Each week Adam Frucci takes a closer look at the latest gadget buzz in his column, Shift.

Ah, Halloween. The only day of the year that it's socially acceptable for you to walk around in public dressed as your favorite World of Warcraft character and the only holiday that results in you getting a whole lot of candy. But as one gets older, having a cool and creative costume gets more important. It's a representation of you and your creativity, so that boring troll mask isn't going to cut it this year. Plus, you'll probably be going to a party rather than trick or treating, so you've got more important people to impress than your neighbors handing out fun-size Snickers bars to anyone who rings their doorbell. Don't worry, friend, I'm here to help. After the jump, some killer suggestions for some of the hottest tech-related costumes you could possibly wear this Halloween. Just don't blame me if you don't get much candy.

 

This one is perfect if you're going to a Halloween party at the local Apple store. All you need to do is go to your local Salvation Army and pick up the ugliest sweater/collared shirt combo you can find, get a blond wig, some ugly transitions glasses, and hold up the mugshot sign in front of you and presto! You're the richest ex-con in the world.

 

 

Go as your MySpace profile and people will see you how they usually do while they're bored at work. Simply put a frame around your face, make yourself look drunk or sexy, maybe wear a really ugly shirt, and carry a boombox around blasting a song that only you like. Let people write inside jokes on the back of your shirt with a permanent marker.

 

 

Get in on the Wii craze a few weeks before you get to actually play the new console by going as the famous Wiimote. It's pretty straightforward: just get a tall box, paint it white, and put some buttons on it. You don't need any help from me there, do you? For extra realism tie a long "wrist cord" to the bottom corner and have a bunch of salivating fanboys follow you around all night.

 

 

 

 

 

Draw (or tape, if you're seriously lazy) a detailed map on your shirt with a "you are here" arrow on it. Give people directions to various places in a loud monotone, such as, "GO TEN STEPS THEN TAKE A LEFT TO REACH BATHROOM DESTINATION." For extra realism, send people down one-way hallways or into rooms that are really crowded. When they come back, offer alternate directions. When they finally get to the bathroom (or coat room, or wherever), stand outside and yell, "DESTINATION REACHED."

 

 

To go as Sony's upcoming behemoth gaming console, just find the biggest box you can possibly find and paint it black. A refrigerator box, a Scud missile box, an actual PS3 box — the bigger the better. Check behind your local liquor stores, car dealerships, and military bases for empty boxes. Don't show up to the party until much, much later than you originally promised, and then drink all of the booze.

 

 

 

 

Go as the two happiest millionaires in America, the founders of YouTube. This one's pretty easy; you just need a friend. Both of you need to wear khakis, button down shirts, and the biggest grins your faces can handle. Then stuff your pockets with money (or Monopoly money, if you must) and brag about it to anyone who will listen.

 

 

 

This one's a bit conceptual, but people will be impressed with your creative symbolism. First, you need a cell-phone costume: get yourself a big box (or just lots of cardboard) and some metallic paint. Make a shiny, reflective keypad on your chest, maybe with some greasy thumbprints on there for realism. Cut a space for your face in the screen and stick a clock on your forehead. Find a friend and have them wear a suit with a Verizon nametag and handcuff yourselves together. Every few minutes, have you friend in the suit take money from your wallet. — A.F.