If you end up really wanting a pb, you could also consider eBay. You might not be able to save much on the newest models but you probably could find a good newish aluminum 1Ghz 15" for significantly less than what the new 1.25Ghzs are going for now. You might be able to save $500 or so. It all depends on how comfortable you would be spenging that much on eBay. Checking them out at your local Apple store is definitely a good idea, too.

Also, are you fixed on having a laptop? The reason I ask is that you could get a G5 desktop for less than a G4 laptop - not including monitor, etc...

- trs