I second the recommendation of the Elecraft K2.  It's an excellent CW rig! The adjustable bandwith IF filters are great!  With the 100W amp and KIO2 computer control option (both very soon to be released), it should also be a great contest rig!

Hi,
   I made the same decision in buying an HF transceiver.  I finally went with the TS-570, because I didn't want/need 6 meters and it was cheaper.  It also weighs half as much, which is a plus, because mine actually gets moved around quite a bit.  In general I tend to favor Kenwood radios. The reviews here on eHam.net also influenced my decision.  I think either is a good choice though.

Do you know Don Henley's callsign?

PSK-31 is a great mode in my opinion.  Find software at: http://www.psk31.com/  You need some simple hardware(you can build it) to get on the mode.  Info is found in DigiPan, as well as at psk31.com.  You need an attenuator for audio from the computer to the radio's mic input.  A PTT circuit is nice too, although you don't really need it.  I still have a manual T/R switch, and do just fine.  If you have questions, feel free to email me with them at ac7cf@qsl.net  

73 es GL,
Andrew AC7CF
ac7cf@qsl.net
http://www.qsl.net/ac7cf

Dave,
     I would recommend the CodeQuick software.  You can buy it at: http://www.cq2k.com/ I used this software and within 2 months of using it, I passed my 20 WPM test.  Some people will tell you the method it uses won't allow you to go very fast, but I am approaching speeds of 35 WPM in just 4 months on the air.  I still "hear" the sound-alikes used in CodeQuick, but don't really think about them.  The code just translates to letters and words automatically in my brain.  I believe CodeQuick is about 35 dollars.  I think you should give it a try.

73,
Andrew AC7CF

I sure think it is a good idea.  I am 15 year old ham and for me postage for QSL cards hard to is come by.  It would be a lot easier to use E-QSLing.  

I passed my Extra on April 1 and my upgrade was posted on the 25th so about 3.5 weeks also.

Go to http://www.psk31.com/ for some great PSK 31 information.  The most popular programs out there are DigiPan and Logger as well as WinPSK.   Operating is easy once you get the hang of it and PSKers are friendly (and most of them are fairly new as well.)  Most of the activity is on 14.070 but I have made QSOs on 10 meters right around 28.120 also.  Have fun and hope to CU on the air!