They are two new Kesington Universal Notebook Docking Stations, both powered by the DisplayLink DL-195USB graphics processor. That means that your notebook graphic card would not be used. The DL-195USB will process all the graphics and send it to your monitor, so your build-in fancy GPU will sit idling and whistling.

The $149.99 K33926US can connect to DVI or VGA monitors at that resolution, providing with Ethernet connectivity at the same time. The $129.99 K33930US will do the same, sans the Ethernet. [Kensington ]

There are more than a few iPhone/iPod battery packs floating around these days, but Kensington's gone and thrown one in with its new $70 charging dock.

The err, adventurously named 'Kensington Charging Dock with Mini Battery Pack' comes with its own mini battery that charges next to your dock-compatible iPhone/iPod. Kensington claims it'll provide an extra 30 hours of music or 6 hours of video on an 3rd generation iPod Nano, and an extra 3 hours of talk time on an iPhone.

Kinda cool, but enough to make you excited for yet another iPod dock?
[Kensington via Engadget]

When combined with the free Kensington Rise&Shine iPhone app—which shows the time and the weather—it converts your iPhone into a retro-looking bedside alarm clock. Maybe a way too expensive at $40, but it's a good idea. [Kensington and Rise&Shine App via Geeky Gadgets]

With all functionality now integrated into the ball, users can control all the many interface functions that support navigation, media control adjustments, document and photo browsing with the rotation of the ball. And the low profile stationary design with its ruby red ball sitting atop a sleek gunmetal gray base is visually striking, takes up minimal desk space, and enables a relaxed and comfortable user experience, without the need of a wrist pad.

Is the trackball poised for a comeback in an era of touchscreens? I can see how a trackball could make handling digital content easier than a standard mouse, but there is a $130 barrier to entry when the device is released at the end of January.

Kensington Announces New SlimBlade(TM) TrackBall – Now "The Ball Does It All”
To Turn Savvy Digital Lifestyle Users Into "Smooth Operators”
smart made simple(TM) Breakthrough Design Provides One-Touch User Interface for Navigation, Media Controls and Document, Photos Browsing

Redwood Shores, Calif. – January 6, 2009 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart made simple computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced its SlimBlade Trackball for the Mac and PC that brings a whole new level of control, comfort and ease to today's digital savvy users. Kensington's breakthrough design combines hardware and software into one integrated interface for smooth operation allowing users, for the first time ever, to navigate and manipulate digital content through the ball itself. With all functionality now integrated into the ball, users can control all the many interface functions that support navigation, media control adjustments, document and photo browsing with the rotation of the ball. And the low profile stationary design with its ruby red ball sitting atop a sleek gunmetal gray base is visually striking, takes up minimal desk space, and enables a relaxed and comfortable user experience, without the need of a wrist pad.

The SlimBlade Trackball is the latest offering in Kensington's award-winning SlimBlade collection of smart and sleek computer accessories. The unique heads up display user interface shows users – right on the computer screen itself - which mode or function is enabled. This first-ever melding of hardware and software means that a user's hand never needs to leave the ball and their eyes never need to leave the computer screen. This revolutionary design allows users to focus on enjoying their digital content – not on the interface – and is especially valuable for providing instant feedback for immersive experiences. Navigation mode controls the cursor and scrolling; Media mode controls volume, play/pause, stop and next, while View mode zooms in/out and pans for accurate and efficient photo editing.

Recent CEA research shows that over 70% of the applications used in the home are centered on entertainment, music and media. Trackballs have long been used in the workplace, but as digitally-savvy families are taking advantage of the broad range of Internet-based sharing and entertainment capabilities and increasing the quantity of home computing activities, early Kensington research shows that the trackball is about to become the device of choice for personal use.

"Our Kensington SlimBlade Trackball is a true standout that should become a 'must have' for today's digital lifestyle-savvy consumers,” said Juan Rodriguez, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. "We have been known for our trackball leadership for 25 years, so it is only natural that we would be the ones to accomplish this breakthrough user interface, where 'now, the ball does it all'. And it fits perfectly into our award-winning smart made simple SlimBlade Collection. This product is going to set a new standard for the computer/user relationship from the moment it comes to market.”

The Kensington SlimBlade Trackball

SlimBlade Trackball (SKU K72327US) – Your computing experience just got smoother. With the Kensington SlimBlade Trackball, you'll surf web pages faster, flow through your MP3 library more easily, and zoom in and out of your photographs efficiently with complete and seamless control at your fingertips. Suggested Retail Price: $129.99

Key Features Include:

• Expand your digital media experience – The multi-function ball lets you easily navigate through your music, pictures, and documents with Media or View mode while the heads-up display allows you to keep your eyes on the screen by showing which function is being performed
• Do it all without taking your hand off the ball– Gain fingertip access to image and media controls as well as control the cursor and scrolling; volume, play/pause, stop, and next; zoom in/out, and pan, all with the ball
• Comfortable for hours – The low-profile shape and sleek stationary design keeps users comfortable while eliminating the need for a wrist pad and saving desktop space
• Mac & PC compatible – Including Mac OS® 10.5X, Windows Vista® and Windows® XP

Designed for Use With:

• Web Browsers – Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Apple® Safari®
• Graphics – Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop® Elements, Lightroom®, Apple® iPhoto®, Apple® Aperture(TM)
• Viewers – Adobe® Reader®, Apple® Preview
• Productivity – Microsoft® Excel®, Word®, Numbers, Pages

Product Availability
The Kensington SlimBlade Trackball is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com and will be available at major retailers at the end of the month. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit www.kensington.com.

Kensington® ShareCentral(TM) Brings Greater Convenience and Ease to
Home Computing Shared Tasks
Innovative Device Lets Families Share Projects among Computers
and USB Peripherals – With Just the Press of a Button

Redwood Shores, Calif. – June 16, 2008 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart made simple(TM) computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced ShareCentral, an innovative USB peripheral sharing device for the home that lets family members instantly and effortlessly share up to five USB peripheral devices between any two computers with an easy press of a button. ShareCentral brings the cords and cables of external devices into one small, attractive desktop or wall mounted unit, allowing people to share their choice of peripherals and content in one easy fingertip motion, with no network required.

Recent Kensington research conducted by Markettools showed that more than 40% of households have 3 – 4 computers in their home belonging to different family members. A full 70% of these households have a dedicated computing space equipped with a stationary computer, as well as a variety of peripherals, that are shared by the whole family. These multiple-computer families have a screaming need to be able to easily share access to the peripherals they use the most including printers (50%), scanners (30%) and external disks drives (22%) so they can turn work, homework, photos and music gathered on notebooks, flash drives and iPod music players into polished, finished work meant for sharing with others.

"ShareCentral is a great example of our smart made simple design philosophy," said Frederic Frappereau, Global Product Marketing Manager at Kensington. "Everyone is mobile. Then they bring the day's data, photos and music back to one shared, usually cramped, home computing center which the entire family needs to access in those few hours between dinnertime and bedtime. Up until now, they spent that precious time switching out cords and cables to connect their computers to their peripherals. Now with ShareCentral, they can focus on sharing the content, to produce creative results of which they all can be proud."

Key features include

• Share up to five different USB peripherals – Instantly share access to multiple USB peripherals between two computers at the press of a button. Users gain instant access to their USB peripherals by plugging one simple USB cable into their computers. LED lights on the product indicate which computer has access.
• Easy to set up, simple and straightforward – ShareCentral is easy to set up and easy to use with no network or software required. Plug–n–play right out of the box!
• No more cord clutter – ShareCentral eliminates cable mess by connecting device cables into a central desktop unit; also wall mountable.
• Easy printer sharing –Simply press a button to switch the USB printer from one computer to another. ShareCentral 2 and ShareCentral 5 Automatic Print Sharing will detect and automatically switch to the computer that is trying to print, conveniently eliminating the need for any buttons to be pressed (available for Windows® XP and Windows Vista®).
• Adaptable and personal – All USB ports are independently controlled by a button and assignable to either computer. Each button comes with interchangeable magnetic keycaps for personalization to user's device and specifications.

The ShareCentral Collection

ShareCentral 5 (SKU K33901US) – No more plugging and unplugging computer devices. With Kensington ShareCentral 5, two computers can share a printer, hard drive, scanner—up to any five USB peripherals – and switch between them with the touch of a button. Suggested Retail Price $79.99

ShareCentral 2 (SKU K33900US) – With the Kensington ShareCentral 2, two computers can share a printer, hard drive, scanner—any two USB devices. Suggested Retail Price $59.99

ShareCentral 1 (SKU K33903US) – With the Kensington ShareCentral 1, two computers can share a printer or any USB device. Suggested Retail Price $39.99

The Kensington ShareCentral Collection is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com and will be available at major retailers at the end of the month.

Kensington Announces Ultimate in Mouse Mobility and Flexibility for School, Work or Play
Two New smart made simple(TM) Wireless Designs Help Lighten the Load on Any Road

Redwood Shores, Calif. – June 16, 2008 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart made simple computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced two innovative new wireless mice that help simplify school and business travel whether across the campus or across the globe. The versatile SlimBlade(TM) Bluetooth® Presenter Mouse combines the power of two devices into one, while following the notebook's sleep and wake modes so a user never has to turn it on or off again. The ultra-portable Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano Receiver offers instant connectivity, so it's always ready to spring into action.

The SlimBlade Bluetooth Presenter Mouse gives students and mobile professionals a compelling reason to jump on the growing Bluetooth bandwagon. People know the Bluetooth technology primarily from their cellular phone experience. But now that more notebooks are equipped with Bluetooth capabilities, Kensington and its smart made simple design philosophy is helping users benefit from that. The sleek SlimBlade Bluetooth Presenter Mouse gives users all the advantage of a full-function laser mouse for the ultimate in precision, responsiveness and tracking ability while saving a precious USB port for other devices. It also saves school and travel bag space by doubling as a meeting or classroom presenter. A simple double-click easily toggles between the two functions.

The ultra-portable Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano Receiver offers "always on" instant connectivity that users can depend on for maximum working flexibility as they move around campus or around town. The 'plug and stay' nano receiver is so small that it can stay plugged in, so users never need to dig through their bags again, searching for their receiver. Its ultra-thin design, rubberized non-slip grip and 2.4 Ghz frequency make it a rugged and reliable traveling companion.

"Many people prefer using a mouse than a notebook touchpad," said Bill Rathbone, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington, "and our new mice make it easier than ever for them to enjoy the extra comfort whenever they are on the move. Our smart made simple designs provide control, comfort, and peace of mind. They're optimized for the rigors of travel and are always ready to use. The great-looking Ci95 mouse offers the "plug and stay" convenience of a nano receiver at an affordable price. And we're especially proud to offer a Bluetooth mouse and presenter in one. Bluetooth is increasingly popular in notebook computers but few input devices take advantage of it. We have entered this market with a highly flexible, dual purpose device and plan to add even more consumer choices as we go along."

Key features of the Kensington SlimBlade Bluetooth Presenter Mouse

• Bluetooth connection frees up your USB port for other use – no receiver required
• Switches easily from mouse to presenter at the touch of a button, so you can give your presentations in style
• The ultimate in precision, responsiveness and tracking ability with the full-featured laser mouse
• Ultra-thin design fits great in your hand and slips easily into a pocket or travel bag
• Automatic sleep mode when your notebook sleeps – no need to ever turn it on or off

Key features of the Kensington Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano Receiver

• Plug-and-stay nano receiver is so small you plug it in once and leave it in
• Rugged, ultra-thin design withstands whatever the road dishes out, yet travels easily and fits great into your hand
• 2.4 Ghz wireless for reliable performance in any environment
• Rubberized exterior for a non-slip grip

Product Availability
The Kensington SlimBlade Bluetooth Presenter Mouse (SKU K72330US) at a suggested retail price of $59.99 and the Kensington Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano Receiver (SKU K72328US) at a suggested retail price of $39.99 are available at Amazon.com, Kensington.com and major retailers.
For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit www.kensington.com.

The Price: $49.99

The Verdict: The Ci70 is a good typer, but you'll want this for the mini USB convenience. If you're a person that often syncs your digital cameras, smartphones or portable hard drives to your PC, you probably have a lot of mini USB cables. The Ci70 lets you ditch all those cables and just use one embedded into a slideable, hidden compartment that you can never lose. Ultra convenient.

The keys feel very much like the Kensington Slim Type Keyboard, but this time has both the Windows key and the Apple Command key on one unit instead of making two separate models for each type of machine. It's also fairly quiet and has laptop-ish (scissor switch) keys.

The only complaint we have are because of its slightly condensed size (Kensington says it's 35% "smaller"), which, like the Kensington Slim Types, place the Home/Page Up/Page Down/End keys vertically to the right of the Enter key. The same scrunched design also make the arrow keys smaller than usual and harder to hit. Other than these fairly minor issues, it's a pleasure to type on and almost ranks as high as Apple's aluminum keyboards in our book.

At $49.99, the Ci70 is a great keyboard for people who are looking for a quiet, soft typing experience and the convenience of not having to dig around for a mini USB cable. [Kensington]

• Kensington LiquidAUX for iPhone and iPod ($79.99.) Allows for "superior" sound quality via the auxiliary port, whilst simultaneously charging. Comes with a remote, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

• Kensington LiquidAUX™ Deluxe for iPhone and iPod ($99.99.) As above, but with cradle and adjustable flexible arm.

• Kensington LiquidAUX™ Bluetooth® Car Kit ($99.99.) Does the same as the above two kits, however, this will allow you to hook up your Bluetooth (A2DP) enabled cellphone instead. Automated music muting and call taking functionality included, as would be expected.

• Kensington Car Charger Deluxe for iPhone and iPod ($49.99.) Cradle that includes adjustable arm, but without the music via auxiliary output. Basically a glorified charger/cradle. Pricey.

• Kensington Bluetooth® Stereo Headphones with Microphone ($79.99.) As the name suggests, these will be your stock Bluetooth headphones, compatible with A2DP, but also incorporating a microphone. Can be used as a standard Skype headset.

For the entire press release, check below:

The LiquidAUX Collection from Kensington Includes:

Kensington LiquidAUX™ for iPhone and iPod (K33429US): Get superior sound quality from a simple
auxiliary port connection and charge your iPhone or iPod at the same time. The wireless remote ensures
that your hands never have to leave the steering wheel. A smart audio sensor turns off the device to
conserve car battery power. Designed for vehicles with auxiliary ports in the center console. Suggested
retail price: $79.99.

Kensington LiquidAUX™ Deluxe for iPhone and iPod (K33430US): Control your music with the
wireless remote and give your iPhone or iPod a home in the car with our adjustable cradle. A flexible arm
allows you to maneuver it to your hearts desire while an auxiliary port connection ensures pure sound
quality from your iPod. Designed specifically for vehicles with in-dash auxiliary ports. Suggested retail
price: $99.99.

Kensington LiquidAUX™ Bluetooth® Car Kit (K33428US): Enjoy hands-free calling and crystal-
clear music¹ from your music phone through your car's stereo. Bluetooth 2.0 technology with enhanced
data rate, a built-in microphone with noise and echo-canceling technology makes for clear conversations
on the road. Simply press the phone icon on the remote to automatically mute your music and take a call
over your car's stereo. Or, use your phone's supported voice activation to make calls without ever
accessing it directly. A USB charging port ensures that your phone stays charged. This is the ideal
alternative to installing Bluetooth in your car. Suggested retail price: $99.99.

¹A2DP protocol required for wireless music streaming

Kensington Car Charger Deluxe for iPhone and iPod (K33433US): The adjustable dock adapts to
securely fit an iPod or iPhone with or without a case, while a flexible arm adjusts to ensure the optimal
position. Put your iPhone in speaker mode and now you've got a hands-free cradle. Charges iPod models
with dock connector² and iPhone. Suggested retail price: $49.99

²Exluding 3rd Generation iPod

Kensington Bluetooth® Stereo Headphones with Microphone (K33436US): A comfortable behind-
the-head design offers a stylish way to listen to music or conversations, while Bluetooth technology
provides the freedom of wireless compatibility with music phones or notebooks. Easy-to-access buttons

on the headphones control audio playback and volume while also allowing users to answer calls with the
push of a button. Skype® compatible. Suggested retail price: $79.99.

Product Availability
The new Kensington Play it line is available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com and will
be available at other major retailers in March 2008.

At the same time, Kensington has introduced two notebook stands: one with the remarkably descriptive name Notebook Stand with USB Hub ($79), and the other, the slightly cooler Easy Riser Cooling Notebook Stand ($29), both below.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

'Connect it' Notebook Accessories: Productivity Made Simple

Kensington is also announcing additions to its "Connect It" line of notebook accessories, designed to create more room on the consumer's desktop and enhance overall notebook usage. The sd200v Notebook Docking Station with Video lets consumers connect all their peripherals to any notebook with a single USB connection, and built-in DualView technology lets them use an external monitor to display or extend the notebook's virtual desktop with the simple push of a button—doubling the amount of screen space and dramatically improving user productivity. The two notebook stands, which round out the new line, feature Kensington's SmartFit adjustment system, allowing users to achieve an optimal monitor height in seconds. The Easy Riser Cooling Notebook Stand elevates notebooks to dissipate heat, while the Notebook Stand with USB Hub attaches to any notebook to create a desktop workstation.

The additions to the Kensington "Connect It" line of notebook accessories include the sd200v Notebook Docking Station with Video (SKU K33415), Notebook Stand with USB Hub (SKU K60723) and Easy Riser Cooling Notebook Stand (SKU K60112).

The standard LiquidFM for iPod will cost $79, and will have everything but the QuickSeek and cool text transmitter. (Frankly, I think I'd spend the extra $20—even if you don't have an RDS radio, you never know if your rental car will, and FM transmitters are best for rentals anyhow.)

Naturally, in addition to the iPod transmitters (which of course charge the players through the 30-pin connector), Kensington has two products for other MP3 players. The LiquidFM Plus for MP3 Players ($69) has both 3.5mm and 2.5mm jacks for recent music-playing cell phones, and the QuickSeek technology for finding the clearest channels. But its extra trick is a "pass-through" USB jack on its cable that can be used to charge your phone or MP3 player.

At the bottom rung, there's the LiquidFM for MP3 Players ($49), with every Plus feature except the QuickSeek and the USB jack.

From the fact sheet:

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) Deluxe for iPod® (SKU K33424US):
The ultimate iPod FM transmitter for playing your tunes through your car stereo, the LiquidFM Deluxe for iPod features a unique design and premium features, as well as superior sound quality. Suggested retail price: $99.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• QuickSeek technology finds the clearest station in seconds
• Displays song and artist name on your car stereo (The feature for displaying the song and artist names requires an RDS-enabled stereo. RDS is available in various vehicle models offered by leading manufacturers.)
• Charges your iPod while it plays
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1 - 107.9)
• On/off switch avoids car battery drain
• Enhanced custom digital LCD screen for easy viewing

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) for iPod® (SKU K33411US):
We've taken the industry's most popular digital FM transmitter and made it even better so you can enjoy superior sound while you listen to your iPod tunes in your car. Suggested retail price: $79.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• Charges your iPod while it plays
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1-107.9)
• On/off switch avoids car battery drain
• Enhanced custom digital LCD screen for easy viewing

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) Plus for MP3 Players (SKU K33408US):
The LiquidFM Plus is the ideal FM transmitter to let you enjoy your favorite MP3 songs while you drive. Its unique set of features makes it the perfect travel companion for your MP3 player or MP3 cell phone. Suggested retail price: $69.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• QuickSeek technology finds the clearest station in seconds
• USB pass-through charges your MP3 player or any USB-powered device (cable sold separately)
• 3.5 mm connector for all MP3 players, plus a 2.5 mm adapter for MP3 cell phone compatibility
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1-107.9)
• On/off switch avoids car battery drain
• Enhanced custom digital LCD screen for easy viewing

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) for MP3 Players (SKU K33383USA):
The LiquidFM for MP3 players features our ClearFM technology to reduce noise and enhance stereo separation, providing superior audio quality and FM reception. Suggested retail price: $49.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• 3.5 mm connector for all MP3 players, plus a 2.5 mm adapter for MP3 cell phone compatibility
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1-107.9)
• Digital LCD screen for easy viewing

The Kensington LiquidFM(TM) Deluxe for iPod (SKU K33424US), LiquidFM for iPod (SKU K33411US), LiquidFM Plus for MP3 Players (SKU K33408US) and LiquidFM for MP3 Players (SKU K33383US) will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com starting September 17, 2007 and at major retailers including Apple stores, Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA, Dell and Fry's, starting in late September.

The Mobile Power Pack, above, takes two hours to charge up, and has a USB jack so you can plug in any proprietary USB phone or PDA connector. It is, according to Kensington, the only UL-approved portable battery pack of its kind.

From the press release:

Expanded 'Power it' Line: Thin and Light on the Go

The newest additions to Kensington's industry-leading line of power products enable mobile professionals to get reliable power wherever they are. The new rechargeable power pack and two power adapters are thin and light, while an updated power inverter shares a compact design optimized for travel. All products feature USB connectivity to USB-powered devices like the RIM® Blackberry, Palm® Treo and Motorola® RAZR. The collection lets users select from solutions that work at home, in the car or on the plane—making it easy and convenient to power notebook PCs, mobile phones and USB devices on the go.

The Kensington "Power It" line additions include the Auto Power Inverter with USB Power Port (SKU K38022), Portable Power Pack for Mobile Devices (SKU K38021), Wall Ultra Portable Notebook Power Adapter (SKU K33336) and Wall/Auto/Air Ultra Portable Notebook Power Adapter (SKU K33197).

Product Availability

The new Kensington products will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com starting on September 17, 2007, and at other major retailers in late September.

Below are shots I took of the SlimBlade mice, accompanied by their blurbs from the press materials. Keep a look out especially for the combo trackball mouse, which changes from a laser mouse to a stationary trackball in a quick double click.
I love the new lineup (and will test them soon). It's just the name that gives me pause. I like it, but in my head I hear Billy Bob Thorton saying, "Some folks call it a SlimBlade." Kinda makes me hungry for some French-fried pertaters.

The Quickseek also sports a detachable car charger that can power mini USB devices when not operating your iPod (USB lavalamp on the dash?) and promises to fit around most protective iPod cases.

All in all, it's a promising alternative to the similar Monster iCarPlay, even at $89. But we'll give you the final verdict as soon as we put our review unit through the standard hazing tests procedure. – Mark Wilson

Kensington

APC Universal Laptop Battery
This slick, thin laptop battery not only doubles as a stand for your notebook, but can also juice it up for up to 8 hours. And it keeps track of the amount of time/power you have left via a tiny built-in LCD.

Kensington Wireless Keypad/Mouse Combo
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest impact. Plug in this USB receiver and you'll suddenly have a wireless mouse and numberpad.

Belkin N1 Wireless ExpressCard
Show your ExpressCard slot some love and upgrade to 802.11n at the same time.

Asus XG Station
Think of the XG Station as roids for your notebook's video card. Plug it in and watch as those framerates jump through the roof. Future models will let you install/upgrade the video card inside the XG Station. – Louis Ramirez

APC Laptop Battery
Kensington Wireless Keypad/Mouse Combo
Belkin Wireless N1 ExpressCard
Asus XG Station