Its actually quite easy to use - the hotshot syncs up to 1/2000th sec i think...I have used it with cybersyncs (alienbees) and with Elinchrom remote units (for use with quadra) - and with pocketwizard systems....works with all of them.
I have not mounted a big flash directly on the hot shoe though...for 2 reasons: I am not really sure what the sync voltage will do to the flash or flash to the camera, and a big flash on the tiny camera will make it unstable to hold and may break the hotshoe contact from weight ....
Most good flashes have sensors to fire when it sees a flash...so, you may use a small flash to trigger it...and create a strobist kind of light kit.
my 2 cents