Hmmm, that is odd. It would certainly be odd for apple to replace the mini now. The assumption is the core solo was dropped because it won't support iTV, which would imply there isn't going to be a new mini before iTV early next year. This Blog Post was hilarious, and also clarifies apple's position on quick hardware updates, as if it needed any clarification.

Great news that your headed out to California, even if you're visiting a second tier university. We'll have to have a meet.