MBP 1.83 vs ...?

[ICEBrk]

Hello Fellow Macadamians,
I'm in the market for what must be my 8th Mac and I can't say I was ever this indecisive about my choice.
Although I have a G4 733 tower and a PB 500, my arsenal needs updating.

I would LOVE to wait for the Merom MBPs but I have to fly back to germany for a few months in 10 days and my PB is falling apart (Firewire plug fell apart meaning I can only use the one cable that it broke with and my power cord just started getting sparks near the wall plug)

Sure, a 2+ghz Merom Black iodized MBP would make me a very happy man but since apple hasn't even announced it, I can't wait anymore. Plus a case redesign would be a big NO NO. I don't believe in buying rev A case redesigns (see my rev A PB 500 and replacing the hinge twice so far)

So here's my question, I'm pretty keen on getting the 1.83 MBP for a cool 1539USD and just tossing a 1gb ram upgrade for a total of 1.5.... Is this a good idea? I don't think I'll be missing out on the 64bit-ness nor the 5-10% battery life and if leopoard is really that sweet I'll just get a quad core next year.
The MBP i'm looking at is MA463LL/A, Am I risking sterility? Should I go for a future revision? if so what part #s would you reccomend? Since I'm in europe 50% of the year I really need something that wont break (somehow I'm skeptical AppleCare there is as good as it is here) Are some MBP models more succeptible for failure than others? Should I take it to the AppleStore complaining about heat on the day I get it to get the thermal paste fixed? I know this is enough questions for at least 10 sepperate threads but I would really appreciate some knowledgeable advice (I haven't done much research as I was hoping on Meroms at WWDC to make this choice much easier)
Thanks in advance.
Bolek

 

[YoYoMa]

If you really can't wait then that refurb idea seems like a smart choice. Even if the Merom MBP was released tmmw that price would still be a good deal. You'll beable to sell it without too much of a loss whenever you feel like upgrading.

 

[ICEBrk]

$1539 new!

that's actually the funny thing. The refurb is 1549 from apple, I'm looking at a new one for 1539. Seems almost too good to pass up.

Am not planning on babies any time soon but I wouldn't want a few $s saved on a cheaper (early revision MBP) to sterilize me for life though... Are future revisions better about this?

 

[YoYoMa]

I don't think we will see a MBP restyle until Santa Rosa and that's still a very long way off. If you need a MBP, buy it, then sell it. If something else comes along that you would prefer you can always sell it for a very small and worthwhile loss at a great price like that.

 

[Oofie]

Check macconnection.com. I got one probably 2 weeks ago for 1499 after rebate. But since you'll be going to go europe, you probably wont like the rebate.

 

[ICEBrk]

Reconditioned vs new

Yes but those are all reconditioned. for 40$ more I'm looking at a brand spanking new one... I've never bought a refurb before but besides lacking that "new powerbook smell" the only other difference would be a risk of cosmetic problems.
And if I choose to sell it I'd probably get more being first owner.