What is the maximum swivel angle?

From the new manual:

Adjust the angle of the display to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights
and windows. Do not force the display if you meet resistance. The display is not meant
to open past 130 degrees.

I tried to purchase a 2.53 today just as they ran out, but I checked max display angle. I'm replacing my current 2.33 MacBook Pro, and the inability to open the display far enough has always been one of my pet peeves with it, although otherwise I've always loved it... Anyway, the new MacBook Pro screen definitely opens farther than the old one. Maybe not as far as, say, the old aluminum PowerBooks, but it has ample play to satisfy me... Hope this helps.

I know a great way to check it whilst you are shopping at the Apple store- with your iPhone (or someone elses!). Use the inclinometer apps now available from the app store to load up one of the several available. I'm planning on trying it on all the demo units they have there as a test to see if it's uniform. The hinge seems to not be uniform as to the runs of these models, so why wouldn't the opening vary?

I measured the opening angles of opening on my MBP and MB, about 130°. Both pretty much the same. The full opening of the MBP has a substantial give to it so your measurements might not be the same(± 3° give factor?)

The MB is a much more solid feel.

Note that an inclinometer will give you measurements off of straight up. So it's reading is the inverse- 49° (90° + 41°= 131°).