iPod/MacBook event on tap for September?

At least one analyst thinks the time is ripe for Apple to unveil new iPods, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros—and hey, wasn't there an Apple event with new iPods last September, too? You betcha.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster notes that for the past three years, Apple has unveiled new iPods in September, according to AppleInsider, and there's no reason this year should be any different.

Among Munster's predictions: "pricing and capacity changes" for iPod Shuffles and Nanos (although no price cuts), along with a redesigned iPod Touch priced at $199, "in line with the iPhone" (probably for the 8GB Touch, which now sells for $299). No details on what a Touch refresh might entail, although the latest iPod Touch firmware hints that a redesign might be on the way.

It's worth noting that Munster doesn't seem to think any redesigned iPod Nanos are in the cards, despite reports of touchscreen Nano sightings and chatter about thinner, multi-colored Nanos that would let you watch movies in landscape mode. Personally, I'd love to see the Nano go back to its old, thin design, but given that Apple gave us the "fat Nano" just a year ago, I doubt it.

Meanwhile, Munster thinks we'll probably see redesigned MacBooks and MacBook Pros next month, potentially along the lines of the spy shots that have been circulating on the Web.

As far as full-color, backlit and/or glass touchpads go, Munster believes they'll arrive "eventually," although it sounds like he's not betting on them for September.

Another interesting prediction: The return of the $999 consumer-level Apple laptop (MacBooks now, iBooks back then).

No word from Apple yet, of course, but if you're in the market for an iPod or a new MacBook or MacBook Pro, I'd advise holding off a few weeks until we've got a clearer picture of what's in store.

Related:
Apple poised for special event this September [AppleInsider]

Note: This will be my last post for about a week; I'm winging my way to California for some much-needed R and R. See you next Friday.