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The first time my dad used a mouse, he held it like a remote control, waving it futilely at the screen. The folks at Kensington may have witnessed this, for they’ve created the Slimblade Presenter Media Mouse, a mouse that actually can be used as a remote—to control PowerPoint presentations and iTunes playlists.

A navigation pad on the flip side of the mouse allows the user to click through slides while pointing out important details with a laser pointer. For leisure time, a switch puts the remote in media mode, allowing it to operate basic functions in iTunes: play/pause, next/previous track and volume. The shape of the navigation pad resembles the scroll wheel of an iPod, but unfortunately it lacks that degree of functionality. 

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Kensington has offered up the uniquely styled Ci70 keyboard, and along with the dark and low-profile design it has built-in USB and miniUSB ports. The keyboard features two USB 2.0 ports and one miniUSB port along with media keys for volume and track control as well as five programmable hot keys. According to Kensington the Ci70 has a “35% smaller footprint” which in turn “saves desk space and reduces clutter,” and while I will believe that statement is true, the Ci70 also just looks cool. Add in the fact the keyboard will work with both a Mac or a PC and it seems to be a nice deal. The Ci70 keyboard is currently available from Kensington and retails for $49.99. Keep reading for a few more pics of the keyboard…

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A pretty clear theme at this year’s CES was not only home media servers, but also adding a friggin’ iPod dock to virtually everything. With that in mind, PCMag’s iPod accessories roundup also suggests a new remote, an additional screen and some wireless headphones.

• Kensington Entertainment Dock 500 with remote


• DLO HomeDock Deluxe with remote


• Apple iPod Radio Remote


• ATO iSee 360i 3.6 in. screen (only good with Windows-formatted iPods)


• Logitech FreePlus Wireless Headphones via Bluetooth

Read [PCMag]

Kensington’s new RDS FM Transmitter/Car Charger for iPods solve that problem of reading the tiny nano screen or any iPod screen to find out the current artist and/or song, especially while driving. The transmitter works with Radio Display System (RDS)-enabled car stereos. The $89.99 device transmits artist and song title information from the iPod to RDS-equipped car stereos. The accessory has 3 pre-set stations, charges your iPod while playing, has an on off switch to protect your car battery, uses the iPod LCD screen to determine witch station your are transmitting to, and is a little nicer design than most of those plastic chargers out there.

Product Page [Kensington]
Read [Playlist]

Expanding its iPod accessory line, Kensington is introducing the 4-in 1-Car Charger for iPod. Driving and your iPod naturally go together. Kensington will now let you Keep the sound moving with the Kensington 4-in-1 Car Charger for iPod that powers click wheel iPods, including iPod nano and iPod with video with a pass-through connector keeps FM Transmitters on, even while charging your iPod or other USB devices in your car.

Read [Kensington]

Kensington announced today the introduction of 20 new products for the mobile consumer just in time for Dads, Grads and Back to School consumer buying season. The new products include four four new MicroSaver locks with improved locking mechanisms, stronger steel cables, and a new design. The new models come in either keypad or combination locks, hopefully keeping ‘pen-keys’ out. They will retail for $39.99 to $69.99.

A Kensington consumer survey showed that style and comfort were the most important criteria for selecting computer carrying cases. Kensington is introducing nine new Contour cases that are exclusively endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Designed to accommodate the growing number of notebook users, the cases target four distinct market segments—the frequent business traveler, the daily commuter, the urban gadget lover, and the light traveler. These cases are available June 15 and range in price from $29.99 to $99.99.

The Notebook Expansion Dock with Video, utilizes a single USB port to connect your notebook to USB peripherals, speakers, keyboards and mice, and even runs 17” and 19” desktop monitors at native display resolutions with high-fidelity image quality. A unique wedge design lifts the notebook and increasing airflow to aid cooling available now at $179.99.

The Ci60 and Ci20 Wireless Optical Mice offer soft rubberized grips and right-handed design with the precision and accuracy of DiamondEye optical technology. They also have five programmable buttons that can be customized to streamline important tasks such as launching applications or navigating Web sites. The Si300 Laser Mouse offers precise laser tracking, 4-way tilt-scroll wheel, flexible rubber grips for excellent comfort and control and is designed for both left and right-handed users. These products are available June 15 and range in price from $24.99 to $59.99.

Read [Kensington]