Here is the question I am moving a long, long away this summer and I need to buy a new macbook. I baught one for the wife in Nov. and was waiting for an update for LED backliting for mine.
Shall I waite or just buy the update. I wouldn't mind the gestures on the trackpad, but I don't want it any bigger.
I really want the LED, which they could possibly update before June. They should have done it long ago, but ....

There is always something newer, cooler, faster, etc. around the corner in technology...that is just the way it is. A good rule is that if you need a computer now, buy a computer now. That said, This update appears to be spurred by Intel and their transition away from the "Merom" chips (65 nm) and transition to the "Penryn" chips (45 nm) and Apple needed to keep Macbooks on the shelves. The processors are slated, according to Intel, for ANOTHER update with a faster frontside bus and higher clock-speeds (Along with other improvements in the chipset code-named "Montevina" which will be marketed as Centrino 2) this summer (June) at which time I'm thinking we'll likely see another revision of the Macbook/Pro line-up as Intel phases out these chips for the newer ones. This may be the time where we see LED across the line or larger trackpads a'la the MB Air, or case re-designs. Of course, until Mr. Jobs says it,it's all just speculation.

LED is great for instant-on brightness, and color uniformity but the power consumption gains are debatable based on what I've read. Not knowing your reason for wanting the LED backlighting (other than it is the state-of-the-art) ,the current MB screens really do look nice and I personally don't think that alone should stop you if you need a machine now.

The reasons are, longer LIfe really and lower drain on the battery. LED should generally last a lot longer and have lower heat than Florescent lights.