Targus unveils laptop, LCD products at CES

Targus today unveiled a set of new laptop-centric products – the Velos Messenger bag, the Stow-N-Go mouse, the HeatDefense pad, Travel Power Outlets, and DEFCON privacy filters – as well as LCD mounting arms, and a mobile speaker system for MP3 players. The Velos Messenger bag comes in three color styles: chocolate with a chocolate-aqua strap, charcoal with black-lime green strap, and wheat with mushroom-orange strap. Laptops are fully cushioned from both sides, and are protected by a neoprene sleeve. Up to a 15.4-inch laptop can be used with the bag, and the extra removable strap can be exchanged with other Velos owners to make new color combinations. Targus will sell the Velos Messenger bag for $70, and it will be available in May.

The Stow-N-Go Laptop Mouse comes in three varieties: Retractable Optical ($20), Retractable Laser ($30), and Wireless Laser Stow-N-Go ($40). The two wired models use a 2.5-foot retractable cord to connect to a laptop, while the wireless version uses 2.4GHz system that can work up to 10 feet away. Each mouse is programmable, and can read up to 1600 dots-per-inch; they will be available in March.

Targus’ HeatDefense pad ($30) is a small mat that is placed under a laptop to assist with cooling and to prevent the computer from burning the user. Heat generated from the laptop melts crystals in the pad into a gel-like substance; in addition to protecting the user, it will also maintain a cooler running temperature for the computer. Targus says the HeatDefense pad will work on any laptop for 12- to 17-inches, and will be available in April.

The Travel Power Outlets ($20) surge protector allows up to four devices to be plugged in to it, and is designed to be ultra-portable. Travel Power Outlets will be available from Targus in April.

The DEFCON Privacy Filters ($50 - $300) prevent intrusive individuals from looking on while a user computers, and are available for desktop and laptops. The filters can be easily installed and removed, providing a slight 45-degree angle of visibility to the screen. Laptops ranging from 12.1 to 17 inches can use the filters, as well as desktop LCDs from 17 to 30 inches.

Targus offers two styles of LCD mounting arms: a single display model ($120) which can support up to 13 pounds, and a dual display model ($200), supporting up to 26 pounds. Users can rotate the display 95-degrees, and pan up to 180-degrees, while the arm itself can rotate a full 360-degrees for multiple viewing positions. The arms are fully VESA compliant, and can be fastened using bolts, or the included clamp.

Lastly, the new SonicPak ($100) audio set is designed to hold a laptop of up to 15.4-inches, and features removable speakers with a built-in amplifier on the front. A custom-made back pocket holds an MP3 player, which can use the integrated speakers. Targus’ SonicPak will be available in March 2008.