create custom page layouts using VS 2010 in SP 2010

Hi,

i wanna  create a  custom page layout and deploy this as a feature. [which includes content types also.]

but i am confused, if i am going to create  the page layouts thru VS 2010, content types are necessary?  

Can i start with sp d 2010 and copy/paste it in the vs 2010  envnmnt?

 and once the page layout is created i wanna  create the publishing pages based on  this layout.

i want to know  which approach is best suited. 

any links / sources which has a  real time page layout created are appreciated .