Let's say, just for a second, that you're such an incurable skeptic that you don't actually believe ZDNet when it indicates that LCD-based iMacs have been shipping since February. In that case, you're probably wondering just when Apple will ship a dramatically redesigned consumer desktop system, since the current model unveiled at the last Macworld Expo is simply more of the same ol' space egg. Well, we had originally been hearing that September was the most likely time frame, especially since both Seybold and the Apple Expo take place at the end of the month. Now, however, we've got our doubts.

Basically, "it's the economy, stupid!" At least, that's what one camp of Apple prognosticators feels is the primary reason we still haven't seen a flat-panel iMac yet. Apple may in fact be done with its design, but the market is so bad right now, consumers are far more likely to be buying generic dog food for their children than spiffy new computer systems. Given that harsh reality, if Apple were to release the allegedly-ready new iMac too soon, sales would be less than stellar, Apple would rack up a second failure à la the Cube, Wall Street would claim it was the beginning of the end for Apple, the company's stock would plummet, Steve would resign and head back to his home planet in disgust, and thousands of Mac fans would stick their heads in their ovens. So we can understand the desire to hold off until the market is a little more ready.

So what's the consensus ETA among those in the "Apple's just biding its time" camp? Faithful viewer The M@d Hatter points out that a reader over at Mac OS Rumors claims that an Apple Education sales rep flat-out told him that LCD-based iMacs will be available "by January," but possibly even in time for the holiday shopping season if the economy improves quickly enough to make such a move prudent. (The sales rep also allegedly indicated that Apple would be retaining at least one CRT-based iMac purely for the education market, where money is everything.)

On the other hand, if you're looking for further evidence that something really big is poised for launch in September, faithful viewer Ryan Schroeder notes that, while Seybold's web site still lists only a "special keynote - to be announced" in the first Tuesday slot, the insert he got in his latest issue of Macworld clearly states that the mystery guest is not Steve. Instead, sidekick Phil Schiller will be doing the honors, with Steve delivering a "live introduction via satellite." Via satellite from Paris, no doubt, which indicates that Steve handed the professional show over to Phil so he himself could keynote the consumer-oriented affair personally. Given that the other two announcements expected for September (a revised PowerBook G4 and Mac OS X 10.1) are fairly professional in nature, that may leave the door open for LCD iMacs at the Apple Expo after all. Predict how thou wilt.