Driving the 915 is so much like boiling a live frog. At what point does the frog realize that the pot next-door is 30 degrees cooler? We get so used to the balkiness of it that we don't realize how slotty a modern tranny is. I had the opportunity to drive a 996 not too long ago -- the transmission was the telling point (and the acceleration, and the handling, and the amazing responsiveness of the car, and the beauty, and ...). Short throw, very forgiving of timing, one finger shifting ... beautiful.
There's still some longer term questions in my mind -- how much of the maintenance will I be able to do myself? How much more expensive is it to track a Boxster as compared to an older 911? How steep is the slippery slope of upgrading?
Keep us posted, boxster guys. I'm looking forward to the road reports from guys who know what a car should be.