I've had all three of the unibody macbook pros, the 15", the 17", and now just bought the new 13".
They all calibrated just fine, my brightness to get to around 120 cd/m2 is around 50-60% brightness level. I actually leave it there most of the time unless room brightness or sunlight dictate a higher level. Getting around 4.5 to 5 hours of battery out of my new 13". Smallish screen but clear and sharp ... a dream to travel with.