I have 650's on my tri bike and it doesn't seem to affect my speed at all.
I will say that tires and tubes are hard to come by. If you do end up with 650 wheels, if you don't have a local shop with that in stock, or if you want more options, you will probably have to order your tires and tubes off the internet.
Good luck on the new roadie!
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside thoroughly used-up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!"