Travel Technology - Next Macbook Update

I've decided to grit my teeth and invest in a nice 17" Macbook Pro - but given the rather 'enhanced' price of these machines compared to something from Dell at under 600, I'm very sensitive to buying before a tech refresh and ending up with something already behind.

I know the 15" MBPs just got a major update, but the 17" received a minor tweak and I thought I read some rumors another update was in the works.

Does anyone know if another update is due before the end of January?

I've decided to grit my teeth and invest in a nice 17" Macbook Pro - but given the rather 'enhanced' price of these machines compared to something from Dell at under 600, I'm very sensitive to buying before a tech refresh and ending up with something already behind.

I know the 15" MBPs just got a major update, but the 17" received a minor tweak and I thought I read some rumors another update was in the works.

Does anyone know if another update is due before the end of January?

I too am interested in this and would appreciate any information.

I don't think anyone knows for certain, but I would suspect that maybe we *might* see something at MacWorld Expo coming up in a few weeks, nevertheless rumours and speculation will persist.

Even in its present form, the latest MBP 17" has a few things that the new 15" MBP's don't, such as matte finish screens (glossy only for the 15"), and DVI output without having to use an external adapter. I have the original 17" MBP Core Duo, I'm kinda torn in waiting for the product refresh, or upgrading to the present 17" MBP, since it retains those two features that are rather important to me.

A really good friend of mine who is a regional manager said, he wouldn't buy until after MacWorld. Couldn't confirm and upgrade but said he he has heard rumors of speed/memory bumps

Any buzz about a netbook? Can't WAIT (though I must) to swap my eeePC for a tiny, light Mac.