I realize that the black box bases are the same as the mobiles plus power supply, but they DO look alot better in the shack.
I replaced an RCI 2950 with my Galaxy DX2517. RF performance is the same, but it sure looks nicer in the shack, and I definitely prefer the ergonomics of the controls on the Galaxy. God, I HATE those little rows of buttons on the 2950!!!
Plus I just plain LIKE the black box radios. I have a Yaesu FT847 w/ Collins mechanical SSB filters, and it does 11 meters like nothing else I have, but I still use the Galaxy more often. Why? Because I LIKE it!!!!! (It doen't hurt that SS8541 set it up for me, so I know that it is talking and hearing as well as it possibly can.)