Maxell Ties Battery Charger To Digital Cameras

LAS VEGAS— Following a spate of new product debuts for the new year, Maxell Corp. of America followed up earlier introductions with show presentations here at International CES.

For one, Maxell is offering battery charger kit, P2003, for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) AA and AAA batteries, which is geared specifically to digital camera applications. "No one markets package design that calls out digital cameras," said product manager for consumer batteries, Armando Silva, about the charger kit's digital camera icon and copy reading, "Get More Pictures From Your Digital Camera" on the package.

Called the Maxell Nickel-Metal Hydride Digital Camera Charge Kit, the unit charges four 2100 mAh AA batteries at a time, as well as AAA cells. The charger, which will have a $29.99 suggested retail, will be available at the end of the first quarter. The package is designed to hang horizontally on J-hooks, mainly because digital camera plannograms cater to a horizontal setup.

For users who mark media discs with permanent pen and ink, Maxell has found a way to erase all traces of past writing. Its Permanent Marker Eraser, CD/P-ER, is an erase-labeling pen that writes over previous words, dissolving the ink, which can be wiped away with a tissue or cloth.

Maxell, which claims an exclusive, and a first in the United States for the erase-labeling pen, plans to open new business in stationery sections of stores with the item. The pen, plus products such as labeling kits, are naturals for stationery sales, said Maxell. Suggested retail for the Permanent Market Eraser is $2.99, and availability is March.

In resurrecting an old product for a new go-around, Fair Lawn, N.J.-based Maxell is bringing out 8mm Head Cleaner, VP-203, and VHS-C Head Cleaner, VP-202. The products, which earlier were in production, then dropped, now have a new need, said Maxell. Suggested retail is $8.99 each.

In headphones, Maxell will be introducing HP-550, a collapsible full-ear cup headphone, said to offer comfort with its full cup and ease of travel because it is foldable. The digital unit offers volume control with a mute button and adjustable and lockable headband. Suggested retail is $16.99, and availability is set for the first quarter.