I am also on the lookout for a new tripod and have just got my digital photo mag...the february edition and they have done a pro tripod test which include the Manfrotto 055XPROB which gets the Gold award but no head and the slik 700DX ( plus others )which gets 4 out of 5 stars overall, this is quite tempting as the head is included in the price, just unsure wether to go for ball and socket head or 3 way head if I get a tripod without a headMmmmm!!!
OBTW Dennis, I found the Manfrotto configurater link very interesting, thanks.