m800 is the only
ecu worth considering, the m880 is identicle, apart from the milspec connector (which you need special tooling to crimp with) and it supports an extra 3mb of onboard logging, which doesnt justify the price difference.
a gold box is probably the best option in the long term, but you can use a current model version 9/10 PNP board (just released from motec) which will give you the least headache.
sean at all-star can tune them, just make sure its on the latest version software.
basic features you will need are- DBW enable (unless you wait for a 08 spec-c manifold) and VVT enable.
optional features i'd recommend are- 1mb logging and wideband lambda.
all up, it makes the motec an expensive piece of equipment + tuning, but the end results are better then factory if you give it the time.