[Andrew Stephens]

Add an extra GB of RAM for $20 for parity with the new model and is it any slower?

The base albook is 2GHz the whitebok is 2.1. OK so the new model has faster RAM and a bit faster gubbins inside but in the real world Id guess the whitebook is still a good performer.

[Simon]

Unless you're a gamer you will on average not notice any big performance differences between the white MB for $999 and the new $1299 MB. While the white one has a slightly higher clocked CPU, the new one has a faster chipset and much better graphics. In everyday tasks differences will be small.

The real difference is price and FW. If you're on a tight budget or you need FW, you should get the white MB. If not get the lighter and thinner $1299 MB with its larger disk.

Of course the $1499 MB is the really nice choice IMHO. Great performance, big drive, backlit keyboard.