Well, the money finally got straight, and I made my decision. Based on the ongoing problems with the 15", and the supply shortage, I have just ordered a 17" AlBook. Delivery expected Friday.
However, I hope that the "ongoing" problems with the 15-inch PBs are ..er.. no longer "ongoing": 'coz I'm still awaiting the arrival of my PB which ..um..happenz to be, like, a 15-inch..
UPS tracking has been showing a planned delivery of 11/20. Their latest update says that it arrived in Austin at 6:33 this morning. Hopefully that wasn't too late to make the outbound trucks. They haven't put an "out for delivery" notice up yet.