i just played around with a sand MIF N95 yesterday, and i too like this color and if i ever decide to get N95 (waiting for the big price drop and one with NO arabic keypad) i will definitely get this color, i like eggplant but only to eat em...
There is one disadvantage that I've found in having a lite color. Both the Sand and the Plum and my Pink one have that rubbery feel to it. The back of my N95 has smudges on it from me holding it, lol. And I can't clean it off!!!!
I got mine at Bongo. I wanted some warranty with it and they do that. I paid a bit more (possibly) but not that much more than others were charging for a Made by Nokia phone.
I think the sand has more of a smooth stony marble look to it, but I have only seen it from online pics. Either way I prefer that over the grapey eggplant plum color.