My lbs showed me a box set (non-retail) that Shimano let them have to look at. It had some, but not all the components of the Shimano 2003 mtb equipment. In particular, I really like the combined gear and brake levers. I know it's not new technology but pulling the lever back for the brakes, and then shifting it up or down to change gears is a nice way of getting rid of some of the handlebar clutter as you only have one lever to do all the work. Don't know how reliable they will be, and I'm not sure if the brake mechanism is usable on the Magura discs or not? It looks nice though.

its STI just like on road bikes.. its the shift/brake lever. one lever 2 functions.

I know what you mean as I had a set on my road bike. The ones that Shimano make for the mtb are quite chunky looking and come in two flavours for the V- and disc brake designs. They save, wait for it, 2g over the XTR Rapidfire. Can't see that making much difference to a 14Kg (30lb) bike myself.