In addition to the cracking issue, the button protrudes out more so you can easily get it. I think the volume button is different too. But anything under the hood different?

I thought the new ones you can't root because the hboot is totally different

my EVO is way cooler than yours

Re: Evo differences
 

wow not been keeping up huh.. i think 004 all have to same panel type

the newer hboot is rootable
[ROOT] unrevoked3 v3.31 (with support for new HBOOT, now with amend scripting!) - xda-developers
[ROOT][GUIDE] HBoot 2.02/2.10 SOFF - There Will Be Root - Upd. 01.10.11 - xda-developers
[ROOT] ~~~ HTC EVO - Universal Auto Root ~~~ v2.2 (works with all version)(1/10/11) - xda-developers

Re: Evo differences
 

not really, im already rooted so i never found the need. haha now look what happens