Here's a little script I wrote to open IPython with a new iTerm2 window. I call this script ipy and place it at ~/bin. Then hitting APPLE+SPACE launches Spotlight. Writing "ipy" inside and hitting ENTER does the trick.
If you want VIm keybindings, add the following to ~/.inputrc
set editing-mode vi
tab: complete
set completion-ignore-case on
set blink-matching-paren on
Oh, and if you find out how to maximize the window - please share :)