One of the reasons I look forward to Macworld each year is the amazing collection of gadgets that turn up here. Since Apple tends to create or adopt technology before it's in Windows, many Mac users are early adopters.

As a result, Macworld is probably second only to CeBIT or CES in terms of the sheer volume of technolust-inspiring gear. If you give extra points for gear that's actually shipping (i.e. stuff that's in the hands of the people on the show floor rather than the people in the booths), Macworld might even place first.

Even before the keynote began, the gear display was under way. As people streamed into the auditorium and took their seats, about half the crowd reached into laptop bags and took out a digital camera. Then they all (aw, who am I kidding - "we all") began snapping pictures of, well, everyone else.

During the keynote, the audience (not just the media) tapped out notes on their laptops, and swapped messages using wireless messaging.

If Apple hadn't deliberately shut off AirPort wireless access in the auditorium, there would have been dozens of play-by-play webcasts of the keynote in addition to the official video stream. (As it was, my system spotted a wireless network based on an Internet-enabled GPRS cell phone. It switched on just as the keynote ended -- presumably some reporter sending his or her written report.)

Here in the Press Room, I'm posting these messages from my PowerBook via a wireless network, using a Web-based self-publishing system called Movable Type.

And, honestly, this is one of the least sophisticated tools being used here. Across the table, a satellite radio reporter is calling in his update. Down the row, a writer is using his cell phone without touching it, via a Bluetooth wireless earpiece.

If I had any money, it wouldn't be left after this week. The only place more dangerous to my wallet than Macworld is an online book store that takes one-click orders.