fudgedog - I bought a Kharma last July and love it. I paid a bit extra and got it with Ultegra. I've done the Autumn Epic, Hell of the Ashdown and Burgess Hill Sportives and its been really great. Handles well and feels good for a £1500 bike. The Fulcrum 7 wheels are the weakest feature but the easiest up upgrade. I have a pair of Mavic Ksyrium Elite 2009 on order which should make a difference.
The new Kharma is out now with a few changes (mainly the seatpost) but I bet you can get last years model for a steal.