Slide Show: Heavenly Bodies Of The Macworld Universe

Like the Sun, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has style to burn and his aesthetic values provide life support for the solar system of vendors selling accessories for Macs, iPods and iPhones.

But also like old Sol, Jobs is a star you probably don't want to get too close too. That's what SFGate.com scribe Violet Blue learned the hard way at Macworld Tuesday, when Apple Employee No. Zero flared up at her for daring to approach him.

Kensington presented some simple, softly naturalistic notebook totes at Macworld, included the Contour Balance carry case, left, priced at $79.99, and the Contour Balance backpack, yours for $69.99. Both products also come in black.

Device skins for iPhones and iPods from GelaSkins are the work of an eclectic collection of artists. At left, an MP3 player is deeply distressed in its 'Steampunk Classic' skin, while Ralph Steadman's iconic 'Dr. Gonzo' interpretation of Hunter S. Thompson gives this iPhone an equal mix of fear and loathing.

LaCie's Little Disk is a hi-speed USB 2.0 storage device designed by Sam Hecht that holds up to 40GB of data in a hard disk about the size of a Zippo lighter. Built in a partnership with Samsung, the Little Disk is priced at $129.99 through LaCie's authorized dealer network. It features and integrated USB connector, removable protective cap, sync and encryption software, and is Windows, Mac and Linux compatible.

Kensington's Car Charger Deluxe for the iPhone and iPod plugs into automobile charging ports and docks with most iPhone and iPod models, even those in cases. The flexible cradle rotates for vertical or horizontal viewing of the device, while an LED display indicates power-status and the rig also supports hands-free speakerphone conversations. The Car Charger Deluxe is priced at $49.99.

This LCD display from LaCie, shown here with a glare-deflecting hood, was unveiled at Macworld and is available this month through the vendor's distribution channel for $1,050. The monitor, targeted at design professionals, features a wide-gamut 24' S-PVA LCD panel, 1920x1200 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 178 viewing angles, VGA, DVI and 2 x HDMI input ports, and supports up to 1080p video signals. It also offers full compatibility with Blu-ray and HD-DVD.

The eNook from Anthro, a maker of 'technology furniture,' is intended for the consolidation of gadgetry from around the house in one location. It has multiple channels and outlets to jack in a laptop and charge up phones and cameras, holds upt to 45 lbs. (including 30 lbs. on the main shelf), and folds up when not in use to just 7" deep. Retail prices for the eNook were not immediately available from Tualatin, Ore.-based Anthro.

Etymotic Research products presented at Macworld include, from left, the ETYCOM hands-free wired headset for mobile phones ($49 at retail), the etyBLU Bluetooth dual-mode wireless headset with connecting noise-canceling mic ($129), and the hf2 high-fidelity handsfree wired headset for iPods and iPhones($179).

The George iPod docking station from Chestnut Hill Sound took home a Macworld Best of Show award last year, and the team from Newton Upper Falls, Mass. was at the Moscone Center again this year to show it off again. With bandless AM/FM radio, a very intuitive remote control and stereo coax speakers paired with a dedicated downfiring 4" sub-woofer, the good-looking, better-sounding George just might be worth the $500+ price tag.