As Apple continues to proliferate in the computer market , the amount of top - notch product and software for Mac users is ever increase . The come list is a digest of what we atMacworldandPlaylistconsider to be 2006 ’s best of the good — products and software that we deem suitable of a rare five - out - of - five rating .
Macworld favorites
RocBit 2BCompany : RocsecurePrice as rated : $ 230
level on identity theft and protection breach have been force headlines , and Rocsecure ’s Rocbit 2B portable drives offer a quick solution for those bid to put in and protect sensible data . feature genuine - clip encryption , the Rocbit 2B requires the introduction of a Secure Key before OS X can spot and get at the drive . Once mounted , the Rocbit 2B behaves like any other Mac volume — and it ’s exceptionally fast and restrained , too .
G - Drive Q Serial ATA 500 GB driveCompany : G - TechnologyPrice as rated : $ 559
With FireWire 800 , FireWire 400 , USB 2.0 and gamey - speed eSATA I - eccentric connectivity options , you ca n’t ask for a more various outside disk drive than the G - Drive Q. Easy to utilise and install , this outside movement is a space Sus scrofa ’s near friend ; it can also be customise as a bootable parkway allowing you to boot from any of the ports .
MX Revolution MouseCompany : LogitechPrice as rated : $ 100
The black eye from Logitech redefine what an input gimmick should be , with canonical release that worked justly out of the loge and an ergonomic right - handed designing that save the hand in a comfortable spot . You ’re also able to reconfigure the MX Revolution Mouse to your liking . And it performed flawlessly in our tests .
Mac Gems favorites
ButlerCompany : Peter MaurerPrice as order : Free , donation requested
LaunchBar 4.1.1Company : Objective DevelopmentPrice : $ 20 to $ 39 , bet on license
Another one of our preferred catapult applications , LaunchBar 4.1.1 provide a vast array of tools for the keyboard savvy to sieve through their software seamlessly . A peculiar feature article we care about LaunchBar is its power to range through datum link up with a chosen covering . For instance , after choosing iTunes with the launcher , you’re able to browse through iTunes tracks with a few keystrokes — a function that should truly unloose you from your black eye .
SubEthaEdit 2.5Company : The Coding MonkeysPrice : $ 35
Two heads are better than one — and , well , the more , the better . SubEthaEdit 2.5 makes real - time collaboration on projects over the cyberspace a piece of bar . Using the program , an unlimited amount of users can work on one document simultaneously in a plain - text edition redaction session . The program has extra quirks that make it superior to itsGoogle rival , such as automatically specify a different colour to each contributor to distinguish edits .
Podcast Maker 1.1.8Company : Potion FactoryPrice as stag : $ 30
With a user - friendly interface and an arsenal of tools , Podcast Maker is our top option for Podcast publication . you may access nearly every part of a Podcast that want to be defined on Podcast Maker ’s independent cover , streamlining boring chores such as ID3 - rag redaction . This coating also set aside you to create enhanced podcasts , which practice Apple ’s AAC format to break chapter of a recording recognisable by an iPod .
LiteSwitch X 2.6Company : ProteronPrice as rated : $ 15
Command - Tab is a convenient cutoff that you belike use for switching between windows , and LiteSwitch X 2.6 lets you take extra dominance over your hotkey navigation . More display options and choosing from a variety of keyboard shortcuts are among the perk that made us big fans of this program .
RCDefaultApp 2.0Company : RubicodePrice as tell on : Free
Whether you ’re clicking on an e - mail data link or loading a candela , Mac OS X has nonremittal options for which applications launch . Instead of proceed through each individual software to tweak these defaults , RCDefaultApp 2.0 offer a centralised serve allowing you to make all these alteration in one position . And with this program you could qualify a full cooking stove of default preferences , admit file extension , URLs , medium or MIME type .
SuperDuper 2.1.2Company : Shirt PocketPrice as rated : $ 28
Simply back up your sensitive data file does n’t restore your O XTC exploiter options and preferences , among other subtle tweaks you made to your Mac . SuperDuper 2.1.2 create a unadulterated clone of your voiceless drive , allowing you to restore your system to exactly the way it used to be in showcase of a crash . This program ’s excellent , straightforward substance abuser interface makes it our top pick for a backup utility .
Playlist favorites
Contour figure Showcase VideoCompany : Contour DesignPrice as rated : $ 33
Like most of our best-loved iPod cases , the Showcase Video provides whole protection for your iPod Video while keeping it attractive . We especially appreciate the Showcase ’s practical qualities : this case ’s clever twofold latch design allows you to easily skid your iPod Video in and out . Overall , the Showcase Video is thoughtfully designed , volunteer cracking security for your iPod while leaving the hold switch , phone jack , and bob connector approachable via openings .
iSkin eVo3 for iPod ( with video)Company : iSkinPrice as rated : $ 35
True to the company ’s name , iSkin ’s silicone polymer eVo3 fount offers close-fitting protection for your iPod video , in effect play as a second peel . Despite the eVo3 ’s superfluous heaviness , this case does n’t interfere with your iPod ’s usability ; a flap on the bottom provides access to the dockage connection .
OtterBox for iPod nanoCompany : OtterBoxPrice as rate : $ 40
OtterBox ’s iPod nano case is the most protective one we ’ve see for the miniature music instrumentalist . It does n’t just tender electrical shock and lettuce protective cover ; the case is rainproof as well . In addition , a eyelid countenance you to easy insert or remove your music histrion from this lawsuit , and a thick membrane protect your iPod ’s curlicue wheel without freeze availability .
Sonos ZonePlayer 80Company : SonosPrice as tell on : $ 349
Sonos ’s Digital Music System is a radio set , multi - room digital music system that transmits your euphony from any of your computers to ZonePlayers around the family . The new ZonePlayer 80 lets you integrate any survive stereo system or power speaker into the Digital Music System . Like its big sib , the ZonePlayer 100 , ZP80 ’s stellar sound timber , simple design , and simpleness of use make it one of the estimable and most innovative digital medicine products we ’ve yet seen .
