9 Hot Products For The Hardcore Gamer

Winning in the gaming arena takes know-how and inventiveness. The market is abuzz with what chip is fastest, which is coolest and what is down the pike in terms of graphics.

But in addition to the nitty gritty specs, system builders should take note of other offerings available that they can add on to a sale and turn a tidy profit. Whether that means protecting the screen of a monitor or enclosing the system in a "cone of silence," a bevy of products are ready and willing to be resold through the channel.

COOLIT ELITE

The Elite harnesses the power of both liquid cooling and thermoelectrics to drive CPU temperatures down to unprecedented levels. The Freezone Elite builds off of CoolIt's Freezone product, offering a 120mm fan, increased heat dissipation of up to 250W, and a sleek new black faceplate.

The Elite package also includes CoolIT's MTEC Control Center, a hardware/software module that helps the user monitor thermals in real time and adjust cooling power with a mouse click. The Freezone Elite is fully ESA (Enthusiast System Architecture) certified bringing CoolIT into the forefront of the most cutting-edge PC hardware technology.

The CoolIT Systems Freezone Elite is available now for $449.99.

PPO'S HM-31 HDMI SWITCH

With the OPPO HM-31 Advanced 3x1 HDMI Switch, users can expand the single HDMI input port on a TV to seamlessly connect up to three HDMI sources, such as DVD, Blu-ray or HD DVD players, cable or satellite receivers, and gaming consoles.

OPPO's HDMI switch ranks among the very few HDMI switches to pass the official HDMI 1.3 certification test, so it is compatible with all HDTV resolutions up to 1080p and PC resolutions up to 1920x1200. Equipped with advanced HDMI 1.3 features such as Deep Color, higher bandwidth and a signal equalizer, the HM-31 supports the latest generation of home theater products.

According to the manufacturer, the HM-31 transmits rich, vibrant images and sound while maintaining the highest in video and audio quality. It is EIA/CEA-861D, DVI 1.0, and HDCP 1.1 compliant and supports DDC and HPD switching to ensure maximum device compatibility. Equipped with a remote control, the switch can rest on a table top or be mounted on a wall.

Pricing: $99 (MSRP)

PANASONIC'S PT-AX200U LCD HOME CINEMA PROJECTOR

Panasonic's new projector is billed as an affordable luxury for gaming and home theater enthusiasts. The new PT-AX200U model is the next evolution of its market-leading predecessor, the PT-AX100U (source: Pacific Media Associates).

According to Thomas Zitelli, president of Panasonic Projector Systems Co., the PT-AX200U, which ships with a new gaming mode, is the manufacturer's first projector designed with gamers in mind. Compared with Panasonic's prior model, the new projector's gaming mode provides a 60 percent faster response time using the controller buttons. Gamers can also program and save up to eight settings for games or movies.

The PT-AX200U's Pure Color Filter uses optical adjustment to achieve accurate color reproduction, going a step further than projectors that reproduce colors by adjusting the white balance. The color filter achieves a higher purity level of the three primary colors -- red, green and blue -- displays deeper, purer blacks, and expands the color gamut. In addition, the new Smooth Screen technology uses crystal double refraction to arrange pixels on a screen with no gaps -- producing vivid, smooth images similar to those found in commercial movie theaters. The technology also enhances images' three-dimensional effect.

The PT-AX200 also comes with two HDMI inputs, eliminating the need for an HDMI switcher.

Pricing: $1,999 (MSRP)

VIEWSONIC 62 SERIES

These LCD monitors tout industry-leading color performance and 2ms response times in a unique, multi-use design. The manufacturer is targeting the series at gaming and high-definition content enthusiasts.

The glossy black monitors feature invisible speakers. According to ViewSonic, it has improved the clarity and sound quality of the incorporated speakers with the inclusion of SRS WOW HD software, which is activated by installing SRS Audio Soundbox, which comes with the monitor. This enhancement extends the frequency range of the speakers and allows for better response and sound performance, which will compliment the multimedia features in the displays.

In addition to the fast 2ms response time, the VX1962w and VX2262wm boast a native 1680x1050 HD resolution and 6000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (typ) to deliver fluid, full-motion images and optimized video performance.

Pricing: $279 (MSRP), with an estimated street price of $249

VIEWSONIC 62 SERIES

These LCD monitors tout industry-leading color performance and 2ms response times in a unique, multi-use design. The manufacturer is targeting the series at gaming and high-definition content enthusiasts.

The glossy black monitors feature invisible speakers. According to ViewSonic, it has improved the clarity and sound quality of the incorporated speakers with the inclusion of SRS WOW HD software, which is activated by installing SRS Audio Soundbox, which comes with the monitor. This enhancement extends the frequency range of the speakers and allows for better response and sound performance, which will compliment the multimedia features in the displays.

In addition to the fast 2ms response time, the VX1962w and VX2262wm boast a native 1680x1050 HD resolution and 6000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (typ) to deliver fluid, full-motion images and optimized video performance.

Pricing: $279 (MSRP), with an estimated street price of $249

ZAGG'S INVISIBLESHIELD

Created from material originally developed to protect military helicopter blades from wind, sand and the wear and tear of high-speed travel, ZAGG's invisibleSHIELD is now available for all handheld electronic devices on the market, including laptops. A full-body protection solution ZAGG guarantees the ultra-tough film will keep the design and structure fully intact without the bulk of other electronic device casings.

According to ZAGG, invisibleSHIELD is resilient enough to withstand most sharp objects, and is scratch proof and stain resistant. The protector is backed by a lifetime warranty: If the invisibleSHIELD is scratched or damaged, ZAGG will replace it for free. The product is available in more than 1,000 precision cut designs, and the maker also offers custom-cut orders for unique models, such as gaming laptops or other custom-built systems.

Pricing: starts at $9.95 (MSRP)

CUSTOM CASES

The artists at Falcon Northwest Computer Systems aren't limited to PC cases alone. In this instance, the customer wanted a complete package including mouse and keyboard. Flames are a popular, and apt, metaphor for the blazing fast processing speeds gamers require. The airbrushing, done by hand, is time-consuming, but the results speak for themselves.

ANTEC'S MINI P180

Antec Inc., Fremont, Calif., has introduced the Mini P180, the latest addition to its Performance One series. The compact, high-performance enclosure offers quality and quiet in a small and highly portable frame, and is targeted at gamers and "quiet computing" enthusiasts.

The Mini P180 continues the legacy of the Performance One series, and features a dual-chamber structure that isolates heat by separating the power supply from other internal components. According to Antec, the cooling system includes a 120-mm rear mounted fan, a 200-mm top mounted fan and an advanced cable management system to improve airflow throughout the case. The compact chassis features three-layer side panels made of aluminum and plastic, as well as silicone grommets to reduce hard drive vibration and noise.

The Mini P180 accommodates (up to) a microATX motherboard with four expansion slots. The cable management system keeps wires organized, and the 270-degree double-hinged door helps ease installation by providing direct accessibility into the case. In addition to eight drive bays, there are front-mounted USB 2.0, eSATA and Audio I/O ports. Available at the end of February, the Mini P180 is backed by the manufacturer's three-year warranty. Pricing: $159.00

BENQ X2200W LCD

Featuring an 8ms Motion Picture Response Time (MPRT) the X2200W offers a clear, lifelike visual experience. MPRT is the latest and most accurate specification for measuring motion blur or ghosting.

The 22-in., widescreen X2200W is engineered with the professional gamer in mind. BenQ's PerfectMotion Technology incorporates Advanced Motion Accelerator (AMA) and Simulated Pulsed Driving Technologies. A shorter response time equals a crisper picture. At 8ms MPRT, the X2200W can offer a clearer image than conventional LCD monitors, which typically have MPRTs of 20+ms.

Pricing: Less than $350

BM Names New Global Channel And Solutions Marketing Exec

IBM on Tuesday named Michael Gerentine its new vice president of global channel and solutions marketing.

Gerentine will handle both IBM's Business Partner Organization channels and solutions marketing team and its Systems and Technology Group market team.

Gerentine, a long-term veteran of Armonk, NY-based IBM, is replacing Debra Thompson, who last month moved to head IBM's new Enterprise Software group as the vice president of offerings management in the wake of a reorganization last month of its server and storage business.

In that reorganization, IBM's SMB organization was renamed the General Business Group, and was divided into an Enterprise Business Unit focused on enterprise customers and the Midmarket Business Unit focused on developing midrange customer opportunities.

IBM at that time also reorganized its Systems and Technology Group by carving it up into four business units: Enterprise Systems focusing on large clients, Business Systems for small and midsize customers, Industry Systems that cater to customers in specific industries such as retail and health-care markets, and Microelectronics for customers that buy IBM's custom microprocessors and ASICs.

Gerentine most recently served as vice president of global channel and SMB marketing in the IBM Software group, where according to IBM he led the development of IBM's software channel strategy.

He currently reports to Ravi Marwaha, general manager of global business partners for IBM.

Gerentine is being replaced in his previous role by Sean Jones, who until this week was marketing director for IBM Software Group's CIO, line of business, and mid-market program.

Gerentine joined IBM in 1979, where he spent most of his time working with the company's software. He took a few years off to handle worldwide partner marketing for Vignette, Austin, Texas and to serve as vice president of strategic alliances at Covasoft Inc., Austin, Texas, which was acquired by another company in 2003.

IBM Board Authorizes $15B Share Buyback

IBM said Tuesday its board authorized a $15 billion share buyback program that could boost 2008 earnings by up to 5 cents a share, sending its stock up more than 4 percent.

The news also pushed the overall U.S. stock market higher. International Business Machines, which has a market capitalization of roughly $150 billion, was by far the top driver of the Dow industrials index.

"IBM is showing its confidence it can still generate a lot of cash in a difficult environment," said American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu. "We are in a bear market, we are literally on the brink of recession -- we actually might be in one already."

The new repurchase authorization comes after IBM reported strong fourth quarter results on Jan. 17 and gave a 2008 outlook that topped Wall Street expectations as growth abroad made up for the weaker U.S. economy.

Shares of the world's largest computer services company have risen about 13 percent since the results, which underscored investor expectations that overseas services and software sales would help IBM through difficult times.

IBM said on Tuesday it now expects full-year earnings per share of at least $8.25, or 16 percent year-on-year growth, as a result of the buyback. In January, IBM had predicted 2008 earnings per share at $8.20 to $8.30.

The average Wall Street forecast was for 2008 profit of $8.22 per share, according to Reuters Estimates.

"IBM's profitable growth and consistently strong cash flow enable the company to continue to return value to our shareholders," Chief Executive Samuel Palmisano said in a statement.

IBM said it expects to spend up to $12 billion on stock repurchases in 2008, compared to $18.8 billion in 2007. It said it may buy shares in the open market or in private deals, and expects to use cash from operations for the buybacks.

The new $15 billion authorization program adds to about $400 million remaining at the end of February from a prior authorization, IBM said, adding that it did not expect to request board approval for more funds for buybacks in the next 12 months.

Shares of IBM were up 4.3 percent to $114.85 in early afternoon trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1 percent, or about 125 points, while the S&P information technology index was 1.15 percent higher.

Shares of IBM rival Hewlett-Packard Co rose 2.1 percent to $49.14. HP Chief Executive Mark Hurd told an investor conference Tuesday that the computer and printer maker "feels good" about its earnings forecast, but declined to raise it. (Reporting by Tiffany Wu in New York and Peter Henderson in Los Angeles, editing by Phil Berlowitz and Tim Dobbyn)

Microsoft Bringing Virtual GDC Access To Xbox Live

As much as I'm sure we'd all love to jet of to the Game Developers Conference in San Fransisco, the reality is that most of us simply can't. It is with some ingenuity, then, that Microsoft has concocted a convenient half way house by planning to bring GDC content to its Xbox Live Marketplace.

Among the content being offered will be highlights of the keynote of John Schappert, Corporate Vice President LIVE, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business (one mouthful of a title). As well as the aforementioned keynote snippets coverage will include game trailers, interviews and GDC-exclusive gameplay footage.

Footage will be available in both standard and high definition, so prepare to exceed your ISP-imposed bandwidth limits. Hopefully Microsoft is going to be able to ensure there isn't too much delay between GDC announcements and material appearing for download, although realistically the US/UK time difference will probably mean most of us are a day behind America anyway.

Content should be popping up all through the GDC, which runs from the 18th to the 22nd of February. The curious will want to check out the content labelled under GDC: Bringing it Home on the Live marketplace. Whether Microsoft will also offer up some exclusive Live content or not is unknown as yet, but some of us have our hopes. Either way this is a pretty neat development - our office Xbox needs a use other than lunchtime Guitar Hero practice.

Yahoo Board Split Over Microsoft Bid

Despite a sharp rebuttal, it seems shareholder pressure is mounting on the Yahoo board to accept a bid from Microsoft.

According to a source cited in the New York Post, an independent group of Yahoo! board members including chairmen Roy Bostock and billionaire Ron Burke is putting pressure on chief and co-creator Jerry Yang to broker a deal to sell.

"The emotional part of Yang would rather do anything but sell to Microsoft," says the source, "but he doesn't have the cards to come up with a value-creating, competitive alternative for shareholders."

The heart of the issue is that Yang believes his creation can rise from its current doldrums and once again become a market leading force - a turnaround which would certainly see the search giant's value skyrocket beyond the 65 per cent premium Microsoft has placed on the company which sees it valued at $44.6bn. Yang shares this belief with fellow board members Eric Hippeau, of Softbank and Robert Kotick, CEO of Activision.

"They're just as emotional as Jerry and as biased against selling to Microsoft as he is," said a second source also quoted by the NYP.

As usual, the reality in all this is likely to be found in the middle ground. Yahoo is having a tough time of it at present, but with a redesigned email offering, homepage and (vitally) momentum in the mobile phone market - it has partnerships with Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and LG while T-Mobile has recently dropped Google in favour of it - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So the argument is essentially: take the money and run or keep the faith. The problem: the 21st century is a period seriously obsessed with the former and distinctly lacking in the latter...

HTC Shift UMPC Priced & Dated On Orange

First announced almost one year ago, the HTC Shift had been so long in arriving it had started to hint of vapourware. Not anymore...

Following the update at MWC, Orange has confirmed that the Shift will go on sale on its network next week for a subsidised (though still whopping) £900 when purchased with a minimum 12 month contract. Orange didn't expand on whether further discounts would be available for 18 or 24 month deals.

Despite the huge outlay, the Shift certainly has a lot going for it with onboard HSDPA and WiFi, a Windows Vista OS, full call functionality along with the ability to send MMS and SMS messages. A 7in 800 x 480 touchscreen display, sliding Qwerty keyboard, 40/80GB HDD and a VGA video conference capable webcam plus Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity. All of which is housed in a compact 207 x 129 x 25mm body which weighs just 800g.

So if you're looking for the king of UMPC's you now know where to head, when and what it'll set you back - just don't try and hold it up to your ear on the local bus....

New notebook is impressive

Ultra-portable, $400 Taiwanese machine uses a version of the Linux operating system

Taiwanese computer parts maker ASUS obviously didn't get the memo.

Didn't ASUS know notebook computers need hard drives? Or that they're supposed to run Windows - and the pre-loaded software must bloat the boot-up process to the length of a long weekend? Don't they know you don't sell laptops for less than $750 - let alone $400 - unless the hardware has been aged like whiskey?

ASUSTeK Computers Inc. went ahead and broke the rules with the Eee PC. And we should all be thankful.