Two publications late last week detailed firmer-than-usual rumors about new iPods. Apple Insider said the important technical development (if less of interest to consumers) will be a new strain of Apple’s OSX. But there’s more:

People familiar with this year’s plans say Apple’s iPod roadmap for the fall now calls for as many as four new models–most, if not all, will employ NAND flash–including major evolutions of both the flagship video iPod and iPod nano lines. It’s these two iPod product families which are expected to receive the Mac OS treatment, though to varying degrees.

Ars Technica, by a country mile the most sophisticated and thoughtful of the technical blogs, says the announcement will be Sept. 5:

The fifth is odd day for an event (a Wednesday instead of the typical Tuesday), but we are told that the reason for this is the long holiday weekend. Whatever you say, your Steveness. It’s also possible that Apple will make announcements on the 5th while shipping later in the month, which would validate the date range provided by AI’s sources.

Our sources are slim on details for exactly what will be announced, but said that at least one of the things that will come out of September 5th will be a new iPod.

Apple Insider story here.

Ars Technica story here.