Looks like Apples recent upgrade of the MacBook Pro line helped answer the questions I had in regards to buying a MBP :
Now, the purchase is pretty much a no-brainer, and a 2.33GHz 15” MBP should be heading my way the coming weeks.
Huge thanks to all those who took the time advising me about what options to get.
The new 5200rpm “perpendicular” drives in the new Macbook Pros are about as fast as the current 7200 drives (won’t be true once the perpendicular 7200rpm drives come out).
On the same note: Do you think the Macbook comes with Core 2 Duo also?
Nope, the MacBooks haven’t been upgraded yet, however they are likely next in line.