Macworld’s 11 Best-of-Show winners

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 SkyFi Allows an iPhone to control a GoTo telescope. SkyFi ($150). SkyVoyager iPhone app ($15).

FastMac U-Socket Plug an iPhone, iPod, digital camera or other USB device directly into the wall, without a power adapter. ($30)

Frolicware AutoPark Tracks 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 Pro Real-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 Touch Track expenses and invoice clients from an iPhone. ($15)

Microvision ShowWX Pico projector for the iPod nano, iPod touch or iPhone. ($500)

Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite Create, open and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents on an iPhone or iPod touch. ($10)

SachManya Yapper Online service for creating an iPhone app without knowing how to code. (No price provided.)

Ten One Design Inklet Turns 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.