I'll go out on a limb.

For a new CW op, there are really only a couple key types you need to consider at first.

One is the straight key (which have changed little since the 1880's Bunnell "Triumph").
Popular ones are made by Ameco and Nye-Viking.

The other key type is the iambic paddles. The most common iambic paddles are the Bencher BY-1 and MFJ 564.

The "side-swipers" (also known as a "cootie key") and the bugs (from vibroplex or
others) are probably best to pursue after you have been operating morse for a while
and are looking for new things to try.

73
Scott W5ESE

One of the purposes of a US amateur radio license is to have reciprocal priveleges on the
Amateur wavelengths if and when you travel overseas.

Sadly, the Advanced and Extra class licenses are the only US licenses that are recognized by
CEPT as being comparable to the standard European license. For many years, the General
Class license also qualified, but the Europeans have examined the recent General class
question pools, and determined that it no longer does.

The syllabus of topics for the standard European license is available at:

http://www.erodocdb.dk/Docs/doc98/official/pdf/TR6102.PDF

73 Scott W5ESE

I think that you will be far more satisfied with the Ten-Tec TKIT 1056.

http://www.tentec.com/index.php?id=52

The Ramsey receiver you provided the link to is designed to receive AM broadcast signals.
You will only be able to listen to hams using AM with this receiver (< 1% of the on-the-air
 phone activity). CW will sound like a "thumping" carrier with no tone.

OTOH, the Ten-Tec TKIT 1056 will work very well for CW and SSB. I built a Ten-Tec TKIT 1056
for 40 meters, and have been very satisfied with it. The active audio filter is very effective.
For AM broadcast signals, it will be disappointing.

The Ten-Tec regen receiver can listen to both AM, CW, and SSB, but it will be somewhat
tricky to tune CW and SSB signals in; it's usually a two-handed operation to adjust the
tuning knob and regeneration control.

73
Scott W5ESE

Actually, the Technician class license offers far more privileges below 30 MHz than the Novice license did, which was the ticket I started out with (in 1976).

To understand why there are so many technical questions on the General Class examination, I would quote my friend N2EY; amateur Radio is a hobby that was intended for those interested in radio "for it's own sake"; e.g.,  the medium itself rather than the content.

I also agree with N4NYY; I used to have a CB radio (and license), although I don't any more, and haven't for nearly 25 years. As a novice ham, I made my first contacts with a 100% homebrew transmitter (one of the Lew McCoy novice xmtr's). I was a CB op at the same time (although I enjoyed CW much more, and still do).

73
Scott W5ESE

I have used the Bencher BY-1 since about 1981. I also have the Whiterook MK-44 which I use when backpacking, but the BY-1 is my main paddle for the home shack. I know there are better (and much more expensive) paddles available, but the BY-1's are good enough for my CW operating.

On July 1, 1951, the Novice license first became available. Congratulations to the hundreds of thousands of amateurs who joined the hobby as Novices.

For an interesting saga of the rise and fall of the Novice license visit the Novice Historical Society at:

http://www.novicehistory.org/

73
Scott W5ESE
ex-WN5RMQ

I agree with this 100%.

73
Scott W5ESE

If you have an interest in building something yourself, look at the Ten-Tec TKIT 1056 direct conversion receiver. About $30.

I just had a thought; pretty soon we're going to run out of Social Security recipients!!! Look at how OOOLD they all are!!! Heck, I'll bet most of them are over 62!!!

and 3) it's too flipping hot to start setting up at the Field Day start time. Better to start early in the AM.

None that I'm aware of. But Herbert Hoover, Jr was a well-known ham
in California, IIRC.

In your same price category, you could also consider a second hand Ten-Tec Omni VI. Very good receiver, even though the design is a little old.

My experience, as someone who makes quite a few contacts with new CW operators, is that the fellows who start right out with paddles make a lot more sending mistakes. In particular, it's easy to let extra dits slip out when you are first getting started. Folks who start out with straight keys don't do this, since each dit is manually formed. The advice given in my copy of 'The Radio Amateur's Operating Manual' (3d edition; 1972), suggests beginning with a straight key and using it until you can consistently copy about 16 wpm. At that point, it's time to start shopping for paddles. In my opinion, that's still good advice. And if you do begin with a straight key, check out the 'Straight Key Century Club' at http://www.skccgroup.com for on-the-air operating events that are quite popular with morse newcomers.

I agree with VA7CPC. I have a key like the Ameco Am-K4. I bought it in 1975 and still use it. It still works great.

Describes me to a tee. Money was an issue for me, and I bought an Omni 6 option 3 on the second hand market, for about the same price as a new "midprice" radio.

OTOH, I think the "quest for the ultimate CW rig" is a bit overblown at times.

When most folks ask me about a rig for operating CW, I suggest they start with what they already have. Most radios work okay on CW.