11/8/2006
Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in mobile computing accessories, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of delivering innovative products that make the connection between you and your computer more enjoyable and productive.
"This year we are celebrating our 'silver' anniversary of being in business. Twenty-five years is a lifetime for many technology companies, and this milestone is a great testament to our past and present employees and to our customers worldwide," said Boris Elisman, President of Kensington. "A walk through Kensington's 25 years of innovative product offerings is like viewing the mobile computing industry's evolution in action. We're proud to be at the leading edge of enabling consumer adoption of the industry's greatest hits."
"We congratulate Kensington on this milestone anniversary and are delighted to share in the celebration," said David Campbell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ACCO Brands Corporation. "This is a great tribute to the company and Kensington will undoubtedly continue to be an innovator for many more years to come."
At the office, in the home, or on the move, Kensington computer accessories offer practicality, creativity and inspiration together in a comprehensive line of products that delight users and create lifelong customers. Founded in 1981 by Philip Damiano and Andrew Newmark, Kensington has evolved into a company whose products are recognized worldwide for their ingenuity, superior quality and reliability. Currently, the company provides over 400 accessories for laptop and desktop computers as well as iPod music players to consumers in 39 countries on six continents.
Innovative Products for Every Generation of Computer Users
1980's
Kensington was founded in 1981 -- a year of new concepts. The first woman nominated to the US Supreme Court, music television launched with MTV, Lady Diana married Prince Charles--- and that same year, Kensington launched its first product, the System Saver, a combined cooling fan/surge protector for the Apple II which became an instant hit selling 200,000 units. From there, Kensington was propelled into the marketplace.
1990's
Kensington predicts that laptop theft will become a major problem for corporate America and invents a simple, universal security solution with the Kensington security slot and the MicroSaver® laptop security cable locks. Today, 99% of all name brand laptop computers as well as many flat panel monitors, projectors, desktop computers and other devices are equipped with the Kensington security slot.
Another first for Kensington was the Expert Mouse 4.0, the first trackball to completely integrate hardware and software. Today, the Expert Mouse and Expert Mouse Wireless remain Kensington's best selling trackballs and incorporate best in mouse technology such as DiamondEye tracking for superior accuracy and the award-winning Scroll Ring for precise fingertip scrolling.
The year 1999 saw Kensington launch 34 new products, expanding its product portfolio to better answer the growing needs of the business professional on the go. Among these products were the Kensington FlyLight®, the first USB Notebook Light and a new line of laptop computer cases.
Year 2000 and Beyond
Since the company's inception 25 years ago, Kensington has grown to become the #1 seller in the world of physical laptop security products and a recognized market leader in mobile computing accessories. Some of Kensington's recent awards include the 2005 and 2006 CES Innovations Award, IDG's Best of Playlist Award as well as the highly coveted Consumer Digest Best Buy Seal of Approval.
In 2005, Kensington entered the growing iPod accessory market with the introduction of an FM Transmitter/Auto Charger. Today, the company offers iPod enthusiasts nearly 20 iPod related accessories to choose from, including FM transmitters, speakers and docks, and the Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Auto Charger consistently ranks #1 in sales on both Apple.com and Amazon.com1.
Most recently, Kensington entered the emerging market of Internet communications to address the increasing needs of the consumers who want to use their laptops/computers to access voice communications to conduct business calls or stay in touch with family and friends around the world. The Kensington Vo300 USB Internet Speakerphone was introduced in September 2006 with the promise to simplifying voice calls made over the Internet.
As a leader in mobile computing accessories, Kensington continues to interpret cutting-edge technology to create "smart made simple" products that are a true value add to customers who want to stay productive and connected while on the go.
"Over the past 25 years, Kensington has made substantial advancements and we have grown significantly as a company," said Elisman. "The next 25 years will bring exciting developments and we will continue to place great emphasis on understanding the needs of our customers, and solving those needs with innovative, yet simple technology products."
To find out more about Kensington's 25th Anniversary, please log onto http://www.25.kensington.com
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.