i made my first plunge into the world of Mac OS X with the MacBook, when it first hit our shores a few months back. The Core 2 Duo has recently been launched, and i can't help but feel proud to be a Mac convert. Heck, i've even convinced some of my friends to take the plunge too!
It's just so much easier to use... and there's not spyware / virus etc. to be worried about. For everyday applications - surfing internet, watching movies, online banking etc. it's 100% perfect!

Tinkerbel... initially, the MB ran rather hot... but after getting the firmware updates from Apple, the fan runs more regularly and i do notice that it runs cooler these days.
Battery lifespan?? Err... i'm plugged into the AC adaptor 90% of the time so i can't really comment. I do believe that it should last for about 3 hours on a single charge...

Overall lifespan?? Who cares?? Use it, throw away and get a new one

Your other question regarding S-Video out... err... gotta get back to you on that!

tinkerbel... u can get more than 3 hours on a single charge. Just make sure all necessary peripherals are switched off when not used e.g. Bluetooth connection etc.
Anyhow, the power adaptor that comes with the MB is compatible with most plugs. I'm using mine in Germany and it works just fine...

according to the apple website... Leopard should be launched in spring 2007 i.e. May if my guess is right...
If you can wait for another few months, by all means... The additional features that are previewed for Leopard are not something to die for, but the cool factor is certainly high!