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Kensington (R) Announces Portable, Simple and Reliable Notebook Power Adapters

Making Selection, Set-Up and Power-Up Easier for the Consumer

Redwood Shores, Calif. – June 12, 2007 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in mobile computing accessories, today announced four additions to its popular “Power it” line of adapters for notebook computers and mobile devices. Three new notebook adapters and an auto power adapter that can be used with all leading mobile devices demonstrate Kensington's ongoing commitment to meeting the power needs of the mobile professional with solutions that are simple, compatible and reliable. The company is also announcing 11 USB Power Tips for powering and charging top-selling mobile and smartphones and MP3 players, including the iPod.

“These new products really cater to the consumer's power needs. Based on our user research, we know that consumers are often overwhelmed by the selection process,” said Nica Graziotto, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. “Technical ‘power language' is not easily understood; therefore, it can be challenging for consumers to identify which power accessory is right for them. This new product line is a direct result of our determination to keep it simple for consumers. We are announcing simple, compatible and reliable power solutions that work right out of the box and guarantee compatibility with your notebook.”

Kensington: Simplifying the Purchasing Process

The new notebook power adapters are offered in two versions: for wall and wall/auto/air usage. “These notebook power adapters include color-coded notebook tips that make set-up simple,” Graziotto said. “We've really eliminated the confusion that was traditionally associated with locating the right tip. Now, if the tip fits, it's the right one, period.” The color coding is based on brand, not model. “According to our research, consumers don't know model numbers. With our color coding, they don't have to. An LED indicator lights up in the same color as the tip when they are compatible, matching the right tip to the notebook brand. It's a simple, easy-to-use system.”

The enhanced simplicity applies not only to set-up, however. The purchasing decision is also made easier, due to an easy-to-read chart and easy-to-understand terminology on the adapter package. For example, the electrical term “AC/DC” has been replaced with “Wall,” “Auto” and “Air”. In addition, confusing wattage ratings have been eliminated. “We are using common terms such as Wall, Auto and Air, accompanied by easily understood icons.” As a result, Graziotto added, “We've made both selection and set-up a snap.”

A Unique Product Line to Meet the Consumer's Growing Need for Power

These new power adapters are focused on meeting the core needs of the mobile consumer. The 10 included notebook tips ensure out-of-the-box compatibility with the top selling notebook brands. The adapters with built-in USB power ports make it easier for the user to power up additional devices. With the adapter's USB port, for example, the consumer can charge both a notebook and a mobile device simultaneously. “With a USB power port, the adapter becomes a one-stop power solution,” explained Graziotto.

  • Kensington Wall/Auto/Air Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port (SKU K33403US): Not only does this power adapter work with your notebook, but it also powers your mobile devices, no matter where you are. This all-in-one design powers your notebook at your home/office, in the car or in the air. It also features a built-in USB power port for powering up additional devices with Kensington USB Power Tips (sold separately). Includes a wall plug, notebook power tips and a travel pouch. Suggested retail price: $139.99.


  • Kensington Wall Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port (SKU K33402US): Providing reliable power for both notebooks and mobile devices, the adapter features a built-in USB power port for charging your mobile phone, smartphone, iPod, MP3 player and more, using Kensington USB Power Tips (sold separately). Includes a wall plug, notebook power tips and a travel pouch. Suggested retail price: $99.99.


  • Kensington Wall Notebook Power Adapter (SKU K33404US): Like the other new Kensington notebook power adapters, this adapter features color-coded notebook tips, with LED verification, for simplified set-up. Also, because they are compatible with most leading notebooks, Kensington notebook power adapters provide the industry's best compatibility. Includes a wall plug and notebook power tips. Suggested retail price: $79.99.


  • Kensington Auto Power Adapter with USB Power Port (SKU K33418US): Compact, simple and easy-to-use, the Kensington Auto Power Adapter with USB Power Port plugs into a cigarette lighter to power your mobile devices in your car. Simply swap in a Kensington USB Power Tip (sold separately), and this space-saving power adapter can replace multiple chargers. Suggested retail price: $9.99.

The 11 new USB Power Tip packs make it easy to power mobile devices. Use them with the new Kensington notebook power adapters, the USB port on your notebook, or the Kensington Auto Power Adapter. Included are five power tip packs specifically for mobile phones, three tips for PDAs/smartphones, two for media players and one for entertainment/games. Each pack includes a retractable USB cable. Suggested retail price: $14.99.

The Kensington USB Power Tip packs support the following brands:

  • Mobile phones—Motorola®, Nokia®, Samsung®, LG and Sony® Ericsson
  • PDAs/smartphones--Blackberry® and Palm®
  • Media players--iPod® and Creative® MP3/media players
  • Entertainment--Sony® PSP® and Nintendo® Game Boy®

The Kensington Wall/Auto/Air Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port (SKU K33403US), Kensington Wall Notebook Power Adapter with USB Power Port (SKU K33402US), Kensington Wall Notebook Power Adapter (SKU K33404US), Kensington Auto Power Adapter with USB Power Port (SKU K33418US), and 11 USB Power Tip packs will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com starting on June 12, 2007 and at all other resellers including Best Buy, Circuit City and Kensington.com in late June.

For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington Power it products, please visit kensington.com.

Kensington®
Smart Made Simple (www.kensington.com)

When you think mobile computing accessories, think Kensington. We put innovation, creativity and reliability into every product we make, from mobile power to notebook security to iPod® accessories. Wherever technology takes you, go with Kensington solutions, a worldwide leader in mobile computing. Kensington Computer Products Group, headquartered in Redwood Shores, California, is the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ABD), a world leader in branded office products, with annual revenues of nearly $2 billion and products marketed in more than 100 countries across the globe. For more information visit the Kensington web site at kensington.com or call toll-free 1-800-235-6708.

Kensington is a registered trademark of ACCO Brands. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the US and other countries. All other registered and unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

©2007 Kensington Computer Products Group, a division of ACCO Brands. All rights reserved.

For more information contact:
Connecting Point Communications
Tanya Jeffers
415-897-0999 direct
415-720-6456 mobile
tjeffers@cpcomm.com