Quick, it's time for a New Stuff Rumor Roundup! Not for any particular reason, you understand; it's just that, what with the three-day weekend and our late broadcasts and the heightened focus on music lately, we just figured it might be nice to take a quick glimpse at who says what's coming when before we flat-out forget that Apple makes these things called "Macs" as well as iPods. Clearly we're due, because we can't even remember the last time we indulged in a spirited round of product ship date speculation. Then again, we also can't remember what we had for lunch today, what day of the week this is, or what you call those plastic tip-thingies on the ends of shoelaces that make them easier to poke through those little shoelace-holes, so maybe that doesn't really mean much after all. Still, people are murmuring, so what does it hurt to listen in?

First up: PowerBooks. All but the heartiest optimists have long since abandoned all hope of a G5-based PowerBook shipping before the year is out (especially since New Year's is now less than three months away-- eek!), but the product line is due for a lil' spritz of something or other to keep it smelling fresh and clean as a gentle spring rain. Can the current PowerBooks last three more months for an update at January's Macworld Expo? Well, they probably can, if it comes to that; remember when the 15-inch PowerBook went almost a full year between updates? We just hope that Apple wouldn't let that sort of thing happen again-- and if Mac OS Rumors is right, fear not, for a PowerBook update is reportedly due "in a matter of weeks at most; quite possibly a matter of days." There are zero details save the obvious info that a new Freescale (that's what they call Motorola's chip division these days, now that the company's no longer cursed) chip will boost PowerBook clock speeds and a better graphics subsystem will zip things up a bit, but otherwise there isn't much to chew on.

But hey, what about Macfolk on a budget, who could never afford a PowerBook without first selling off a kidney or two? No worries, kiddo; provided you don't need mobility or the latest and greatest gear, you've got eMac written all over you. And AppleInsider reports that several factors (including "a rare leveling of supply and demand, dwindling channel inventory, and a sharp decline in orders" from Apple to the manufacturing facility) indicate that an eMac update may be imminent. -Ish. Imminentish-esque. Okay, truth be told, they don't even come close to mentioning an actual date, but the last eMac speed bump happened just shy of six months ago, so it's probably due for a bit of a shine. And try not to get too excited about the rumors that Apple has an eMac G5 in the works, because we really can't see that happening for a good, long while, yet.

Of course, we can't escape without one more little music mention; faithful viewer David Triska notes that there's a Page 2 Rumor (meaning, "Uncertain with a capital 'U'") over at MacRumors claiming that an "unconfirmed source"-- our favorite kind-- has told them that Apple is finishing up "marketing materials" for the iTunes Music Store Canada. As always in this situation, "details are scarce," but reportedly songs at iTMS Canada will run about $.99 apiece in Canadian cash (a bargain at twice the price) and is slated for an intro on November 26th. We'd say that'd give all you Neighbors to the North something special to be thankful for, but you went and had Thanksgiving on Monday already, thus totally ruining the timing. Serves you guys right for not being patient.

...Aglets! Now we remember. Never mind. Mmmm, they sure were crunchy...