Supermicro
AS1021M-T2V Barebone Server Chassis: $339
www.supermicro.com

When it comes time for FOR SMB CUSTOMERS TO UPGRADE their servers, they'll want speed, a low price, energy efficiency, and a platform capable of lasting several years. Seem overzealous? Rather than curb expectations, offer Supermicro's new AS1021M-T2V, a business platform modernized to enable socket compatibility with AMD's Socket F Opteron 200-series processors.

Naturally, the 1U box sports an entirely new motherboard, complete with up to 16GB worth of DDR2 667 memory support. Based on NVIDIA's nForce MCP55 Pro core logic, the low-profile board comes equipped with both PCI Express and PCI-X expansion, 3 Gbps SATA storage, and a dual-port NVIDIA Gigabit Ethernet controller built-in. Supermicro drives the board with a 560W power supply, four cooling fans, an 8x DVD drive, and a SAS/SATA backplane populated by four hot-swap bays. At just over $1,000, resellers have the freedom to build speedy, dual-chip powerhouses or turn the AS1021M-T2V into a scalable single-socket machine.

DigitalPersona
DigitalPersona Pro Workstation Package: $139
www.digitalpersona.com

No matter how much security work you do, there will always be SMBs with employees who yell passwords across the room when they're having trouble logging on or share the administrator credentials just to get access to more “stuff.” It's enough to drive a VAR insane. DigitalPersona's Pro Workstation package adds a biometric element to the security picture, simultaneously making it easier to sign on yet impossible to hemorrhage sensitive data to loose lips.

The Pro Workstation package consists of a fingerprint reader and DigitalPersona's software suite—the solution's real value—featuring five different apps. IDentity Engine houses the fingerprint verification algorithms. One Touch LogOn circumvents the normal Windows log-on procedure, instead authenticating users with a single fingerprint. DigitalPersona's One Touch SignOn fills in login information for other password-protected apps and Web sites. The OneTouch Internet and Unlock apps each add a bit of convenience for authenticating and unlocking accounts.

Wacom
Graphire 6x8 Bluetooth Tablet: $249
www.wacom.com

When it comes to design, the freedom to be creative is an imperative. Wacom's Graphire Bluetooth package features a 6x8 tablet, a pen, and a mouse, all capable of communicating wirelessly up to 30 feet away thanks to Bluetooth technology. And the most annoying consequence of wireless reign—dead batteries—is addressed through the use of rechargeable lithium polymer cells in the tablet, yielding 25-hour charges.

The bundled pen is both cordless and battery-free—an unbeatable combination. Both its tip and eraser benefit from 512-levels of pressure sensitivity. Moreover, a pair of programmable buttons helps simplify the most common editing functions, complementing two programmable keys on the Wacom tablet.

A lot of the Graphire's value comes from included software. Wacom throws in Adobe Photoshop Elements 3, Core Painter Essentials 2, and Nik Color Efex 2 GE, cumulatively making it easy to edit photos, create art, and apply enhancements.

Sony
HDR-FX1 High-Definition Camcorder: $3,699
www.sonystyle.com

SD-to-HD upconversion software can only do so much though your customer might get the format and frame rates, he may miss out on a lot of quality. Enable a true high-definition pipeline by selling a camcorder capable of recording content at up to true 1080i, such as Sony's flagship HDR-FX1.

Clearly, quality is Sony's number one selling point here. The camera employs a three-chip CCD system to capture 1,120,000 pixels compressed into MPEG2 video. A 12x optical Carl Zeiss lens maintains image clarity and color while an onboard 3.5” LCD facilitates detailed playback, even in direct sunlight. Sony's proprietary SteadyShot optical stabilization system also helps deliver professional shake-free video without affecting image quality. The HDR-FX1 is flexible enough to switch into standard-def cartridges when needed. The camera records to either special HD MiniDV tapes or ordinary MiniDV cartridges as well.

Focus Enhancements
MX-4 Digital Video Mixer: $2,195
www.focusinfo.com

Mixing broadcast-quality video requires good source material and the right hardware. Focus Enhancements' MX-4 Digital Video Mixer has all the connectivity needed to switch between up to eight video sources (four may be previewed at a time), synchronize audio, and overlay images. The MX-4 includes over 700 different transitions and enough storage to hold 50 imported graphics for custom layered effects. Real-time, 10-bit video processing with integrated comb-filter circuitry helps maintain image quality on-screen. Also, sliders simplify audio mixing, making it easy to pinpoint the right levels.

A host of input effects—chroma key, picture flip, strobe, and mosaic—along with that long list of transitions make it possible to create plenty of unique content with Focus Enhancements' MX-4. The company cites several reseller-friendly markets for the mixer, including editing, Internet production, business presentations, and live production. If your customer's application necessitates digital input, Focus also sells an MX-4 DV with FireWire connectivity.