3/25/2003

New SkyRunner Contour Computer Case, Designed by Ergonomic Experts, Helps Reduce Stress and Fatigue with Unique Innovations, Including Sculpted Hip Panel and Shock-Absorbing Strap

Kensington Technology Group, maker of the award-winning Saddlebag™ and Liberator™ computer bags, introduced today the first truly ergonomic laptop case for mobile professionals. The new Kensington SkyRunner Contour Laptop Carrying Case, developed with input from certified ergonomists, was designed from the ground up to help significantly reduce the stress and fatigue associated with carrying conventional computer cases, while providing new levels of organization and protection for valuable laptops, accessories, and other business essentials

The SkyRunner Contour computer case is loaded with unique ergonomic features, including a sculpted, padded hip panel that moves the weight of the case toward the center of your body, helping to keep your back and neck straight. Also, a shock-absorbing shoulder strap made of a special material keeps the case snugly in place, and contoured, rigid handles distribute weight evenly across your hand. All of these features are designed to significantly help alleviate stress and fatigue. In fact, data collected by the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina, a leading source of ergonomic research dedicated to advancing the science of ergonomics in the workplace, indicated that carrying the SkyRunner Contour computer case required nearly 35 percent less muscle activity from shoulder muscles compared to other computer cases in its class

In addition to its ergonomics, the SkyRunner Contour computer case provides unprecedented protection and organization with a smart layout of front pockets, top-loading file compartments, and a separate pocket for airplane tickets or your passport - all designed to keep things neat, while providing easy access to everything. A Kensington SnugFit™ Laptop Protection compartment uses elastic stretch materials and a thick layer of padding to create a snug, form-fitting space that "envelopes" your laptop, keeping it safe and secure during transport. The SkyRunner Contour is also durable, with an exterior made of 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon™, which exceeds military standards for durability and performance.

Incorporating ergonomic principals in the design of products that employees use has become increasingly important to businesses that realize the direct correlation between comfort and productivity in work environments. In fact, 60 percent of all workers in the U.S. experience at least one type of physical symptom on a weekly basis, more than half of which are related to back or neck pain (Kensington Stress Survey, 1998). As a result, U.S. businesses spend more than $20 billion annually on stress-related injuries (OSHA). Add to this the lost work time associated with such injuries, and the financial benefits of ergonomics to business are obvious.

"Creating a new computer case that looks great is one thing, but developing a new concept that truly helps reduce the discomfort of carrying a conventional computer case is a unique achievement," said Don Angel, Vice President of Product Management at Kensington Technology Group. "Working to incorporate ergonomics into our products has been a priority at Kensington for a long time, and being able to realize those principles in the development of SkyRunner Contour, with real and specific input from certified ergonomic experts, is very satisfying."

About The Ergonomics Center of North Carolina

The Ergonomics Center provides occupational ergonomics consulting, training programs, and cost-effective ergonomic solutions for corporations, facilities, and individuals to support and enhance a company's ergonomics efforts. The Center provides a full range of consultative and training services tailored to meet specific ergonomic needs and corporate goals. With over 45 years of combined experience in ergonomics research, consulting, and training, the Center understands the challenges of managing ergonomics and minimizing ergonomic risk factors in today's complex industrial and office environments.

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.