8/18/2008

smart made simple™ Design Makes Your External Monitor, Audio Speakers and USB Peripherals Spring to Life as Your Wireless USB Enabled Notebook Gets Within Range of The Docking Station

Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart made simple computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced that it is the first company to ship a USB-IF certified Wireless USB universal docking station. The Kensington Wireless USB Docking Station will be available at www.dell.com later this month.

Wireless USB enabled laptops are becoming increasingly popular and affordable. A recent In-Stat report estimated that just under 100,000 Wireless USB devices shipped in 2007, but projects that this number will grow to more than 190 million devices by 2012. Until now, there has been no available gateway to take advantage of the wireless capabilities between them and standard USB peripherals, requiring users to continue plugging and unplugging their external monitor, audio speakers, printer, keyboard, mouse, hard drive and other devices into their laptop ports each time they settle into their workplace. Now, the Kensington Wireless USB Docking Station brings all the convenience of a wireless connection to standard USB devices, audio speakers and even an external monitor which simply need to be plugged into the dock once, so users can save time and work comfortably without being tethered to a desk space.

"We are pleased to see Kensington continue the innovation of Wireless USB products with the introduction of a Wireless USB Docking Station," said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President. "This solution provides a new usage scenario that supports workstation functionality while enhancing consumers need for convenience, productivity and mobility in the home or office environment."

The Kensington Wireless USB Docking Station is a universal docking station that works with all Wireless USB-enabled laptop PCs. It has five USB ports, a DVI-I, and a speaker port to connect to peripherals, an external monitor and speakers. The wireless connection between the dock and Wireless USB-enabled laptop brings wireless connectivity to the home or office environment, empowering users to stay connected to their devices. There is no complicated set up required and cable clutter is eliminated.

"Our entire smart made simple design philosophy is about giving users the easiest, most intuitive computing experience," said Frederic Frappereau, Global Product Manager, Kensington. "We're especially proud to be the first to introduce a universal wireless docking station because nothing could be easier or more intuitive than having your accessories spring to life as you approach them with your laptop. We know that Wireless USB laptop users are extremely busy mobile professionals who appreciate every efficiency they can gain, so they can stay productive at all times."

"As an early adopter of Wireless USB technology, Dell now offers it as an option on several consumer and commercial laptops and mobile workstations," said Ryan Salm, of Dell's wireless product management team. "The advent of complementary products like the Wireless USB Docking Station from Kensington not only contributes to a clean, clutter free desktop, but further enhances mobility and productivity."

• First USBIF certified Wireless USB Enabled Docking Station to Market
  Kensington introduces the Wireless USB Docking Station (SKU K33920US) to get the most out of your new Wireless USB enabled laptop by efficiently connecting to your existing USB peripherals without having to plug and unplug anything in your work environment. Always ready to go, the Kensington Wireless USB Docking Station conveniently allows an instant and seamless connection of your peripherals to your laptop as soon as it is within range. Unlike OEM docks, this is a universal docking solution that works with all Wireless USB-enabled laptops, no matter the brand.

Key Features Include

• Ease of use and convenience - After the initial easy pairing process, the laptop automatically connects to the docking station as soon as it comes into range, instantly bringing your external monitor, audio speakers and USB devices to life, saving the time and hassle of plugging and un-plugging peripherals for increased productivity.
• Easy accessibility - Works with all Wireless USB-enabled laptops. Added comfort of being able to work in an unconfined position unlike traditional tethered docks. The Kensington Wireless USB Docking Station is a wireless gateway between your new Wireless USB laptop and legacy USB devices: any device plugged into the wireless docking station can be controlled by your paired laptop wirelessly.
• DualView technology - Push a button to access second monitor in mirror or extended view mode to easily extend your desktop and increase productivity; DVI connection provides sharper images.
• Speaker connectivity - Connect external speakers to get better sound quality.
• Desktop clutter reduced - Reduces cable clutter with wireless connection between dock and laptop.

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.