That looks great, very impressive. I like that you thought it all out before starting to model. And that you want to animate it:attn: Also your choice should be very interesting, somehow I cannot stop asociating some kind of servant robot when I see this thing. I don't think it'll do well as a battle droid, but as you said -canonfodder
I don't have a clue how to achieve the quality and realism of your renders, but I prefer the dull image. It is even more believable than the other one. I think it handles the light more naturally. The shiny image gives away it's cg origin a bit, the dull one hides it very well.

great work I am really looking forward to see it animated
:attn: