Macworld Gear Guide 2006

Everything from stocking stuffers to big-ticket toys for geeks

Photography by Peter Belanger

The mercury’s dropping, the days are shorter, and the chill in the air has a little more bite to it. If the arrival of winter has got you down, take comfort in the fact that there’s still one thing cooler than the weather—all the great hardware, software, and other Mac paraphernalia that’s available to you.

Our editors and experts have been scouring the Mac landscape, searching for eye-catching Mac gadgetry that will simplify your life, improve your computing experience, or just bring a smile to your face. The result: 52 products in 11 categories, at prices for any budget. From mobile users to families, from gamers to geeks, there’s something here for everyone—whether you’re trying to find the perfect gift for the Mac user in your life or adding to your own collection of gear.

Once you’ve had a chance to check out the assembled hardware, software, services, and other goods, we’re sure you’ll reach the same conclusion we did: Things are about to heat up around here.

Macworld Gear Guide 2006

Everything from stocking stuffers to big-ticket toys for geeks

Gear Guide: For the office and the road

We kick off Macworld's annual Gear Guide by profiling five cool gadgets for office-bound Mac fans as well as eight items that are sure to impress on-the-go users.
Gear Guide: Cameras and camcorders

Our annual Gear Guide continues with five digital photo offerings, from cameras to services that transform your images into something special. We also profile a few camcorders, a digital projector, and a universal remote for multimedia-savvy Mac users.
Gear Guide: Musical gadgets

Our Gear Guide concludes with five iPod add-ons and five more gadgets aimed at people who love to create music as much as they love listening to it.
Gear Guide: Family stuff and security gear

Part four of the Gear Guide focuses on gifts for the entire family—parents, kids, teens, and more. Then we turn our attention to four gadgets that will keep your Mac-related merchandise more secure.
Gear Guide: Games, garments, and geeks

Our look at great gadgets and smart software continues, with gear from three distinct areas of the Mac universe -- gaming hardware, Mac- and iPod-themed clothing, and geeky electronics.
The Playlist Winter Gear Guide

What iPod add-ons make great gift ideas? We'll tell you in this five-part look at some of our favorite headphones, speakers, and other accessories.