For better or for worse, the Winter holiday season has become as much about supporting the American way of capitalism as it's ever been about faith or religion. But, hey, goodwill is goodwill whatever it's guise. So when you're out battling the crowds (or sitting at home in your bathrobe, sharing the joy of eCommerce) to shop for friends and loved ones this year, take a few moments and a few of your hard-earned dollars to give something to those less fortunate than you. Cool toys are fun, but people make the world go 'round, so if you can, share your heart with a stranger in need this December. Giving really does feel better than getting.

That being said, what should you give to that Mac lover on your goodie list this year? Here's my own take on the latest and greatest in Apple-related goodies, sorted into categories for your shopping convenience. And, yes, I'm pretty sure they can all be had with a few mouse clicks in case your snowed in or just plain lazy. Watson's Price Grabber module can help you find the best prices if our own price trackers can't.

Systems

iBook G4/933 -- $1,299, Apple Computer
Want to put a laptop in that lucky guy or gal's stocking this year? The 14" iBook 933 is your best bet. Combining the power of a G4 processor and 3D graphics card with durability and price-effectiveness, this may be the most bang for the buck computer Apple has ever made. Don't believe me? Check out MacSpeedZone's comparison tests.

This iBook can do pretty near everything it's Aluminum big brother -- The PowerBook G4 series -- can do, at just over half the price. The iBook G4 also sports USB 2.0 ports and is one of the few laptops on the market which can play two feature-length DVDs on a single battery charge. The new keyboard and interior feel professional to the touch and match your iPod, to boot. The 1GHz model isn't worth the extra money, but the 12" version is an even better deal if you really need the ultimate in portability. Sure, the PowerBooks are faster and made from aluminum. But aluminum gets really hot and with the $700 you'll save over the 15" PB, you can buy yourself a flat screen TV.

MCE Technologies will even custom build you an iBook with an internal DVD burner so that lucky friend of yours will have the hottest computer you can find in a cool white case. A 14" iBook 933 with a DVD-RAM/CDRW "SuperDrive," 384 MB RAM, and a 60GB Hard Drive will set you back $1494, but that's still $500 less than a similarly equipped 15" PowerBook G4.

Check our price tracker to make sure you get the best deal.

Audio Peripherals

iPod 20GB -- $399, Apple Computer
I hate the new iPod ads that are all over my television and the streets of my city. I love the iPods Dirty Little Secret video. I hate even more Apple's obnoxious, irresponsible new "Do good on your report card, but only if Mom and Dad promise to buy you an iPod," web campaign. As an educator, that one really gets my goat -- what's wrong with American education is ... Okay, sorry, this isn't a soapbox.

But I really do love my iPod. Belkin's new expansion modules make it an even better product (now somebody needs to make a pro-quality stereo recording module ... please!). The 10GB version is the cheapest and should provide plenty of storage for most music lovers who don't already have one. The 20GB model, which comes with a case, dock, and remote, represents the best value.

Check our price tracker to make sure you get the best deal.

iVoice II -- $49, MacAlly
Like to videoconference using iChat A/V? Make telephone calls over the Internet much? You're going need a microphone to turn your text chatting into a full-on multimedia experience. The iVoice II combines a very serviceable microphone with line in and out digital audio conversion into a cute little USB device that sits on your desk. A great find for owners of PowerBooks with no audio-in jack (maybe that's why I like it so much). Available direct from Macally online.

PowerWave -- $99, Griffin Technology and Sonica Theater USB -- $99, M-Audio.
Know someone who likes to listen to music through his Mac? Get him the Griffin PowerWave. Know someone who likes to watch DVDs on her Mac? Get her the Sonica Theater. Now that was easy, wasn't it?

Griffin's PowerWave is a USB-based digital audio converter and amplifier that lets you connect high quality stereo speakers (the kind that use "normal" speaker cable, including Apple's own Pro Speakers) to your portable or desktop Mac so you can listen to those iTunes the way they were supposed to be heard. The PowerWave features an integrated 20 watt/channel ampllifier and line-in jack so you can run your analog audio sources into your computer -- that is, so your friend can make digital archives of those old Joni Mitchell LPs before they get too scratched up.

M-Audio's Sonica Theater USB is also a USB digital audio box. This one features a full array of rca output jacks for digital surround sound right up to the 7.1 format (that's seven speakers and a subwoofer, for the uninitiated). This means that PowerBook and iBook users can drive a full surround sound system to watch their favorite movies in Dolby Digital or DTS audio. Sonica also features pro-quality 24/96 digital I/O, a separate headphone jack, and full ASIO compatibility, all of which will mean something to that special someone of yours who spends all of his time locked away making "alien sounds" on his PowerBook with funny-sounding programs like Reason, Live, and Fruity Loopz.

Both devices are available from a number of electronics retailers. Check Price Grabber for availability.

Cases and Bags

Cases, Bags, and Pouches -- $24-209, Waterfield Designs
What good is a powerful, sexy laptop if you can't take it with you when you leave the house? Most everyone with a domain name seems to be making PowerBook bags nowadays, and Booq, Marware, and Acme Made in particular offer some great designs. If there's a fashion-conscious female on your shopping list this year, you might also want to check out Casauri's line of sleek, colorful portfolios and bags that combine a high-tech aesthetic with classic good looks.

If it was me, I'd want a laptop bag from Waterfield Designs. Actually, I've already got one (The "Cozmo Small" with matching 15" sleeve). This San Francisco-based outfit has been making sleeves and bags custom sized for Apple computers for several years now, and they do it right. Their bags look good and they last -- the full lifetime warranty that comes with each bag belies the quality that goes into making it. From slim sleeves to shoulder strap carry-alls, Waterfield has a size and shape for everyone on your list, including their new iPod and iSight carry pouches. All bags are available direct from www.sfbags.com.

Showcase iPod Case -- $39.95, Contour Design
A lot of people own iPods, so a lot of companies have started making iPod cases. I happen to have reviewed quite a few of them. Picking just one is a tough chore, but if you're going to give an iPod case this year, I'd go with the recently released Showcase from Contour Design. The Showcase is a deceptively simple, tough case made from white, shock-resistant plastic that offers strong protection while showing off those sexy iPod curves. Two great things about the Showcase: 1) Detachable belt clip; 2) Horizontal alignment of said belt clip prevents the iPod from banging against your thigh when you walk. Please note, the Showcase only works with new "3G" iPods. The Contour Showcase is available direct at www.contourshowcase.com.

Part Two: Best bet gifts under $100 and more!