Shipments of new MacBooks already on the way?

Word is that new, cheaper, and "very thin" MacBooks are already en route to stores. Ready for another Apple event, folks?

AppleInsider has the scoop on an investment note from Citigroup analyst Rich Gardner, who wrote that the new MacBook will likely have "a very thin aluminum casing, an LED-backlit display and an aggressive entry-level price point."

Gardner added in his note that "shipments of new MacBooks have begun, with a sharp production ramp planned for September and an introductions planned for early October," according to AppleInsider.

That's in line with recent rumors that Apple has yet another event (or announcement, at least) planned for October 14, during which it's expected to trot out its long-anticipated line of redesigned laptops.

Of course, there's already been plenty of speculation about what the new MacBooks will look like, including these spy shots of the purported new, Air-like casing.

Indeed, the Air itself is due for a revamp, with MacRumors reporting that a version with a 120GB hard drive could be in the offing. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing more (and more easily accessible) USB ports as well, along with an Ethernet port and a cranked-up processor.

In any case, Apple's entire laptop line seems ripe for an update, so if you've been thinking about buying a new MacBook—well, I'd advise holding off for a few more weeks, at least until we find out what Apple has up its sleeves.

So, what features would you like to see in the new MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and the oh-so-thin Air?

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Next-gen MacBook shipments begin ahead of 'sharp ramp' [AppleInsider]