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Wacom Intuos3 6x11 pen tablet
Wide-format computer monitors such as Dell's Ultrasharp 2407WFP have become increasingly affordable, and popular with photographers. Their screen shape accommodates the more rectangular image of digital SLRs, and/or leaves room on the sides for tool palettes. Wacom's latest professional pen tablet departs from the line's usual 3:4 aspect ratio, offering proportions even more wide-screen than the new monitors. At 6x11 inches, its pressure-sensitive area is much wider than in the popular 6x8-inch size. But like the latter, the new tablet offers 5,080 lines per inch of resolution -- plus Express Keys and a Touch Strip that can be operated with the hand that isn't holding the pen. These new features can be programmed to perform frequently-used keystrokes and mouseclicks, reducing awkward back-and-forth between tablet and keyboard. About $360.
Epson Perfection V700 Photo
Eye-popping optical resolution of 6400dpi, a high maximum density of 4.0, and true 48-bit output allow this versatile letter-format flatbed scanner to deliver top-notch results at a reasonable price. With these specs, even 35mm looks good when scanned with the built-in transparency hood, which can cover film formats up to a full 8x10. There are also holders for 35mm slides (12 at a time), 35mm strips (24 frames), medium format, and 4x5. Two different lenses shift into place depending on scan resolution, and Digital ICE automatically corrects image defects. About $530.
Media Street eMotion Digital Media Player
Digital picture frames are a dime a dozen, or will be soon. This model is way more versatile than that. Its seven-inch, 16:9-format screen displays digital images and video from just about any source. A card slot takes SD, MMC, and Memory Stick; a pop-out door on the back accepts CDs and DVDs of all descriptions; and USB 2.0 and video/audio in ports handle the rest, whether card readers, hard drives, or digital cameras. In addition to JPEGs, the eMotion plays DivX and MPEG video, and, yes, even MP3 and WMA music files. It stands up on a desk in either portrait or landscape mode, though you can rotate images with a button push; menu and control buttons run along the top and side. It comes with a small selection of interchangeable face plates, but you can get more to match your decor. A Li-ion battery lets you take along the two-pound player when you can't plug in, providing about 2½ hours of operation -- enough to show someone your portfolio or watch a movie. About $300.
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