Planning on replacing CE Macbook with Air. Mind answering some questions?

[JHatch]

I snaggled my CE Macbook about 2 days after they launched back in October. 2.4Ghz model. Now, due to arthritis (yeah... I'm 20 going on 80), It's too heavy when my rheumatoid flares. I'm looking to replace it with the air, but I've got a few questions that I haven't been able to find concise answeres on the forums on through GoogleFu.

1. The trackpad. Will it wear?

I use to have a HP before I switched back in October. The trackpad wore and looked like garbage. That's why I really dig my CE's glass pad... no wear. I know the Air isn't glass... but is it's pad pretty resilient? I don't mind key wear... but pad wear drives me crazy.​

2. Handbrake and speed:

I digitize my movies a lot. With my 2.4 CE Macbook (ripping h.264 .m4v/.mp4 @ 1900kbps) I get 70fps on first pass, 27 on second pass. I plan on the 2.13Ghz Air, and was wondering if I'd notice anything to drastic in speed drops. Handbrake forums weren't too informative Anyone with experience have some input (even with Rev A or B)?​

3. Speaking of the 2.13...

I remember the Rev A was an ULV Intel processor. Is this a legit Core2Duo in the Rev C or have they pulled a slick willy (calling it a Core2Duo... but in reality not like any other Core2Duo out there)?​

4. Core shut-downs:

I know with the older Airs, one of the cores would shut down if the thing got to hot. Does that still occur with the Rev C? It'd blow if when ripping or gaming, a core shutdown and I get dinged back to the stoneage.​

5. Speaking of gaming:

I don't play anything that intense. I'm sure I'll still be able to play Age of Empires 3. But do you think I'd still be able to play TF2 like I currently do on my CE? Or will heat be an issue. Also (off topic)... Blizzard, you better make sure SC2 runs on the 9400m.​

6. External disc drive:

The Air's drive is 99 bucks. I can get on on NewEgg for 50-ish. Will those work? I'm not to concerned about "matching." Anyone have a recommendation? I know I'm limited on this front, what with some externals requiring two USB ports to power.​

7. Battery:

I get around 3-5 on my CE depending on what I'm doing. I know the Air is rate around 5. But realistically, can I expect similar times as I get on my CE?​

The end. I think. Appreciate the input. Hugs and moderately awkward kisses.

EtA:

8. Speakers:

I assume the Rev C still used the one mono speaker. Is it too horrid? Tinny? Or, decent quality?​