So, after seeing the discount thread (and also discovering I had about $30 worth of Amazon giftcard unspent after I cancelled a lens hood order), I just went with the GP8 (hooray for getting it for $14!)
Anyway, the second part of my question still stands. Is the Joby ballhead any good, or should I go for something else? And if so, what? I'll probably get a "real" tripod in the future, but not too soon.
_________________
Canon EOS T1i | Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM | Canon 70-200mm f/4L
Lowepro Slingshot 200
http://www.jessegamble.com