1/7/2010

smart made simple(tm) Design Lets Mobile Users Go Greener, Using Eco-Friendly Power

Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in mobile computing accessories, today announced two smartly engineered and environmentally-friendly, ENERGY STAR® qualified Laptop Power Adapters. These new products are especially suitable for eco-savvy mobile users as they simultaneously charge multiple devices in addition to a laptop, while still using an average of 30% less energy than standard adaptersⁱ . Kensington's new Smart Power? solutions offer superior smart made simple designs to direct modern industry standards for accessorizing ultra-thin laptops and encourage energy conservation for a healthier planet.

The new ultra-compact power adapters are 43% smaller and 32% lighter than conventional adapters. Both feature the added value of built-in USB ports to charge additional devices such as mobile phones or music players. Kensington's multifunctional products bring users a new advantage to carry fewer chargers with them on the go and help reduce the number of chargers used per household. The environmentally-sound ENERGY STAR® certified power adapters even feature 100% recyclable packaging built from up to 75% post consumer recycled material.

ENERGY STAR® reportsⁱⁱ as many as 1.5 billion power adapters are in use within the U.S., an average of about five per person. The heavy usage results in as much as 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) spent per year in energy consumption, or about 11% of the national electric bill. Current U.S. averageⁱⁱⁱ cost of electricity is 12 cents per kWh. By using 30% less energy, the nation could potentially save as much as 90 billion kWh/year, a monetary equivalent of up to $10.8 billion or $94 per US household^iv.

"With so many charging devices being used without consideration to their impact on the planet, Kensington is proud to offer environmentally responsible solutions that can still meet and exceed our customers' needs," said Bonni Silverman, Regional Product Manager, Kensington. "Our products are built to not only help reduce the amount of wasted of energy per household, but to also surpass the performance of standard power adapters for an improved user experience."

Kensington Ultra Compact Notebook Adapters Deliver on Smart Power?
You'll save energy, space in your travel bag and have fewer chargers to pack with these Kensington ENERGY STAR® qualified laptop power adapters. The ultra thin and light adapters are 43% smaller, 32% lighter, and even use an average of 30% less energy than conventional power adapters^v. Both feature a built in USB power port to charge your laptop and other mobile devices, eliminating the need to carry multiple chargers.

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The Kensington Wall Ultra Compact Notebook Power Adapter (SKU K38066US; SRP $99.99) includes a retractable mini USB charging cable and micro USB adapter tip. The Kensington Wall/Air Ultra Compact Notebook Power Adapter (SKU K38067US; SRP $119.99) includes a travel pack with airline charging cable, retractable mini USB charging cable, micro USB adapter tip and travel pouch. Compatible with top selling laptop computers brands such as HP®/Compaq®, Dell®, Acer®, Toshiba®, Lenovo®/IBM®, Sony®, Gateway®, and Asus® Feature built-in protection from over voltage, current, temperature, and short circuit

Notes to editors

About Kensington

Kensington is a leading provider of desktop and mobile device accessories, trusted by IT, educators, business and home office professionals around the world for more than 35 years. Kensington products empower people to dynamically interact with content, creating a better working experience for productive performance. In both office and mobile environments, Kensington’s extensive portfolio of award-winning products provides trusted security, desktop productivity innovations, and ergonomic well-being. Our core competencies in engineering, industrial design, product quality and responsive customer support make Kensington The Professionals’ Choice^™.

Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Kensington operates as the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Kensington is the inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks, the acknowledged leader of Trackball innovation and offers a broad range of premium-branded desktop productivity solutions.