K-5 II and IIs availability? Should I just get a K-5?

This has probably been asked numerous times, but does ANYONE have any scoop on when the K-5 II and IIs will hit the street? I am flying to the US for a week or so tonight, and want to pick one up while I'm there. Any idea on the new 18-270 lens?

Another relevant question is.... Since I'm interested in the K-5 II (versus the S) would I be better served picking up the standard K-5, or does the II have that much better of a sensor and AF?

A little background... This would be my first DSLR. I've had a film SLR, and currently shoot with an Olympus EPL-1 and Fuji X100. I was holding out for the Fuji XE1, but I mainly want a good DSLR for birding, and the K-5 is just about perfect with the weather sealing. My X100 will be my street camera, and the K-5 would be for situations where I need durability. This would be my second Pentax as I had an old Optio WR years ago that served me very well.