Last night (before I'd read this) I was thinking about how Apple might release certain "far-out" rumours, like the glass trackpad or tablet, to see what kind of response they get from, arguably, their most loyal users.
As much as I enjoy the Keynote and the wow-factor I personally think they could announce updates at least a month or so in advance and keep the brand-spanking new stuff closely guarded for that "one more thing" moment to get a good balance.
The argument that we don't know about Dell or HP's new products is wrong as they release new products as soon as the new technology is out (and we all know the roadmaps for a lot of these technologies) - but AFAIK they're not as hung up on the whole Keynote thing which is what some people are claiming is a large reason for Apple's secrecy.
Also, one of my friends has been asking me for months about buying a new iPhone - I've told him each time to look at MR and form his own opinion but he just doesn't (I don't know why) but I suspect he's like most other new Apple customers - they know the info is out there but they don't care enough to find it themselves - they just want the Apple product they see in the movies/TV or all the "cool kids" using.