Western Digital
My Book Pro Edition II: $549
www.westerndigital.com

I USED TO HAVE A HARD TIME FILLING MY 120GB BACKUP drive. Now I fill up an external 500GB disk. Customers who store lots of digital data need more backup space than any one internal repository holds. After all, they need enough space for a handful of save points, not just one snapshot.

If you're looking for a backup device with capacity headroom to spare, check out Western Digital's My Book Pro Edition II. The elegant external enclosure actually houses two 500GB hard drives that, by default, operate independently. Built-in support for RAID 1 enables a bit more data security for those willing to sacrifice capacity. And in the event that one drive goes bad, Western Digital ensures that the My Book is user-serviceable, making replacements easy.

The My Book Pro sports three interfaces: FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and USB 2.0, enabling a variety of connectivity options. Its flexibility is further illustrated by WD's choice in software: EMC's popular Retrospect Express backup app. Configuring the drive is as simple as setting the software to run on a regular schedule. Not bad for a 1TB enclosure under $600.

Belkin
RazorVision Video Cable 8ft: $249
www.belkin.com

A SURPRISING NUMBER OF high-end TVs facilitate very little image manipulation outside of the service menu. When your customers are piping high-definition video through their media PCs or playing the latest first person shooters, it'd be nice to have optimal control over image quality. Belkin's 8-foot RazorVision Video Cable aims to give video aficionados an extra degree of control over their picture.

The cable connects an output device to a display and is available in a couple of different interface types, including HDMI to DVI, HDMI, and dual-link DVI. An in-line video processor facilitates the contrast and depth adjustments.

Wireless Garden
Super Cantenna Wireless Booster Antenna: $39
www.cantenna.com

THE 802.11G WIRELESS STANDARD HAS SERVED THE SMALL business marketplace well for almost four years now, driving great performance at ranges of 30m or more in any direction. Many wireless routers are so powerful that their signals can be picked up an office or two down. Still, everyone's waiting with bated breath for the 802.11n standard to be finalized. More speed and more range seem to be what SMBs want to buy.

In the meantime, you can help improve the performance and range of your customers' wireless networks by ditching the cheesy omni-directional antennas included with almost every router and receiver. Replace them with Wireless Garden's directional Super Cantenna, which can be attached to a transmitting router or access point. Wireless Garden also suggests using it on the receiving side for maximum effect.

Because the Cantenna is directional, setting it up is a matter of tweaking. An omni-directional whip transmits 360-degrees for a short distance. A flat-panel semi-directional antenna is good for 90- to 180-degrees of broadcast. The Cantenna fires its signal off in a 30-degree beam, extending reach immensely. In a spread-out office environment with lots of wireless clients, the Cantenna probably isn't ideal. However, in a multi-story building with dead spots, Wireless Garden's Cantenna has the penetrating power to enable reception. I've even had rural customers use directional antennas such as the Cantenna to extend range from a SOHO box down to another house a quarter-mile away. Not only is the Cantenna functional indoors, it's also weather-resistant enough for use outside.

The Cantenna goes for $39 and Wireless Garden guarantees that if it doesn't hit the ranges you were looking to get, you can return it for a refund.

Plantronics
Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset: $149
www.plantronics.com

I'VE USED SOME TRULY awkward headsets that worked well—
devices that you put on while you're driving and quickly hide in public before anyone sees you. Then there are the fashionable, purportedly high-tech headsets that look like a million bucks yet fail to perform in the field. Plantronics' Discovery 655 combines the best from both worlds and adds a couple of its own unique twists.

Proponents of function should appreciate the integration of digital signal processing into the Discovery 655, which actively cuts back on background noise for clearer conversations. Built into the pocket holster included with the headset is a single AAA battery that charges the 655 between calls, yielding up to 10 hours of talk time. When the headset is holstered, the pocket charger vibrates to indicate incoming calls. Even without the convenience of mobile charging, the 655 is good for 3.5 hours of talk time. Office-bound road warriors can use an included mini USB cable to keep the headset topped off.

Despite its advanced technology, the Discovery 655 only weighs nine grams. Plantronics helps guarantee a customized fit by including three sizes of soft gel ear tips and offering an optional ear stabilizer. Last number redial and voice-activated calling are both supported. Moreover, the built-in Bluetooth receiver works up to 33 feet away from its host device. Given the $149 asking price, I'll admit I've paid more for far lesser Bluetooth headsets.