I finally did this! First brand new from the box computer in 19 years (pretty sad for a full time software developer, no?). I’m glad I held out a bit longer since my timing was perfect. I got the 15” MacBook Pro with 2.33Ghz Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 120MB HDD and all the rest of the nice little touches that Apple does. There was one minor manufacturing defect when I first got it (it didn’t want to “p” – the “p” key worked but was sticky).
The battery life is good (3 hours+ on average), and I’ve got it loaded up with most of the work/hobby software development tools I needed in no time (Thankyou www.macports.org). I’ve also picked up an extremely solid Brenthaven Fusion MB messenger style bag with almost as much foam protection for my new Mac as Apple shiped it with;)
One last thing: the lighted keyboard and magsafe power adaptor are way cool. You don’t appreciate the lighted keybaord untll your lighting conditions get dim (and I’m touch typing 90% of the time anyhow), and I have yet to have the bolt of panic due to my powercord being ripped out. Still, both great features to have.