Some claim Apple's got more than a MacBook refresh up its sleeve. While next-gen Apple notebooks are said to be already shipping to retailers, a new rumor has it that Apple's “one more thing” this year could very well be a new Mac Mini.

“Sources have indicated Apple's 'one more thing,' code named 'Brick' [and] rumored to be announced around October 14th along with a MacBook refresh, will actually be a re-design of the Mac Mini super-sized to reveal a Mac Mini Pro of sorts,” iPhone Savior claims, adding that the rumor comes "from sources that [they] were unable to confirm as completely reliable.” The site also notes that it's been well over a year since Apple last refreshed its Mac mini.

This doesn't necessarily mean a face-lifted Mac Mini is in order, but, as readers showed, there is clear interest in Apple's small desktop computer, which sells without a monitor.

“A Mac Mini Pro with the ability to run dual monitors and cost under $1000 would be a big seller,” Jay commented. “I still run a G4 Power Mac because I don't need a Mac Pro (and can't afford one), I have 2 22" LCD monitors so why buy an iMac when I don't need the monitor. I think many are like in that they need a consumer level Mac better than the Mini but without a built in Monitor.”

Whether or not Apple plans to refresh its Mac mini along with the MacBook line remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, though – Apple is launching something entirely new, according to Apple's CFO Peter Oppenheimer, who, on July 21, 2008, stated the following, "We will be delivering state-of-the-art new products that I cannot discuss today that our competitors will not be able to match."