Macworld Expo proves it can attract a crowd — and some cool technology — without Apple
IDG World Expo’s publicists declined to issue an attendee count beyond the 30,000 people it claimed had pre-registered for Macworld Expo 2010, the first in 25 years without Apple’s (AAPL) support or participation.
But judging from the bustling crowds on the show floor, in the feature presentations and in the hallways of San Francisco’s Moscone North convention center, those claims seem credible. And even with roughly half as many exhibitors as 2009, there was plenty to see.
Below the fold: The best in products in the show, as judged by Macworld magazine (also available as a slideshow).
Canson Papershow Uses a camera-equipped pen and special paper to transmit handwriting to a screen. ($200)
Carina Software SkyFiAllows an iPhone to control a GoTo telescope. SkyFi ($150). SkyVoyager iPhone app ($15).
FastMac U-SocketPlug an iPhone, iPod, digital camera or other USB device directly into the wall, without a power adapter. ($30)
Frolicware AutoParkTracks time left on a parking meter; uses GPS to help find a car, nearby gas stations, banks, bathrooms, etc. For the iPhone. ($5)
Inrix Traffic ProReal-time traffic reports and access to traffic cameras through an iPhone. ($10 for one year, $25 lifetime)
Kanex HDMI to Mini DisplayPort Connector The first adapter that connects the new 27-inch iMacs to a Playstation 3 or Blu-ray player. ($150)
Marketcircle Billings TouchTrack expenses and invoice clients from an iPhone. ($15)
Microvision ShowWXPico projector for the iPod nano, iPod touch or iPhone. ($500)
Quickoffice Connect Mobile SuiteCreate, open and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents on an iPhone or iPod touch. ($10)
SachManya YapperOnline service for creating an iPhone app without knowing how to code. (No price provided.)
Ten One Design InkletTurns the MacBook’s multitouch trackpad into a mini Wacom tablet. Inklet ($25). Pogo Sketch stylus ($15).
Thanks to
Macworld
‘s Roman Loyola for doing the heavy lifting.
See also:
- David Pogue Auto-Tunes Macworld
- Sneak peek: Office for Mac 2011
- Users choice: Best iPhone Apps
- Meet the guys behind Pocket God
- 5 things to watch for at MacWorld
[Follow Philip Elmer-DeWitt on Twitter @philiped]
