25 Hot Retail-Ready Products To See At RetailVision San Diego

RetailVision, an Everything Channel event, is poised to bring together hundreds of retailers, vendors and merchants from around the globe when it kicks off this week at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego (Aug. 25 through Aug. 28). Throughout the four-day event, new consumer products and channel programs will be revealed, retailer-vendor relationships forged and critical retail merchandising decisions will be made.



Here's a sneak preview of 25 hot products (plus a few extras) you'll see in San Diego this week.

Campbell, Calif.-based Wisair will unveil its new Printer Wireless USB Adapter, Wireless USB Disk on Key and its External Hard Disk Wireless USB Adapter.

According to the company, the Wireless USB adapter set brings wireless connectivity to existing devices and enables new connectivity scenarios, such as printing wirelessly from a laptop or PC without setting up a network; backing up data wirelessly to a hard disk drive; transferring and viewing video and photos wirelessly from a notebook or PC to a TV, picture frame or gaming console; and moving content wirelessly between to PCs.

The USB adapter set runs $79 to $99 and retailers such as electronics and PC peripheral, consumer electronics and online sellers, can obtain them through ODMs for high volume and from Wisair direct for low volumes.

Fellowes, based in Itasca, Ill., will offer its 17-inch Laptop/Flat Panel Privacy Filter. The filter, which lists for $150.99, uses black-out technology to darken monitor side-view to prevent prying eyes from reading on-screen data. The easily attachable and removable screen, released this year and available through Ingram Micro, can also protect 17-inch laptop or flat panel screens from dust and scratches and features an anti-reflective surface to reduce screen glare.

Proving that it's all about privacy, Fellowes, along with the Privacy Filter, will be showing off the Intellishred 79Ci Shredder when it takes the RetailVision show floor. The 79Ci features a new jam-proof system to prevent overloads and continues to chomp through misfed documents. A sheet capacity indicator ensures maximum capacity at every pass. This bad boy can munch 12 sheets at a time into cross-cut particles measuring a minute 5/32 of an inch by 1 and#189; inches and drops them into a six-gallon pull-out bin. It also features patented SafeSense Technology that stops the shredder immediately when hands are too close to the paper opening. The Intellishred 79Ci Shredder retails for just under $400 and is available through Ingram Micro.

Battery-Biz plans to generate quite a charge at RetailVision as the Camarillo, Calif.-based vendor shows off the Duracell Instant Power Charger (DR7000LI). With this nifty charger, Battery-Biz wants consumers to never suffer with a dead battery again. The Duracell Instant Power Charger is a rechargeable lithium-ion-based portable battery that provides up to 35 hours of power for USB-compatible devices. It can simultaneously power and charge cell phones, PDAs, iPods, music players and others. It is also compatible with all Apple iPhones, including the newly-released 3G model.



The charger is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for traveling. It requires no AC outlet, is compatible with most Motorola and BlackBerry devices and has a three-year warranty. The Duracell Instant Power Charger is available for $29.99 through Battery-Biz. The vendor hopes to offer the charger through several retailers in the near future.

Qimonda North America will be showing off its line of Aeneon-branded memory products for the channel and retail markets. The award-winning DRAM modules are compatible with desktops, notebooks and servers and come with a lifetime warranty.

Aeneon XTUNE products offer high performance and reliable memory for PC enthusiasts. Available through San Jose, Calif.-based Qimonda's distribution partners, the Aeneon XTUNE Dual Channel Kit (pictured) comes in two varieties and varies in price from $169 to $399 depending on which you choose.

Mac Group will also showcase the Skooba Satchel (pictured), a bag with a patent-pending Air Square protection system that cushions laptops with hundreds of shock-absorbing, air-filled pouches. While the Skooba make look slim, looks can be deceiving; it holds most 17-inch screen laptops and features more than a dozen pockets to hold everything from a PDA to Perrier, along with files and accessories. And while it looks like this is a shoulder buster, the Skooba bag weighs in at just 44 ounces, or less than three pounds. The Skooba Satchel has an MSRP from $100 to $136 and is available directly through Mac Group or through distributors like Ingram Micro and Synnex.

Mac Group will also bring more bag options to RetailVision with its line of Tenba Messenger Bags. According to Mac, Tenba offers "the essence of urban -- a sleek, lightweight, street-smart satchel that holds a ton, yet hugs your body, moves with you, and doesn't cramp your style." The Tenba line, with an MSRP of $140 to $150, features a removable photo insert that lets users convert it quickly from a camera bag to a general-purpose gym bag, book bag, school bag or briefcase. Like all Mac Group products, Tenba Messenger Bags are available through distributors like Ingram Micro and Synnex or from Mac Group directly.

Mac Group will also showcase its line of Tenba patented Air Cases, with construction that comprises a multi-layered skeleton of air-channeled plastic panels, high-density foam, and specially-molded framing components, with a heavily reinforced ballistic nylon outer shell. The line of Air Cases provides the protection of a hard-sided case with a fraction of the weight. They are strong enough to stand on, even when empty, and are built to meet or exceed ATA shipping standards. Additionally, an internal framework of foam inserts has been customer fitted to hold the equipment more safely and securely, whether you're transporting an iMac or a displays. Depending on size, the Air Cases for iMacs and displays have an MSRP from $454 to $999 and are available through Ingram Micro and Synnex and directly through Mac Group.

Colormunki Photo, from Mac Group, lets users bring photos from screen to print, keeping the color spot on. According to Mac Group, it's ideal for wedding, social and portrait photographers, or any other passionate shutterbug. The color control solution offers new technological features for display, projector and RGB/CMYK printer profiling. The MSRP runs about $500 and is available through Ingram Micro, Synnex and directly from Mac Group.

The Elmsford, N.Y.-based Mac Group will highlight the Eye One Display LT at next week's RetailVision show. Mac Group bills the Eye One Display LT as its "most economical, easy-to-use monitor calibration device whether you're a beginner, cost-conscious creative professional or discerning digital imaging enthusiast." With a MSRP of $179, the calibration device is available through Ingram Micro, Synnex and directly through Mac Group.

Similar to the Eye One Display LT, the Eye One Display 2 (pictured) guarantees accurate on-screen color. Perfect for Web design, photographers, ecommerce catalog design or just to profile or calibrate monitors and other output devices, this device retails for $259 and is available directly from Mac Group, from Ingram Micro and from Synnex.

IOGEAR plans to unveil the Laptop Console KVM (GCS661U) at this year's RetailVision. The Latest in KVM gear from IOGEAR enables convenient switching and file transfer between two computers, while using a laptop as a console. It features a toolbar with multiple functions, like desktop image scaling that lets users adjust the resolution of the desktop screen for content optimal viewing. It also features built-in transfer utility software, which lets users drag and drop files or create backup copies between both computers connected through the switch. Additionally, the console has a USB 2.0 port for connecting USB drives like external storage units or printers that can be accessed by the laptop. The Laptop Console KVM is compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista.

IOGEAR will begin offering the Laptop Console KVM on its Web site next month for an MSRP of $99.95.

IOGEAR will also show off its new Wireless USB to VGA Kit (GUW2015VKIT), which lets users wirelessly display PC content on their television screen or projector within the same room. The kit cuts down on cable clutter and the complications of trying to connect a PC to a flat screen TV or projection device. The Wireless USB to VGA Kit allows consumers to watch videos from their computers or work on documents and spreadsheets on a bigger screen.

Users can also duplicate desktop or laptop content on an alternate screen up to 30 feet away from the source. The kit delivers HD video streaming up to 720p from a computer, supporting resolutions up to UXGA 1600 x 1200 or WSXGA+ 1680 x 1050. The kit is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP 32-bit or Vista and requires a display screen with a VGA port.

The kit, which has an MSRP of $229.95, will be available through IOGEAR's Web site in September and IOGEAR hopes to make it available through large consumer electronics retailers soon.

Device maker Palm is hitting RetailVision with a host of products for its latest smart phone, the Palm Centro, which since its launch in September has sold more than 2 million units.

First up is the AirCase with Holster for the Palm Centro (pictured here with a Palm Treo), a strong, lightweight and "practically invisible case" made from durable polycarbonate. The AirCase helps users protect their Centro while also providing access to all of the device's features while it's inside the case.

All Palm, Sunnyvale, Calif., products can be sourced through Ingram Micro. The AirCase with Holster for Palm Centro has a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Along with the holster, Palm will also unveil the Vehicle Battery Charger for Palm Treos and Centros, the device-makers two staple smart phones. The charger lets users move from meeting to meeting, day after day, while charging their handheld in the car. The suggested retail price is $29.99.

With a number of states making it illegal to talk and drive without a hands free device, smart phone users are scrambling for a wireless headset. Palm comes to RetailVision with the Wireless Headset for Palm Treos and Centros. The Palm Wireless Headset Series 3 features Bluetooth wireless. It offers a choice of three sizes of soft gel ear tips for optimal comfort and convenient controls let users easily adjust the volume, receive and end calls and mute the line. The included charging adapter lets users charge their handset with their smart phone charger or a Vehicle Power Charger.

The Wireless Headset is available through Ingram Micro for a suggest retail price of $69.99.

With the Palm Centro Desktop Cradle (pictured), Centro users can place their device in the cradle, then connect it to the AC wall adapter to charge the device or connect it to a computer to charge or synchronize. Synchronization does require the software that comes with the smart phone. The cradle has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

And with more than 2 million Palm Centros out there, it goes without saying that extra power might be needed. Palm will also debut the Centro Standard Battery, a spare battery that can be charged in a cradle or battery charger to let users keep talking, working and playing without disruption. The battery retails for $49.99.

With the Slip Pouch with Lanyards for Palm Centro, users can slide in their device for stylish protection. The optional lanyard keeps the device tethered and also adds a little extra insurance in case the device is dropped. The pouch comes with an attached screen wipe so smudges and dust can be easily whisked away. The Slip Pouch with Lanyards has a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Mississauga, Ontario-based Digital Media Technology will come to RetailVision to offer up the Internet Radio Starry 7, a device that offers access to more than 5,000 worldwide Internet radio channels and 5,000 global podcasts without a PC, although it does require a wireless Internet connection. The Starry 7 can play music from PCs and uPnP devices on the same network; offers wireless music streaming playback and supports 802.11b/g. It also features a line-in for MP3 players and iPods and amplifies sound with 3-inch full range stereo speakers. The Starry 7 features audio support for WMA, RealAudio, MP3, ASX, RAM, M3U, RPM and PLS.

The suggested retail price is $199 and the Starry 7 can be sourced through Netlink, Win Leader and Hantech.

Lifeworks Technology Group is reinventing work and play with the Multimedia Keyboard with iPod Dock. The keyboard can charge and sync iPods with iTunes and features touch-sensitive media keys; two rotating USB 2.0 ports; a rubberized wrist rest; a 3.5 mm headphone jack; a universal dock that fits all docking iPod mods. The docking keyboard is available for both PCs and Macs with a suggested retail price of $149.99. It is available in black and white from New York-based Lifeworks or distributors.

Lifeworks will also showcase its Notebook Bundle, which features the Notebook Stand with iPod Dock; the Wireless Keyboard; and the Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse. The bundle lets users charge and sync iPods with iTunes and features high quality speakers, touch sensitive media keys, two high-speed USB 2.0 ports; 2.4 MHz interference free connectivity, quick launch media keys, a three-button laser mouse with horizontal and vertical scrolling that works on virtually any surface, low batter indicator and a stowable USB nano receiver. The bundle fits most notebooks and enables users to listen to music and watch movies from their iPods.

The Lifeworks Notebook Bundle is available for PCs and Macs in black or silver with a suggested price of $299.99.

New York-based ISONIC, which will join RetailVision with the SNAPBOX HD787, is out to prove that leather is always a good idea. The SNAPBOX is a high-definition video camera and a 5 megapixel digital still camera that offers 2 times digital zoom, a 2.5-inch TFD LCD screen and electronic image stabilization technology. It is also designed with a unique leather-like retro styling. The multi-function camera also features USB mass storage, TV-out and MPEG 4 technology with resolution of 30 frames per second at 1280 x 720 resolution.

Right now, the suggested retail price for the SNAPBOX HD787 is $199.99, but ISONIC hopes to drop that by $50 in the fourth quarter.

Cables To Go is storming RetailVision to show off its iPod-compatible Travel Kit with FM Transmitter. The Moraine, Ohio-based vendor's kit helps keep iPod cables and accessories organized and close at hand, whether at home or on the go. The device lets users charge and sync iPods, connect them to a car or home stereo or share music with a second listener. It also includes and FM transmitter, audio cables, power adapters and more, all in a travel case. The kit has a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Debuting at RetailVision, Cables To Go will unveil its 4-Port HDMI Selector Switch. Designed to maximize the performance of all high-definition components, including DVD players, gaming systems and cable/satellite boxes, the switch supports several HDMI connections. The switch features a front input for the temporary connection of cameras or game systems. It also supports full 1080p resolution, Deep Color and lossless multi-channel audio.

The 4-Port HDMI Selector Switch has a suggested retail price of $129.99 and is available in September.

Philadelphia-based NeatReceipts, maker of scanners that let users scan and organize receipts, business cards and documents will use RetailVision to unveil four new products.

First up is NeatReceipts, which lets users create expense reports, prepare taxes, track spending, digitize business cards and create searchable PDFs by scanning documents. Data can be exported to Quicken, QuickBooks, TurboTax, Excel, Outlook and PDF. NeatReceipts includes a Neat Mobile Scanner (pictured) and NeatWorks 4.0 software. NeatReceipts will be available in September with a second version coming early next year.

Coming in September is NeatScan To Office, which adds scanning to Microsoft Office by installing a scanning toolbar in Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint. It helps turn receipts into Excel expense reports, business cards into Outlook contacts, text and images into Word documents or PowerPoint presentations. It also includes the Neat Mobile Scanner and NeatScan 1.0 software.

NeatReceipts will also unveil NeatReceipts for Mac Advance Release, which lets users scan and organize receipts and documents in a familiar Mac OS X interface. Users can create expense reports, track spending and create a library of searchable PDF documents. It includes a Neat Mobile Scanner and NeatReceipts for Mac Version 1.1. It'll be available in September with version two coming in early 2009.

The fourth product NeatReceipts plans to unveil at RetailVision is NeatDesk. Like the other NeatReceipts tools, it lets users scan and organize receipts, business cards and documents, but NeatDesk uses a duplex ADF scanner. It lets users create expense reports, prepare taxes, track spending, digitize business cards and create searchable PDFs. Data can be exported to Quicken, QuickBooks, TurboTax, Excel, Outlook and PDF. NeatDesk includes Neat ADF Scanner (pictured) and NeatWorks 4.0 software. NeatDesk will be available in October.

Kenilworth, N.J.-based Teledex is storming RetailVision with 13 different product offerings, including the uTimer lamp controller and safety light, the uSwitch Motion Sensor external lamp controller with time and auto shut off and emergency LED lights.

Teledex will also show off the Sentina Outback Smart Safety Lamp with powerbank and crank generator (pictured). The smart LED lamp offers rechargeable USB backup power and a motion activated safety light. It's like having an extra cell phone battery on the go. The lamp features a commercial grade crank for emergency backup -- two minutes of cranking delivers six minutes of talk time. It also offers an optional twin cable to allow charging of two devices overnight. The device comes with a 600mA NiMH battery, an AC adapter a USB power cord and two power tips for different types of phones (one included, the other available by mail). The MSRP is $50.

Stop by the Teledex booth at RetailVision to see more charging options.

Among all of its other offerings, Teledex will also show off the Pavio Portable Digital Theater Show and Sell System. With an MSRP of $799, the system can convert PowerPoint presentations, photos, movies or MP3s into its 30 GB hard drive for any occasion. It reads digital camera photos up to 6.3 megapixel or video memory cards CD type I and II and SD cards. Users can also off load CF and SD memory into Pavio to avoid sapping memory on their digital cameras; and up to 20 moves can be stored and watched on the built-in TFT color screen. Up to 1,000 songs can also be saved.

Pavio also works with DVDs, VCRs, digital cameras and camcorders, along with PCs and Macs. It can support a host of file formats like JPEG, MPEG4, MP3, IMA, ADPCM, AVI, Divx 4.0 and Divx 5.0 while also recording and playing back voice files.

The Pavio comes with a TV tuner, charger, rechargeable battery, remote control, AC charger, USB cord, headset, cable splitter and RF cables. And includes software such as Dr.Divx and MusicMatch. The battery life runs about three hours for movies and up to six hours for music.