I can't provide the evidence, but I understand that:

- the Altmer's rapid Magicka regeneration is callable skill, called Highborn, rather than a permanent effect "They can call upon their "Highborn" power to regenerate Magicka quicky"
- the Breton resistance is to Magicka in general (this is also shown in the UESP page) "even the humblest Breton's of high rock boast a resistance to Magic"

Big news for me this, the increased Magicka regeneration was a big part of how I was going to play

Blimey

I've heard the opposite about the Altmer power actually, that seems to be gleaned from a loading screen. I think Highborn is just what their constant effect regen boost is called. We already know for certain that Bretons are resistant to shock specifically, and that their Dragonskin power just absorbs magicka.

love your icon!

Have heard mixed reports about the Breton 'magicka' resistance as well. Is it actually magicka resistance or is it just shock resistance?

I had heard the same as you, but I've just read what it says on the character selection screens, and written it down in my post

It's the "able to call on" bit that made me think otherwise. I've done the same for Breton's, and the resistance to magic makes it seem as though it's all magic. In the Breton summary it also says "able to call on" with respect to Dragon skin - the same language used for the Altmer Highborn power. That's how I came to this conclusion.

Passing on in good faith, and you now know as much as I do - make of it what you will!

So do the Altmer have a permanent racial ability?

Known for certain:

Argonians have 50% disease resistance and water breathing, constant effect, and can once a day use their Histskin power to increase their HP regeneration tenfold for one minute.
Bosmer have 50% disease and poison resistance, constant effect, and can command animals to aid them once a day with their Beast Speech power.
Bretons have 50% shock resistance, constant effect, and can once a day use their Dragonskin power to absorb all magicka cast at them for a minute.
Dunmer have 50% fire resistance, constant effect, and can once a day use their Ancestor's Wrath power to make an aura of damaging flames around themselves.
Imperials find more gold and can use the Voice of the Emperor to charm people once a day.
Khajiit get bonus damage to unarmed attacks and can see in the dark at will.
Nords have 50% frost resistance, constant effect, and can once a day use their Battlecry power to make all enemies around them flee for a while.

Given all of that I'd expect Altmer magicka regen to be a constant thing since they have nothing else listed for them. I'm also assuming that the orc's Berserker Rage is something they can use as much as they damn well please with serious negative side effects and a long cooldown after they're done. And I'm not sure what's up with Redguards and their Adrenaline Rush but it better be something amazing. I'd have expected them to also get a small boost to fatigue regeneration if anything.

It's not totally clear I'm afraid. Like I say I've passed on what I read, which you can interpret as you wish but I'd say from that description that they probably don't.

I was going to play as an Altmer for that reason, but if they don't have it as a permanent ability, and if Breton's have constant Magicka resistance then I'm going for a Breton I reckon

Sounds like you have more info that I do, I'm just going off what I read on the character overviews in the character creation screen.

I reckon you're a better source of info than I am, and I'd agree with the logic that unless it was permanent then they'd be at a disadvantage.

Thanks for that

speaking of racial abilities...

Does anyone have info on the Khajiit "claw attack" racial bonus?

Could these claw attacks replace weapon use without a severe loss in meele dps??

So it's not a constant but instead a skill you activate and deactivate with no cool down?

Regarding the Orc's Berserk ability, does it just increase melee damage or is it an increase to all forms of damage? Fairly sure it would just be melee like, but there's no real harm in hoping I guess.

So, I still can't find confirmation anywhere one way or another

I've trawled the net and proper confirmation of the Altmer, Breton racials is still missing

I'm sure what others have put here is correct, albeit it's definitely contrary to what I've found

Khajiit seeing in the dark. Activated or always?

If I had to wager I'd say the Night Vision is always in effect, and the Claw Attack is a temporary buff with a cooldown.

60 seconds whenever they want it.

we know all the powers its on the http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Races

We know everything. It's on uesp as well as the forums.