I was under the same choice, and I went with the older MBP. Glad I did, as both my wife and I really disliked the glossy screens we saw at the Apple store (really, really, disliked). It was to the point that if we couldn't find an older MBP with the matte screen, we'd have gone with a different computer.
The other issue was the click pad on the new models. Neither of us liked it at all. It doesn't click very well at the top of the pad (does just fine from about the middle down). The track pad on the MBP we liked a lot more.
I was a bit sad that I wasn't getting the newest model (I really like the new frame), but after experiencing the new one and not being too impressed (but still impressed), and looking at the performance difference between a new MB and old MBP (not that different actually), we got the refurbed 2.5Ghz, 2gb ram, 512 video, 15" MBP. My wife loves it, it does fine for me, and it was actually pretty cheap considering.
Just my experience.
mike
edit: just read the post above, I would disagree with it. I got a MBP (high end model of the previous generation) for $1400. Before the new ones came out, it cost $2500. Granted, its older and refurbished, but still has the warranty. If that isn't adjusted, I don't know what is. And yes, for $1400 I have firewire (which I do use) and an Express/34 slot (which is incredibly useful, just google everything you can do with that, TV, any-type-of-card-you-want reader, WiFi, wireless 3g from you cell carrier, extra USB, extra firewire, you name it, express/34 can handle it).