It eliminates the ??? step:

Step 1: Release Core 2 Duo

Step 2: Release Core 2 Duo now that they're practically free

Step 3: Profit.

Given how evasive the salesman at my local Apple store was when I asked that question recently I imagine it's not much of a difference.

I don't think the non-pro model can drive a 30" monitor.

As of the update today the MBP is more desirable: significantly better better life, twice the RAM, slightly faster CPU and that slick unibody case which is thinner and lighter.

Before the refresh the MB was the best bang for buck.

Nothing too much performance-wise. The new plastic one is even, at least in name, unibody. But it has a glossy keyboard area which you can scratch up pretty easily with a watch strap (I tried this at the store).

Looks like they put in a new battery in the Pro, and it has a fancier graphics card, SD card reader, and Firewire.

To me, the Al casing is worth a bit more money and wouldn't mind an SD reader, so I'd watch the Apple refurb store for last-gen Pros (which is what I did in January).

• Firewire

• SD card slot

• Now longer battery life with pro

The macbook pro 13" is worth the money for the unibody alone. I own a 13MB and the white plastic case is cracking in more places then I care to mention. I got them to fix it once, and only because it was their fault. They just don't hold up build quality wise. The only negative part about the unibody is my wife doesn't like the feel of the metal, it gives her the willies, but I can't fault Apple for that one.