Sue Chastain's Favorite Graphics Software Gear

The trend these days is toward widescreen monitors, but I still prefer the extra vertical height of a standard aspect ratio monitor. My dual Dell 2001FP's are crisp and clear, and for even more vertical space I keep one rotated into the portrait orientation. The extra 4 USB ports on each monitor also help keep my other gadgets running. Since I'm running two monitors, I added the Dell AS501 Sound Bar to have more space on my desk. (Although I own the 2001FP model, Dell's newer model is the 2007FP.)

Until now, I had resisted buying a Macintosh computer because of the cost and not wanting to switch between different operating systems. But now that Macs can also run Windows, there goes one hurdle. And I was surprised to find that the MacBook Pro actually cost less than a similarly equipped high-end Windows notebook. With the 17-inch screen, 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM, it should give me plenty of graphics processing power for a long time.

Over the years, I've used several network storage solutions. Finally, I think I've found something that I won't outgrow for a long time. The HP MediaSmart Server is more than just network storage, it runs Windows Home Server operating system, which enables the server to back up all the computers in my home, share media and files to other computers and devices in my home, and provides secure remote access to my data from the Web. Backups occur overnight automatically, and for added peace of mind, shared files can be automatically duplicated when you have a multi-drive system. The small mini-tower has space for up to 4 internal hard drives (I'm using 2 500 GB drives in mine), plus ports for additional USB and eSATA drives.

I've never been able to make the transition to using a pen tablet 100% of the time, but after long periods of computing, I've developed pain from repetitive mouse use. Since replacing my traditional mouse with the Kensington Expert Mouse trackball, I no longer have pain in my hands, arm, and shoulder from the repetitive mouse motion. The big trackball glides easily and lets me use my whole hand to move the cursor and prevents me gripping the mouse tightly for long periods. I also love the scroll ring which allows me to scroll with several different fingers or my thumb. The software allows a lot of customization, and despite what Kensington says, it will work under Windows Vista when installed in compatibility mode. Works with a Mac, too.

I had been waiting to buy a new camera until I found one with a big zoom lens, image stabilization, and swivel LCD--all in a compact body design. At last, I found it in the Canon PowerShot TX1. This camera takes 7.1 megapixel stills in standard and wide aspect ratio, as well as high definition video clips at 1280 by 720 pixels. You don't need to switch between still and movie mode, so there is no more risk of missing a shot because the camera was set to movie mode. In fact, you can even capture still shots at the same time you are recording video. The unusual form factor of this camera took a little getting used to, but I absolutely love what it can do. And it's small and light enough that I can carry it with me all the time.

I don't do much graphics work on my Dell Axim x51v Pocket PC, but it certainly helps keep me organized. With slots for both SD and CompactFlash media cards and a 480x640 pixel VGA screen, it can do double duty as a nicer photo viewer than viewing digital photos on a small digital camera screen. It's also got WiFi so I can check my email and catch up on forums while I'm on the go. And a nightly game of Scrabble helps me wind down and improves my vocabulary at the same time. I don't leave home without my "Ax."

This monster is too big for the desk, but it sits off to the side and churns out the pages. 2006 was the year I traded in my ink jet printer for a color laser. I have no regrets and after 9 months of use, I'm still at over 90% toner level on the original cartridges. It prints great looking photos on plain paper--albeit without the glossy photo qualities. Since I use photos mostly in crafty projects, the color laser works out great. Plus, it's network capable, so all computers in our home can use it anytime without a direct connection. For a smaller, cheaper option, check out Dell's newer 3010cn model.

My 6x8 Wacom Intuos 3 is always at the ready when I'm heavy into photo editing or just need to give my mousing arm a rest. For a dual monitor set-up, the wide-screen models of Intuos tablets might work out better, but I prefer the smaller footprint of the 6x8 and it maps to my dual monitors just fine. I had an Intuos2 prior to this and the Intuos3 pen feels much better in the hand, and the programmable Expresskeys are easier to work with than the menu strip of the older Intuos models.

The Wacom Graphire 6x8 graphics tablet has a smaller overall size than the Intuos model. That, plus the convenient built-in pen storage slot makes it ideal for using with my laptop both at home and on the go. And since it's Bluetooth-enabled, I don't have to deal with another cord coming out of my laptop, I can use it in any position, and it's easy to slip into my travel bag when I hit the road. The mouse that comes with it is also handy when I'm not in the mood to use the laptop's trackpad.

I've used this scanner to scan thousands of slides and photos and it has done a great job. I especially love the two second warm-up time and fast scanning speed. When the power adapter died earlier this year, I could have used it as an excuse to buy a whole new scanner, but I opted to order a new adapter and keep this scanner since I like it so much.

The NuLOOQ Navigator is a recent addition to my desk, and already I'm enjoying increased productivity by using it. For everyday Web surfing, I love just being able nudge the navring to scroll pages and adjust text size. When I'm rocking out to some tunes I can just glide my finger along the top surface to adjust volume. And for graphics, photo editing, and design work, it really saves time by reducing my dependence on the keyboard for tasks such as adjusting brush size, changing text size, zooming, panning, and undo.

I share an office with my husband, so headphones are essential, but I've always hated the feeling of being tethered to my desk with normal wired headphones. The Sennheiser RS-120 wireless headphones sound great and free me from the wires. In fact, I can walk around my whole house without interference using these headphones. And they look cool hanging on the recharging stand when not in use.