I was going to ask the same question as Danny Crane above. Does anyone know where this "NG" term came from? Boeing's term I guess?
I initially was lead to believe it meant "New Generation". Based on the avionics upgrade I could perhaps accept "New Generation". "New" for a B737, but really late-1980s like (similar to B747-400). "Next Generation" though is a little far fetched for an aircraft with an overhead panel which is fundamentally unchanged since the B737s inception. Something to do with Southwest Airlines I believe. Oh yeah, no EICAS either, and that lovely stab trim wheel.
About the only "new" toy is the Heads Up Guidance System (HGS), which I believe isn't even standard (except on the Boeing Business Jet).
Yes... truly "Next Generation"
