Pedal Steel Guitar?

Just returned from Hawaii and have fallen in love with the sound of Pedal Steel Guitar.... I already loved the sound of it on various alt-country records like Ryan Adams and Lucinda Williams stuff.... but the Hawaiian stuff put it over the top for me. I'm officially in the hunt for a pedal steel instrument.

Does anybody out there have any experience with it? Specifically with Hawaiian music? I have one colleague that plays and he tells me once you get the theory part of it down, its pretty straight forward....he's been playing 25+ years and ripps bluegrass like nobody's business on it.... I'd like to hear from someone with a little less experience, perhaps someone who has picked up one recently. What makes a Carter different than a Magnum (besides $1800)? Is it better to start with a lap steel and move to a pedal steel? What's the maintenance like on the instrument?

__________________
THIS SPACE FOR RENT

I've got the pedal steel sound in my head as well, although mine leans towards the more "traditional" side. I'm actually contemplating the purchase of a steel. I've seen the Carter Starter setup and read varying reviews. From "Don't waste your time" to "Best thing for a beginner." So, my question is this: has anyone played the Carter (or other "starter" type steels) and will I get a few years learning and worth from it? I don't mind buying a student model if it will last me until I truly need the "pro" model, but I don't want an extremely limited setup at the same time.

Help!