Kensington Broadens Its PC Accessory Lines

By Lisa Johnston On Jul 21 2008 - 6:00am

Kensington broadened its lines of PC accessories last month, launching more than two dozen products.

Connect it: Headlining the product introductions was the ShareCentral family of devices that enable users to share multiple USB devices between two computers. Part of the company's "Connect it" line, the ShareCentral is offered in three configurations, with the number of USB devices they can connect displayed in the product name: the ShareCentral 5 ($79.99), ShareCentral 2 ($59.99) and ShareCentral 1 ($39.99). All three configurations are plug-and-play.

The devices feature LED lights that indicate which computer has access. All USB ports are independently controlled by a button, said Kensington, and assignable to either computer. Interchangeable, magnetic keycaps come with each button to personalize the user's device.

Control it: Kensington introduced two wireless mice as part of this line. One, the SlimBlade Bluetooth presenter mouse, follows the notebook's sleep and wake modes for optimal battery efficiency, while the other, an ultraportable Ci95m wireless mouse, boasts a "plug and stay" nano receiver for travel. The SlimBlade has a $59.99 suggested retail, and the Ci95 retails for a suggested $39.99.

Optimize it: Three aluminum mounts were added to this line — the Column Mount Monitor Arm ($149) is engineered with the company's SmartFit System, designed to reduce eye and neck strain. The Column Mount Extended Monitor Arm ($179) comes with dual pivot points designed for flexible mobility, and the Column Mount Notebook Monitor Dual Arm ($259) reportedly holds both notebook and an additional monitor at a comfortable eye level. Both of these arms also feature the SmartFit System.

Secure it: Kensington also enhanced its family of ComboSaver combination notebook locks. The locks now offer three different cable thicknesses — one version (the ComboSaver Combination Portable notebook lock) was created to be taken with the user in his backpack, and the other two models (the ComboSaver Combination notebook lock and ComboSaver Combination notebook lock Ultra) are engineered to lock the notebook in an office or dorm.

The lock heads have been "slenderized to be in greater design harmony with the newer slimmer notebooks," said the company. Features include a reset tool that allows the combination to be changed only by the user and not by accident, and a combination with easy-view window and comfort-grip dials.

The Portable version of the locks has a self-coiling cable that extends from 3 inches to 6 feet. It's offered in steel and red.

The Combination version comes with a keyless four-wheel combination lock and 3.5mm-thick steel cable, while the Ultra has a 5.5mm-thick carbon-tempered steel cable.

The company said its patented Kensington Security Slot is found in 99 percent of notebook computers.

The ComboSaver Combination Portable has a suggested retail of $24.99, while the Combination and Combination Ultra are $29.99 and $39.99, respectively. All three are currently available.

Optimize it: Two adjustable wrist rests that can be altered from soft to firm were debuted; the Versatile line of rests also can be linked together for length preference or for use under separate elbows. One version, designed for mice, retails for a suggested $9.99, while a keyboard version rings at $18.99. Both are available in black and avocado green.

Carry it: Seven notebook cases joined this line last month, all designed for use with 15.4-inch laptops. Introductions included:

• SP100 Classic roller ($79.99);

• SP40 Classic case ($39.99);

• SP20 Classic backpack ($29.99);

• SP10 Classic sleeve ($17.99);

• SP80 Deluxe case ($49.99);

• SP30 case ($29.99); and

• SP15 neoprene sleeve ($24.99).

Power it: Finally, this line saw an addition with a new portable power outlet. The company's portable power outlet features wall outlets on both sides and contains two USB power ports. Suggested retail is $24.99.

All of the products mentioned in the story are currently available.