Kensington Announces Ci Lifestyle Collection

June 12, 2007 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in mobile computing accessories, today announced six additions to its industry-leading "Control it” line of notebook mice and desktop sets aimed at the mobile professional. The mice and desktop set are part of the company's new Ci Lifestyle Collection, the first line of computer accessories designed to fit consumers' lifestyles and the environments in which they compute. The Kensington Ci Lifestyle Collection features thinly-designed, space-saving computing accessories with intelligent features, providing both style and functionality.

The company's product design philosophy is "Smart Made Simple”. "Our guiding principle is to give users just what they want or need and nothing more,” said Juan Rodriguez, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. "The new Kensington Ci Lifestyle Collection is one of the best representations to date of 'Smart Made Simple', with accessories that are intuitive and easy-to-use while still meeting specific needs.”

In a recent study commissioned by Kensington, quality and function were listed as the most important factors when making a notebook accessory purchasing decision. Style, however, is also becoming increasingly important to consumers. In fact, 26% of the respondents cited "lifestyle fit” as a primary purchase driver, with only 22% naming price. This same study revealed that input devices such as notebook mice are also purchased for use in the home workspace.

The Ci Lifestyle Collection is based on extensive one-on-one research conducted by Kensington to gain a comprehensive understanding of target users and their needs and behaviors. Consumers made it clear that they want less clutter and complexity and more style. At the same time, wireless solutions, which do eliminate clutter and are easy to use, are often seen as being less reliable.

The Kensington Ci Lifestyle Collection product development strategy is based on consumers and their needs. "Our 'product pillars' are key,” Rodriguez said. "And they make this product line uniquely tailored to meet our target market's needs.” The Ci Lifestyle Collection pillars include:

• Thin design – a slim profile (25-35% thinner than a standard notebook mouse) and sleek appearance
  
• Back-up power – to ensure reliability and functionality when wireless usage is not permitted
  
• Sleep state – for quick set-up while optimizing desk space and conserving power
  

Because the Ci Lifestyle Collection is based on what consumers require, "it fits your workspace as well as it fits your life,” Rodriguez said. "This is the first line of computer accessories designed to fit your lifestyle and your work environment. These products do more than just fit in—they are thin in profile and big on features, meeting your needs whether you're on the road or in your home workspace.”

"The mobile professional wants a solution that is well-designed, with emphasis on appearance and fit. Our Ci Lifestyle Collection meets these needs, with sleek, modern-design products that feel good, look good and travel easily. In addition, their features are provided in a unique way,” Rodriguez explained. Mobile professionals do not want bulky accessories, and they need solutions that work anywhere—at home, at a desk, at local meetings or when they are out of town. "These ultra-thin mice are designed to fit your hand, your workspace and your travel bag, so you can work wherever you are,” he said.

The Ci Lifestyle Collection from Kensington Includes

• Kensington Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set (SKU K64391US): The Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set has been designed to fit your home workspace. Its low-profile design and a footprint 40% smaller than standard multimedia keyboards optimize your workspace. The mouse docks into the keyboard when not in use, saving both space and battery power. The keyboard folds back when not in use, revealing a photo frame. This eliminates clutter while providing an opportunity to personalize the workspace. Suggested retail price: $79.99.
  
• Kensington Ci70 Wireless Mouse (SKU K72276US): Comfort, portability and good looks all come together with the Ci70 Wireless Mouse. A design up to 35% thinner than a standard mouse helps the Ci70 optimize desk space and travel easily. However, this sleek styling also helps the product fit right in at home. An added benefit is the automatic sleep state, which conserves battery power when the device is not in use. Suggested retail price: $34.99.
  
• Kensington Ci70LE Wireless Mouse (SKU K72275US): Designed to "click” with your sense of style, this rouge-colored mouse looks great in your home workspace. Its sleek design features whimsical bubbles inspired by current home décor trends and is up to 35% thinner than that of a standard mouse, facilitating travel and optimizing desk space. Suggested retail price: $39.99.
  
• Kensington Ci75m Wireless Notebook Mouse (SKU K72278US, black, and SKU K72288US, orange): Offered in two stylish colors, the attractive Ci75m Wireless Notebook Mouse, as reflected throughout the Ci Lifestyle Collection, is thin in profile and big on features. The back-up power feature offers a wired option for use in airplanes and other wireless-restricted environments or when your batteries are running low. Another key benefit is that the cord stows inside the mouse for easy travel. Suggested retail price: $34.99.
  
• Kensington Ci85m QuickStart Wireless Notebook Mouse (SKU K72287US): With instant set-up and its ultra-thin profile, the Ci85m Wireless Notebook Mouse is the ideal travel companion to your notebook computer. Simply turn on your notebook and the Ci85m will instantly and wirelessly connect through its ExpressCard® receiver. When you're done, the ultra-thin Ci85m packs easily and travels light. The Ci85m also features back-up power, providing an alternative to batteries and for those environments which prohibit wireless use. Suggested retail price: $39.99.
  

The Kensington Ci70 Wireless Desktop Set (SKU K64391US), Ci70 Wireless Mouse (SKU K72276US), Ci70LE Wireless Mouse (SKU K72275US), Ci75m Wireless Notebook Mouse (SKU K72278US, K72288US), and Ci85m QuickStart Wireless Notebook Mouse (SKU K72287US) will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com starting on June 12, 2007 and at all other resellers including Apple stores, Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA, Dell and Fry's starting in late June.

For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington Control it products, please visit kensington.com.

SOURCE Kensington

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