SanDisk
ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer: $35
www.sandisk.com

Camcorders, phones, PDAs, PSPs, MP3 players—the list of consumer electronic devices making use of solid-state memory keeps getting longer. The number of different standards enabling those devices grows right along with it, raising concerns about interoperability.

Instead of plugging your peripherals into a limited number of USB ports, creating a mess on your desk, wouldn't it be better to just have a memory card adapter capable of reading and writing from the most popular formats? Reassure your customer that they'll be able to move data from any device to their computer system with a SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 memory card adapter. It supports two types of CompactFlash memory, SD, miniSD, MultiMedia Card, RS-MMC, Sony's Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, SmartMedia, and xD.

SanDisk's ImageMate is certified for both Windows XP and Mac OS X. It's also backwards compatible with older USB 1.1 machines. And it doesn't require any driver software unless you're using Windows 98 SE or OS 9.2. You get a docking station bundled with the reader for easy desktop setup. Think of the ImageMate as an inexpensive unifier of divergent standards.

Intel
Pentium Extreme Edition 955: $999
www.intel.com

Intel recently announced NetBurst, the existing micro-architecture at the heart of Pentium 4 and Xeon processors, replacing it with a design more optimized for performance per watt. That revision won't be taking place until late 2006, though, leaving NetBurst to handle Intel's business in the meantime.

As you might already know, Intel probably won't hit the 4 GHz barrier with its 90nm manufacturing process. But a recent transition to 65nm may help the company coax a little more speed from the aging architecture. A new desktop core, code-named Presler, leverages that 65nm tech, allowing Intel to put two separate die on one processor package. Each die boasts 2MB of cache, making Presler the first desktop chip with 4MB of onboard cache and two cores.

The fastest product based on Presler is called Intel's Pentium Extreme Edition 955. It runs at 3.46 GHz using a 1,066 MHz front side bus and features Hyper-Threading technology. Also, it's one of the first chips from Intel to sport Virtualization Technology, which enables hardware support for running multiple operating systems concurrently in separate partitions. Virtualization Technology is currently supported by VMware's VMware Workstation 5.5.

The Extreme Edition 955 is a paragon of Intel's technological prowess, but it's otherwise prohibitively expensive. Most of your customers will be more likely to find a Pentium D 900-series chip that fits their fancy. The same technologies go into those products and at a fraction of the cost. The principal differences include an 800 MHz front side bus rather than the Extreme Edition's 1,066 MHz pathway and a lack of Hyper-Threading support. The 65nm manufacturing is there, as is Virtualization Technology, EM64T, the Execute Disable bit, and the two 2MB caches.

Foxconn
6150K8MA-8EKRS: $80
www.foxconnchannel.com

Integrated graphics lackluster performance and meager features. The idea is that mainstream customers aren't going to want to play games or use their systems the same ways a power user would. But that's not always the case. Many folks don't know the difference between integrated and discrete graphics. Others simply don't see the value in a $200 PCI Express card. But what if you could upsell a motherboard with integrated graphics that hit a real pricing sweet spot and still delivered staggering speed?

Foxconn's 6150K8MA is built on the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 GPU and nForce 430 MCP. It supports any Socket 939 processor you throw at it, including the dual-core Athlon 64 X2, and up to 4GB of memory through a foursome of DDR memory slots. Is it starting to sound like an nForce4 derivative? It should.

The nForce 430 MCP is well-equipped with four channels of SATA 3 Gbps connectivity, two PATA connectors, and extensive RAID storage support. NVIDIA's familiar integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller enables some astounding network performance, while a Realtek 7.1-channel codec helps facilitate surround sound. Foxconn complements the chipset's native USB 2.0 with a FireWire controller, making the 6150K8MA a video editor's dream.

This board really stands out in two areas, though. First is its onboard graphics. GeForce 6 series-class features mean Shader Model 3.0 compliance and official DirectX 9.0c support. The core wields a pair of pixel pipelines and one vertex shading engine, so don't expect barnstorming frame rates. However, it does run at an impressive 475 MHz, yielding respectable performance versus competing solutions. Secondly, it's inexpensive. The board sells for right around $80, which, when you consider such copious functionality, is a veritable bargain for anyone interested in the mainstream market.

Case Logic
KLR-15 Rolling Laptop Case: $119
www.caselogic.com

If you've ever smashed on an airplane or had someone inadvertently drop your PDA, you already know that it's often better to own a good protective case rather than an equipment insurance policy. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, protective cases make for perfect upsells any time you ship a whitebook system.

Case Logic's KLR-15 15.4" Rolling Laptop Case combines the convenience of wheels and the protection of thick foam padding. The handle telescopes in and out for easy access or compact storage in an overhead bin. And the trademarked Smart Organization system ensures that everything has its place—PDAs, file folders, accessories, and so on.

The case itself weighs in at nearly eight pounds. It'll accommodate 15" laptops, which are actually fairly small. If you deal in larger models, you'll need to check out some of Case Logic's other products, such as the MC-18 or MC-22. But when it comes to svelte Centrino-like chassis, the KLR-15 is a solid choice. It might seem pricey at $119. However, remind your customer that it's the only model in Case Logic's lineup with a 25-year warranty.