I never look at my keyboard anyway, so the only useful part for me would be automatic screen dimming, and I can live without that.

I'm not a looker either - but I sure have a hard time finding home row in the dark!

Yeah, those features do border on novelty, but after using my new PB and then going back to my old Ti one night in the dark, I was blinded by the light of the screen and then as a result could hardly find the keyboard. It's a novelty I've grown to love in the new PB. One of those things that I couldn't imagine not having as standard fxnality in a laptop now.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be happy with your PB. I'm been considering Apple Care, too. My old Ti lasted 4 years, though, without a problem. Then, everything went to pot. The Airport card crapped out then the right half of the screen started blanking out. Now, though with so many additonal features, ports, and what-not packed into the new PB, I'm tempted to get the care program. Who knows.

- trs