15 Coolest Gadgets at Macworld |iWorld Expo

By now, you’ve probably heard that water is Public Enemy No. 1 for the iPhone. Many iPhones have been ruined by washing machines, swimming pools and other watery graves. Seidio, though, offers one of the few waterproof iPhone cases (don’t be fooled by “water resistant” cases). This level of protection doesn’t come cheap. Cost: $79.95.

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It’s called the Padcaster, a mobile production studio with the iPad at the center of it. The Padcaster is basically an aluminum frame for the iPad that lets you attach a tripod or shoulder mount, camera lens, lights, microphone, and other cool stuff. Basic model cost: $199.

One of the geekiest gadgets on the show floor is the Mauz, a small piece of hardware that plugs into the iPhone connector. Now here’s where it gets tricky: The Mauz uses the iPhone’s front camera, proximity sensor, motion accelerator and Wi-Fi connection to turn the iPhone into a hand-held computer mouse much like a Nintendo Wii controller. You can also wave your hand over the iPhone and Mauz to scroll through PowerPoint slides and perform other functions. Mauz is expected to come to market in June. Cost: $70.

My favorite cheap item is a shirt that reads: “I live in an iWorld.” There is double meaning in the message that’s fitting for a generation fixated on itself. The amount of self-absorption taking place on Facebook, Twitter and mobile technology these days would make even a Narcissus blush. Cost: $18.

Sitting on a chair with the iPad propped up on your lap or lying in bed with the iPad held in your hand can get a little tiresome. Try reading a novel this way for any length of time, and you’ll know what I mean. So when I ran across the iRest iPad stand at Macworld | iWorld I tested it out. Brilliant. Cost: $49.90.