"pick up" pickups are the microphones that pick the sound of the strings, they are under the strings on the main body of the guitar. The gibson are slightly heavier on average but you do get some real heavey epis. I have two epi standards, cherry and honeyburst, with Alnico 2s and 59s. I also have a les Paul Classic and Special.
Id recomend you buy off ebay tho! Far cheaper. Make sure your buying off a reputable seller with many previous sales tho.
Kriss