Okay, I downloaded a trial of Topaz Vivacity. According to the description it's supposed to:
  1. sharpen edges without artifacts or halos etc
  2. remove noise and preserve detail
  3. remove jpeg artifacts
  4. enlarge images without losing resolution
  5. do cool effects that can't be done in photoshop


this is my test of sharpen:
before, using my software unsharp mask:


and same image using the topaz sharpness filter


any thoughts? It's a 30 day trial so I'll be able to really test it.

PS-- I thought that Greg might appreciate the photo.