Mobile Computing
Kensington Offers Six New Mobile Device Accessories for Back-to-School
As districts around the country start heading back to school, accessory maker Kensington is offering six new products in the $27 to $60 range, including backpacks, chargers, rugged cases and more.
The WordLock Portable Combination Laptop Lock ($27) has a push-button design that provides one-handed operation, while the Kensington T-Bar™ secures the lock to a laptop. The WordLock allows users to set a four-letter word combination, instead of a number sequence. An accompanying self-coiling cable spans 6 feet to anchor the laptop to a desk or fixed structure, but sizes down to 3 inches for easy storage.
The Kensington LS150 Laptop Backpack ($49.99) includes dedicated areas for a laptop and a tablet, as well as quick-access pockets in the front, a stretch pocket on the side and a zippered organizer area to hold a variety of items such as keys, smartphone, wallet and water bottle. An ergonomic air-mesh back cushion and padded shoulder straps are designed to ease back strain.
The Kensington 5200 USB Mobile Charger($39) can hold enough reserve power to fully charge an iPhone 6 Plus or a Galaxy S6. The charger has an aluminum cover finish and a four-LED display with indicators that show remaining power. It’s compatible with Apple products, most Android smartphones and tablets and many other USB-charged devices.
The Kensington MP230L Performance Mouse($49.99) is a wireless device designed for use on difficult surfaces, using a track-on-glass sensor and a high-definition laser to follow hand movements on many different materials. The ergonomic, ambidextrous design features plug-and-play installation.
Protecting expensive iPads in the rough-and-tumble classroom environment is the goal of the Kensington BlackBelt 2nd Degree Rugged Case for iPad Air 2 ($49.99). Designers use a cushioned layer of rubber to protect against drops and bumps. A hand strap was designed to make the iPad easy to hold, and a built-in, multi-position stand lets users work hands-free.
The sixth and final pick is the Kensington KP400 Switchable Keyboard ($59.99), a full-size keyboard that can alternate between wired and Bluetooth. Students can use the keyboard with a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone together. The keyboard includes a numeric keypad and can be powered with a detachable USB cable, or with batteries when in Bluetooth mode.
About the Author
Greg Thompson is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins, CO.