Seems to be confirmed here:
http://www.androidcentral.com/how-un...s-7-bootloader

All Nexus devices have Unlocked Bootloaders.

Seems like most of what they did was:
-60% UI changes
-30% updated Google Apps
-9% new features
-1% misc/error margin

I'll come out and say, they've got UI wrong.
They've not done what they NEEDED to (add more Linux features into JB).
Lack of storage/microsd will disappoint the average buyer after their purchase.
Win8 now posses a good threat to Android's tablet market, unless M$/OEMs stuff up.

All in all it seems quite nice and especially the price. I just feel short changed on the specs.

Rather than charge an extra £40 to bring the internal storage up to 16gb, I would have preferred them to leave it at 8gb and to give us an SD card slot and HDMI out port.

In which case mine would now be on order.

As it is, I am content to sit back and watch what Hyundai or Ainol come up with when the next gen chips are available.