Upgrading to Macbook Pro, couple questions prior

[ProstheticHead]

Alright, so here's the deal. I'm one of the unfortunate people who got trapped with the iMac G5 iSight RIGHT before the deadline that would have allowed me to return my comp in exchange for the iMacintel, and I've come to the point where I am in real need for boot camp / parallels functionality.

I really do not want to buy a PC for the purpose of running the few business apps required for my degree, and am coming to the sad realization that I'm going to need a little more mobile muscle than my Pismo can offer. (It's been a good run, old friend.)

So here are is my situation:

I've been keeping an eye on the Apple refurb store, because I have plans to dump the iMac and upgrade everything into a refurb MBP. However, the refurb shop offers quite a few options in the terms of MBPs.

I will use the computer for bootcamp / parallels running XP Pro and various business apps therein, Adobe CS, and some gaming: UT2004, WoW, etc (I would like to get Half-Life 2 up and running, but that's probably just a pipe dream.)

These are the listed MBPs and their prices:

MBP Core Duo 2.0GHz / 1gb / 100gb / 256mb ATI-- $1399
MBP Core Duo 2.16GHz / 1gb / 100gb / 256mb ATI-- $1499
MBP Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz / 1gb / 120gb / 128mb ATI-- $1599
MBP Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz / 2gb / 120gb / 256mb ATI-- $1999

My questions:

For my situation, which laptop would be the most preferable? I don't run any of the tasking apps such as Final Cut, Motion, that whole package. However, I would enjoy gaming with decent results from a mobile machine.

How much of a noticeable difference is there between the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo?

Would I be robbed of power by dropping the G5 and going for low end Core Duo models? If so, would it make more sense just to grab a low, low end MB (1.83 GHz CD) when they come on refurb?

Ideally I'd like to make this jump within the next month or so, so I'm hoping there's an expert out there who can help me out! Thanks!!

-- UPDATE --

Or, as mention by Jorasho, there is the option of the newest MBP that I could snag on educational discount:

MBP 2.2 GHz / 2gb / 120gb / 128gb nVidia-- $1799

 

[jorasho]

If you want to have a machine which is more future proof, definitely go for the Core 2 Duo one as its 64-bit. We've seen all what's the difference in Steve's WWDC keynote. However, if you are a gamer, you should think about the 256 MB model.

I do think however, that you'd better buy yourself a new bottom-line MBP instead as the graphics will be much better then in the ATi era.

 

[Erasmus]

I vote you go for the c2d 2.16. I don't think what you say you'll be using it for will require the extra speed of the 2.33 proc, and WOW should work great with the 128MB GPU, I don't know about UT2004, but I'm sure it will run well at some graphics setting. As will HL2, I should think. C2D is a 64 bit processor, so it should be more future proof, and should be faster than Core Duo. Then there's the extra 20 gig HDD.

Of course, if you could scrape up the cash, it would be best to go with the Santa Rosa 2.2GHz MBP, even if you have to wait for one to come out on Refurb. And you can be assured that it will run HL2 very well.