RtC, in that this purchase is from my research grant (money that I put into a fund untaxed so that I could buy my own computer, which is, technically, the property of the university, but which will be taken home with me "forever and a day"), the computer needs to be purchased new. The Computer Purchasing Center has a deal with Apple Canada, and is able to pass on the educational discount. I had considered the 17" AlPB, but that would have left me with only apx. $500 left in the pool. I like the portability and the 17" screen, but I have a Dell laptop, and the iMac would be maily utilized for iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD, so it won't be on the road along with my digital camera and DV videocam.
I am not into the "cool factor" either, but it did attract a great deal of attention when one was set up in an office of a web designer for our Continuing Education tech-persons.