Anaheim, Calif. – Targus today unleashed a fall
barrage of new products to the market – around 30 SKUs of cases, bags, sleeves
and PC accessories – sporting a new brand ID logo and redesigned packaging.
The new brand ID “represents the company’s evolution from
its origins as a purely corporate-focused brand,” according to Targus.
“The company’s consumer-focused design approach has been
incorporated into our new logo, brand ID, packaging, Web site and, most
importantly, our new line of laptop cases and accessories launching
today,” said Mike Hoopis, president/CEO of Targus. “With laptops and
netbooks becoming the primary interface for how people around the world
interact, Targus sought to embrace this evolution by designing an entire line
of accessories and cases that support consumers as they navigate through the
blurred lines of learning, working, sharing and playing.”
Bob Shortt, sales and marketing senior VP, added: “Based on
an intuitive, minimalistic design, the new packaging serves a dual purpose: its
small form factor supports the company’s effort to be more eco-conscious while
still allowing shoppers to actively engage with the product,”
The new packaging will showcase several new lines of computer
cases that will become available in October.
The Hughes collection, designed for the “sophisticated
urbanite,” comes in black and includes a roller, top-loading laptop case,
and slipcases for laptops and netbooks.
The roller and laptop cases include an integrated laptop
protection system, which provides three layers of protection for shock
absorption, water-resistant fabrics, stain-guard coating, oil-tanned leather
accents, micro-suede scratch-resistant pockets and a reinforced Hypalon bottom.
The 15.6-inch Hughes roller (model TER013US) will retail for $169
and features a hidden garment section for overnight trips, a three-tier
telescoping handle and in-line skate wheels for optimal navigation. The
15.6-inch laptop case (TET029US) will retail for $109 and includes a
padded/adjustable shoulder strap and luggage trolley strap.
A 15.6-inch laptop slipcase (TES004US, $89.99) and a 10.2-inch
netbook slipcase (TES003US, $69.99), offered in black oil-tanned leather
material, fill out the line.
Also new, the Commuter collection features two black leather
briefcases for 16-inch (TET027US) and 17-inch (TET028US) laptops. Both cases
include a water-resistant leather exterior, padded laptop compartment with
shock-absorbing foam, structured leather-wrapped handles, stain-resistant blue
interior lining, reinforced luggage strap and pockets for storage. The 16-inch
Commuter case retails for $69.99, and the 17-inch version retails for $79.99.
Targus’ new A7 cases are designed for those with an active lifestyle.
The black neoprene water-resistant A7 cases sport the Targus Tri-Cell cushion
system, which reportedly protects against bumps while providing air
ventilation. The slipcases come in four sizes: 15.6-inch (TSS108US) and 16-inch
(TSS127US) for laptops, 10.2-inch (TSS109US) and 12-inch (TSS126US) for
netbooks. The laptop slipcases will be $29.99, netbook slipcases, $24.99.
Two new fashion-forward lines, the Crave and Phobos collections,
were also introduced today.
The Crave collection features a cushioned design reminiscent of a
plush ski jacket. The cases are made of water- and stain-resistant nylon
material with a scratch-resistant microfiber interior. The Crave cases are
available in three styles: a 16-inch backpack (TSB158US, $49.99), a 15.6-inch
Slipcase (TSS113US, $29.99) and 10.2-inch netbook case (TSS112US, $29.99).
The Phobos 10.2-inch netbook case (TSS114US, $24.99) evokes the
finish of acid-washed jeans. The front compartment expands for added storage
space and includes a strong magnetic closure and adjustable shoulder strap with
two side buckles.
All the new case lines are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Targus also announced a new family of laptop accessories,
including five mice, three presenters, two USB hubs, two keypads and two laptop-cooling
devices.
“The new line reflects a major investment Targus has made to
better understand the user’s needs and preferences when using their laptop at
work, home, school and play,” said Carolyn Perrier, accessories VP.
“With the laptop becoming such an integral part of our lives, we took a
very consumer-centric approach to the design of the new products and invested
in consumer desires that make a real difference.”
Some of the new consumer-centric touches incorporated into the
new line include comfort-grip sides on mice, low-power indicator lights,
Energizer Max batteries bundled with wireless accessories, and a cushioned
exterior on the cooling devices for comfort.
New mice models include the Targus Bluetooth Comfort laser mouse
(AMB09US, $39.99), the Targus wireless Comfort laser mouse (AMW51US, $39.99),
the wireless optical mouse (AMW50US, $29.99) and the Targus cord-storing optical
mouse (AMU76US, $19.99).
New presenter devices include the laser presentation remote
(AMP13US, $49.99) and the multimedia presentation remote (AMP09US, $69.99)
which feature KeyLock technology that locks non-essential buttons when not
needed to help eliminate accidental button presses, an integrated laser
pointer, and a backup battery compartment that stores an emergency battery.
Among other new Targus products announced: two laptop-cooling
devices, new USB 2.0 hubs and numeric keypads for laptops.
