Question on Flash Purchase for Canon

Hi,

I am an amateur photographer (almost beginner) and am planning on adding a flash to my equipment to learn better. I have a Canon T2i and am on a budget.

There are two options I am looking at and would be great if you can provide feedback because I really don't know much about the workings of a flash and its interaction with the camera.

1. Buy a Yongnuo YN-560 II Speedlight Flash ($80). Guide Number = 58 m. I believe I will need transmitters and receivers to operate this off-camera (Yongbuo ~$30). Total cost ~ $120-130

2. Buy a Canon Speedlite 430 EXII for ~$300. Guide Number = 43 m.

The thing is, I don't understand the details about Canon Speedlites. Does it need transmitters and receivers as well to operate off-camera ? I am unable to understand from the specifications.

And what are the other advantages offered by Canon Speedlite over the Yongnuo combination ? Is it worth more than double the money ? I don't mind doing things manually because that is how I learn. So I don't need automatic exposure etc to decide the settings for me.

I appreciate any feedback I can get on this.