[Elecraft] Kit or factory assembled K3? and what options?

[Bill Blomgren]

I've built LOTS of electronics over the years... but frankly I'm not sure I 
have enough time to build a K3.. (which is what I'm currently looking 
at..) - or a KX3.

My problem: deciding which options will be useful.  I've never "done" hf... 
I've been a broadcaster (with 20kw into 4" heliax with an antenna "way up 
thereeeeee.." or a pile of verticals that I never have to touch because the 
tuning was done correctly N years ago....  I had the Tech for 2 months, and 
with my background splurged on taking both the general and extra.. and 
somehow managed to pass both.  (Thanks to the DurHamFest and their VE's!)

I'm not sure what will be needed at this point.  Right now, I don't 'do' 
code. Never learned it.  I will eventually pick it up, but not right at 
first... Computer? but of course... That's the sort of stuff I do for a 
living, so morse from keyboard? No issue.  Reading what comes back?  The 
computer can handle that.

Pactor?  Shoot.. I'm a tcp/ip junkie... it's not IP, but it is a packet from 
point A to someplace else.. Can do.

Other that that.. I'm really not sure what options will be required in a 100 
watt/living in an apartment with resulting ugly antenna issue world will 
need.  Obviously the antenna tuner, but what else is everyone finding 
useful. (I can skip the 2 meter add on for the time being... probably can 
find a 6 meter antenna I can fudge into functionality.. SOMETHING for 20 to 
6 meters perhaps...or 20 through 10... Again, not sure what will be needed.

Naturally, if you ask Elecraft, you will get a system with every possible 
bell and whistle.. but.... is it all something a newb will use?