XFX
GeForce 7800 GTX 256MB:
$599
www.xfxforce.com

The advent of Nvidia's SLI multi-rendering technology represented a major milestone for gamers and graphics professionals alike. As if top-end GeForce 6 series and Quadro FX cards weren't fast enough, the addition of a second promised to boost performance up to 80 percent. The margin opportunity for VARs improved too, since SLI required a new motherboard, power supply, and of course, the cards themselves.

Less than a year after the dual-card technology emerged, NVIDIA is introducing an updated architecture with even more horsepower, compliments of 24-pixel pipelines, re-coded shader routines, more vertex shading units, and improved math handling. In short, 3D applications are going to run faster with the new GeForce 7800 GTX. Even more exciting for system builders, the 7800 GTX consumes less power and only occupies one upgrade slot. In other words, power supply requirements relax slightly and proper cooling is substantially easier to implement.

XFX's 7800 GTX is a standard reference design-that is to say it's fast and stable. The package includes a pair of DVI adapters, component output for connection to an HDTV, and an S-video cable. You don't get any fancy game bundles or tacky extras. Rather, when prices on the 7800 GTX start sliding, you can expect that XFX will emerge as a top value for VARs looking to compete in the high-end graphics market with a solid solution.

For a bit of extra pizzazz, XFX sells another 7800 GTX model with supercharged core and memory clock speeds. Though slightly more expensive, the augmented specs improve performance while maintaining full warrantee coverage. It's the best of both worlds for enthusiasts.

Adobe
Photoshop CS2: $599
www.adobe.com

In the world of image editing, Adobe Photoshop is a de facto benchmark by which other applications are measured. Enthusiasts touching up digital photos at home probably won't need to spend the $600. However, there's no substitute for those who produce original digital art.

The latest version, Photoshop CS2, supports Camera Raw 3.0 and digital negative images. It also comes with tools that help photographers reduce noise and some of the distortion introduced by optical lenses. HDR (High Dynamic Range) lighting is supported as well. Web designers will benefit from updated ImageReady CS2 features integrated with Photoshop. For those who can use its features, Photoshop CS2 is a worthwhile upgrade.

AOpen
XC Cube Mini: $449
www.aopen.com

Why is it that Apple always seems to come up with the innovative designs, despite the PC's overwhelming popularity? Think iMac, iBook, iPod, and the recent Mac Mini. AOpen recently decided to do something about what many would consider traditionally bland looks characteristic of most PCs by launching a "mini" of its own.

While Apple will probably be less than flattered by this look-alike design, there's no denying the technological advancements incorporated by AOpen. For starters, the MZ855 XC Cube boasts an AGP graphics slot in addition to a PCI slot. Both are half-sized, limiting upgrade options somewhat, but you can find respectable GeForce 6200-class cards that'll fit. The standard processors available from Apple are also comparatively weak next to the 2.13 GHz Pentium M that fits in the XC Cube. Finally, AOpen's solution boasts two memory slots for up to 2 GB of RAM—twice of that of the Mac.

The real issue here is style, though, not technological superiority. After all, fans of the Mac Mini don't really care that it isn't a 3D monster or office powerhouse. It's cute. AOpen spent some effort on the cute factor as well, trimming down the dimensions and cutting weight to 4.5 pounds. Decked in shiny chrome and bathed in a glossy white coat of paint, the XC Cube Mini is certainly attractive enough for college freshmen and trendy urbanites.

Not all specs favor the XC Cube, though. Whereas Apple's top of the line mini runs $599, AOpen's offering requires memory, a hard drive, an Intel Pentium M processor, and a slim DVD drive. Your challenge as a VAR is to make the PC variant a better buy through superior hardware.

Plantronics
CS50 with HL10 Lifter: $379
www.plantronics.com

Searching for a perfect headset can be tiring. Comfort is often very subjective, to begin, and even the best designs often come up short in battery life and range. Plantronics's CS50 Wireless Office Headset strives to address each and every concern your customer might have about buying a new headset.

Comfort is arguably the most important. If you can't wear the thing all day long, there's no use in buying a headset at all. The CS50 comes with a band for over-the-head use or it converts to over-the-ear. Reversible earloops ensure proper fit over either ear. Alternatively, an add-on neckband enables a third behind-the-head style. No matter which way you wear the CS50 though, at 26 grams, it isn't too obtrusive.

Rechargeable batteries provide up to eight hours of talk time and the bundled cradle is capable of refreshing the headset battery in just three. Plantronics claims wireless range in the neighborhood of 300 feet, but most home offices or small businesses really won't push those boundaries. Calls are transmitted at 900 MHz using an unspecified encryption scheme, ensuring privacy.

The optional HL10 lifter system makes it possible to pick up and end calls remotely with the touch of a button. With corded phones, the HL10 lifts and replaces the actual headset, sticking on top of the phone to avoid consuming unnecessary desktop space. However, if you use a cordless phone, simply buy Plantronics's CS50 without the HL10 and save $80.