J has a black MacBook (MB404LL/A) that has treated her well thus far. I'd been looking at getting another one for me when I saw that up to *6* GB of RAM can be installed in it, though one loses dual-channel that way.

http://www.everymac....penryn-specs.html

The new 13" MacBook Pro seems comparable, but is faster, takes more RAM, etc., etc. It would be nearly perfect if it were a little lighter (it's 4.5 pounds). But, is it worth the ~50% premium over a used black one? Decisions, decisions.

Have fun!

Cheers,
Scott.