SwissGear Begins Rolling Out First Hardware Line
By John Laposky -- TWICE, 8/6/2007
TINTON FALLS, N.J. — A line of notebook computer accessories is being introduced under the SwissGear brand. The venerable Swiss Army cross badge first appears on two wireless mobile mouse models, shipping this month.
The brand is being licensed by Avenues In Leather, based here, from Wenger N.A., based in Orangeburg, N.Y. Wenger is one of two marketers of the Swiss brand, the other being Victorinox, based in Switzerland.
The brand has had a toehold in the CE accessories market with a line of SwissGear computer backpacks and briefcases, but this is the brand's first appearance on hardware products.
More accessoriess products "exclusively geared to the mobile professional market" will roll out in the coming months, Donna Silbert, marketing and product development VP at Avenues In Leather, told TWICE. The intention is to establish SwissGear as a broadline accessories brand specializing in wireless and mobile products.
The two mouse models, the Spyder five-button wireless laser mouse and the Daytona II five-button wireless optical mouse, feature USB receivers that snap into the bottom of the mouse. and ergonomically designed side grips. Both use two AAA batteries and have low-battery indicator lights. Each weighs 2.5 ounces.
The Spyder comes in "Swiss Army" red or black right-handed designs. The Daytona II is offered in four colors — electric blue, fire red, rival and black — and comes in left-handed or right-handed models.
The Spyder has a suggested retail of $39.99 and the Daytona II is $29.99.
The Swiss brand has its root in a Switzerland cutlery factory established in 1893. The brand appears on knives, hand tools, watches and outdoor gear.
