If I had a choice, I'd have gotten a manual, but the Turbo S is PDK-only.
With respect to the brakes, I've become a sucker for ceramics. The pedal feel is unbelievably good. I have them on the wagon as well, and they're equally fantastic.
Due to a couple of surgeries on my left knee, I'm sadly relegated to paddle shifters. I love the PDK however, and the speed and crispness of the shifts can't be beat. Automated manuals/dual clutches/whatever you want to call them are one of the main reasons we get to enjoy such great acceleration numbers these days!