as many I/O lines as practical.
 One of the projects i have in mind is a laser range finder. Any 
suggestions toward a micro that might meet my wants and is fast enough 
to process a laser ping would be helpful.
 Thanks.......