Computer Associates
Internet Security Suite: $69
www.ca.com

It doesn't matter how many small- and medium-sized businesses you service. There will always be demand for SOHO software packages that address basic antivirus, anti-spyware, security, email scanning, and anti-spam needs in homes and home offices. Even some of the SMB folks appreciate an inexpensive bundle capable of protecting a handful of exposed email and Internet machines.

CA's Total Security Bundle, while selling for less than most small business antivirus suites, covers all of your customer's bases in one fell swoop. It comes with eTrust EZ Armor, combining antivirus software and the latest software firewall, with PestPatrol, a spyware protection title tasked with removing non-viral threats. AntiSpam comes in the download, as well, claiming to block 100% of unwanted messages through Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express. An optional challenge/response feature automatically attempts to confirm whether or not quarantined messages are from real people or automated spam bots.

As you start adding extra licenses, the Internet Security Suite's price starts to climb. At the same time, 3-packs and 5-packs of software are discounted at up to 25%, enabling greater value in multi-system environments. Just remember to back up the downloadable EXE file because a hard copy of the original disk from CA costs extra.

Etymotic
ER4 Reference Earphones: $330
www.etymotic.com

When is a set of earphones worth more than $300? How about when they offer a true 20Hz to 16kHz frequency response and a maximum 122 dB SPL? How about when they weigh less than an ounce and offer 35 dB average external noise isolation through 3-flange insert-style eartips? Even still, you'll have a hard time positioning these in-ear buds as necessary to anyone other than an audiophile. But if you can get your customer to actually try a set, the amazing fidelity will speak for itself. You can think of these as the Dom Perignon of headphones. Savor accordingly.

Logitech
G5 Laser Mouse: $69
www.logitech.com

Differentiation is really difficult in the input device market. Most companies play it safe, with a standard line of aesthetically pleasing mice and keyboards with general appeal. Unfortunately, that leaves the most demanding users out in the cold when it comes to really optimizing performance. It also means resellers don't have upsell opportunities with exciting stories behind them.

Logitech's G5 Laser Mouse is an entirely different machine, though. To begin, it's driven by a 2,000 dpi laser engine that digests 6.4 megapixels of imaging data per second through a 30-pixel by 30-pixel sensor array. A real-time hardware-based sensitivity switch facilitates changes between 400, 800, and 2,000 dpi modes without having to even install drivers. And an adjustable weight cartridge under the mouse allows serious professionals to tune the mouse's balance with up to 36g. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene—just try pronouncing it) feet lend the G5 an ultra-smooth glide, which gaming enthusiasts consider a valuable attribute when it comes to precision sniping.

Of course, $70 is a sizable investment for a mouse. The G5 is a wired USB mouse, to add insult. But corded mice have the highest ratings for response times, so it makes sense that Logitech wouldn't try to go wireless. Included with the G5 is a disc with Logitech's SetPoint software, a case for the tuning weights, and an installation guide. Additionally, the G5 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.

Primera
Signature Z1 CD/DVD Printer: $140
www.primera.com

Presenting an image of professionalism is critical when it comes to competing against top-tier SIs and larger resellers. SMB customers want a capable organization taking care of their needs, and certain habits suggest a fly-by-night way of doing things. For example, building white box systems and including a driver disk with scribbled Sharpie notes all over it is not advisable.

Instead, consider buying a CD printer. Although many high-end, heavy volume units are quite expensive, Primera's Signature Z1 is incredibly affordable. It uses thermal transfer ribbons to apply 200 dpi text and graphics to the surface of any blank disc. The ink doesn't scratch or peel, either. One black ribbon comes with the printer, but Primera sells red, blue, and green cartridges for $20 each (each cartridge prints up to 200 discs, depending on how intensively you apply the ink).

The bundled software is incredibly easy to install and use. Use it to import graphics, understanding that they'll wind up monochrome on the disc, or apply text. Each area, of which there are four per disc, takes a little less than 30 seconds to print. While that's fairly modest speed, the result is much more professional than handwritten driver CDs.