Macworld Expo 2007 Show Highlights

An estimated 40,000 developers, exhibitors, journalists, analysts and industry people are participating in Macworld today through Friday at San Franciscos Moscone Center.

The new iPhone itself was staged as if it were the Hope Diamond at the Louvre — inside a glass case with carefully focused lighting on it.

Nothing attracted as much attention as the newly announced iPhone. A number of show attendees were heard to bemoan the fact that the combination iPod, telephone and connected handheld wont be shipping until June. Nobody seemed worried about how much the

The North pavilion was rocked by the sounds of live bands all day, who recorded their music on GarageBand software and had it played back in iTunes — all to the delight of the audience.

A lot of interest was generated at this demo of Adobes Creative Suite Suite 2.3 — of course, the company was giving away trial software to all those who sat in for the 30-minute demonstration.

The John Lennon Songwriting Competition, held in conjunction with Apples iTunes software, has become a regular at Macworld. Participants signed up to get their songs heard by industry professionals.

Auto stereo systems built around the iPod (this one built by Alpine Electronics) are popping up more often.

JBL showed off some of the many businesses built around the almighty iPod — specialized headsets for all tastes.

JBL showed some unusual-looking surround-sound-type speakers for iPod players that look more like decorative home knick-knacks than expensive electronic equipment.

This provider of Mac anti-virus software, Intego, had one of the more creative booth designs at the show.

The new Apple TV device will sell for $299 and will be available next month. Alas, the high-definition Sony monitor isnt included in the price. It, too, was a hot item at Macworld.

Canon, a longtime Apple partner, displayed some picturesque, crowd-pleasing products with clear, waterproof casings floating inside a fish tank.