The Internet hype machine was predicting that Apple would unveil a video-specific iPod today, but Steve Jobs instead took to the stage in Cupertino, CA, to reveal an iPod "high-fidelity" speaker system — the iPod Hi-Fi (too bad "iFi" was already taken by Klipsch). With your iPod or iPod nano plunked into the dock connector on top, the portable stereo system is said to deliver "amazing sound clarity" and "rich, deep bass." Thanks, Steve, we'll let you know. It runs on either six D batteries or a wall outlet, and speaker freaks will be pleased to know the front grille is removable. But what if you have a shuffle? Just connect its headphone jack to the Hi-Fi's auxiliary input in back to hear tunes from the smallest iPod — or any other MP3 player, really. The Apple Remote (the one that's used for Macs with the Front Row feature) is included. Debuting an iPod speaker seems like a dis to some accessory makers like Bose, but if it sounds good, we're not going to complain. It had better, given the $349 price tag. Oh yeah… Apple also unleashed a new Mac mini (with one of those superfast Intel chips) and some leather iPod cases into the wild. — Peter Pachal