I've got a bad feeling about the Slate finish. I've had gadgets with colored aluminum on them before, and they show wear really bad. When the coating gets scratched or worn, you see the white metal underneath - so it really standa out! Unless Apple has some amazing process that prevents that kind of thing, I think in time the Slate finish is going to get a lot of complaints. Even with a case, the buttons and switches will be exposed and may get worn. I hope I'm worrying for nothing, but I think I'm going white this time....