Ecamm Network BT-1 Bluetooth Web Cam

Although all MacBooks and iMacs have built-in iSight Web cameras, they're in a fixed position, and Apple doesn't sell standalone iSights anymore. We like the Ecamm BT-1 Wireless Webcam because it expands the capabilities of the Webcam.

The BT-1 isn't tethered to your computer—it's equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology that lets you place it up to 30 feet away from your Mac. It shoots H.264 video at 640-by-480-pixel resolution, and records stereo AAC audio at 48 KHz. Thanks to its mini flexible tripod, you have the freedom to adjust the position, pan, and tilt. Its also mountable on any standard camera tripod to give you further flexibility with your filming—perfect for shooting embarrassing videos of yourself dancing to Romanian pop music. It works with iChat, Skype, and many other programs, and has an internal battery that you can charge using a USB cable.

[Available in late Q1 2009 for $150.]

FileMaker Pro 10

When you've been around for as long as the Mac, it's hard to keep things fresh. But FileMaker looks to have succeeded with the latest version of its flagship database application. FileMaker Pro 10 offers an eye-catching interface overhaulthe company says it's the biggest change in FileMaker's interface in more than a decade. And while the new interface should make it easier for end users to work with the application, there are other interesting changes with this new version—a Saved Finds feature, dynamic reporting, and script triggers that enhance workflow. With an enhanced QuickStart screen and a new resource center with video tutorials, it's easier to get started using FileMaker than ever before.

[FileMaker Pro 10, $299; Advanced, $499; Server, $999; Server Advanced, $2,999.]

HP MediaSmart Server

HP's MediaSmart Server is a server for the home. The idea is that it gives you one place to store all your family's shared libraries of photos, music, and video, and provide a backup drive for every computer in the house.

It looks like a mini-tower. It's got four drive bays. You can buy it with one or two of those bays full, for 750GB or 1.5TB of storage. You can plug any SATA drive into the remaining bays if you need more storage.

The MediaSmart Server isn't new, but the latest version adds improved Mac compatibility. For one thing, it now works as an iTunes Server. You can copy your iTunes libraries to it, then access those combined libraries from any computer in the house. (Unfortunately, the media collection tool, which can go out and find all those libraries and do the copying on its own, only works with Windows PCs for now.)

The MediaSmart Server can also work as a centralized backup drive for everyone on the network. The key addition there: Unlike other network-attachable drives, it's compatible with Time Machine.

The HP MediaSmart Server is specifically designed for homes with a mix of Macs and Windows PCs. It requires a PC for the initial installation&mdsah;in large part because the server itself runs on the Windows Home Server OS. But once you've done that set-up, the MediaSmart is fully accessible from your Mac.

All in all, it's a really promising solution for any home that has both Macs and Windows machines and no central place to store and protect the family's digital media assets.

[MediaSmart Server EX485 (750GB), $600; EX487 (1.5TB), $750.]