The website Patently Apple has uncovered some rather interesting European patents from Apple concerning what they call the iMac Touch. It’s a desktop system that has all of the benefits and features of both a standard desktop computer and a large touch interface. One thing is for sure…I want one. Patently Apple’s “summary” of the patent filings is actually quite long. It’s more than just a quick read, so let me condense it for you.

As if the rumors surrounding the January 27th Apple event weren’t enough already, another one has surfaced for later this year. According to a Chinese publication accessed by DigiTimes, “Apple will outsource production of the 22-inch model to Quanta, with Taiwan-based Sintek Photronic supplying the touchscreen panels.” This certainly doesn’t sound like the rumored 10″ iTablet.

It seems that John Gruber could, in fact, be correct with his ideas that Apple will release new iMacs, MacBooks (the white plastic model), Mac Minis, and of course a new Mighty Mouse. Almost as though he knew something, the Apple store has indeed gone down this morning, which leads to either maintenance (yeah, right) or the possibility of new toys from Apple.

Yes, it seems that Apple plans to refresh or update every product you already own in an attempt to make you lust for a new ones. We’re talking about new Mac Minis, iMacs and even a new iMouse! At least, that’s what the latest rumor says, and it’s all set to go down today.

If you’re in the market for a new iMac or Mac Mini, you’d be well advised to hold on for a week or two more. Reports from around the web all point to a refresh of both the iMac and Mac Mini by October 9th. So, what do we know? Not a whole lot actually. So far, all we really know is that retailers are extremely low in stock of iMacs and Mac Minis. Apple has instructed retailers that orders of these machines will not be filled now.

Following on from the Mac mini, the iMac also received updates today. Though, at first glance, it seems nothing has changed. The updates today all have something in common—the changes are internal. The iMac’s seen some welcome changes, and you now have four options to choose from. Yes, four.

The Apple store is back up, and pretty much every Macintosh that doesn’t have the word “Book” in it has received an upgrade. The Mac mini, iMac and Mac Pro all have new models at various price points, with the iMac seeing the most models (four). But were the Mac mini predictions right? Are there really five USB ports? HDMI? Well…yes, no, and just head inside for more.

It seems perhaps Apple is poised to release new Mac Minis and iMacs, not on March 24th, but as soon as tomorrow, March 3rd, 2009. This rumor surfaced on two separate websites, at least one of which is fairly trustworthy. The rumor started on HardwareMac.com, a generally trustable source, and was further backed up by OneMoreThing.nl. Not only do they say they that Apple will be releasing new Mac Mini and iMac models tomorrow, but they also have model numbers and specs on the hardware.

Don’t mark your calenders just yet, but you might want to start saving up…you know, just in case (not that you don’t have a secret fund just for this kind of news already). It seems that two separate websites are reporting that Apple is planning on holding a Special Event on March 24th, 2009.

Macworld Expo is almost upon us, so we’ll soon have official announcements to report on. But we wouldn’t be Apple fans if we didn’t want to rumor about what’s going to happen before it’s official. Based on recent rumors, here’s what we may be seeing at Macworld next week; just don’t expect Jobs.