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Product Magazines: Product Trends |
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It's sleek, sophisticated, microprocessor-controlled and looks as though it hails from the future. It's the Eco Charger -- an electrical dynamo that will recharge normal batteries and extend their lives by more than 10 times.
"Most battery rechargers can only recharge Nicad rechargeable batteries, which are very expensive," says Mark Majzner, business development manager of Saitek Ltd, the Hong Kong-based company that makes the Eco Charger. "The beauty of this product is that it saves the consumer money straight away."
There are two types of disposable batteries -- alkaline and carbon zinc. Every year, billions of each are used and then discarded. By recharging them, Eco Charger will not only save users money, it will help preserve the environment too. The unit can also charge Nicad batteries.
An adaptor (DC6V500mA) is supplied fro electrical connection and both 110V and 220V versions are available. All common types and sizes of batteries can be recharged using the Eco Charger, whose power consumption is 3.5W. the unit is equipped with an LCD that monitors every battery for maximum charging and safety -- it indicates the time it takes to charge, the battery's capacity and if the battery is full or dead.
Saitek's export markets include the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. Delivery takes 45-60 days and the company's production facility is located in China.
The Eco Charger has been successfully tested according to international safety standards. "The initial idea saw us moving into more environmentally-friendly products," states Pauline Lee, assistant sales manager. "We want to make the public aware of the environment. That is uppermost in our minds. With respect to electronic products, our company is at the forefront of these issues."
As far as environmental-friendliness goes. Saitek's winning philosophy appears to be Full Charge Ahead!
Written by Robin Bower
People who have a tendency to be anthropomorphic about their furnishings -- perhaps by giving their compute a name or talking to their plants -- will feel right a home with Osqar The Living Light.
Though he sounds like a TV evangelist, Osqar is actually a very accommodating desk lamp that has a metal figure with joints of polished brass, a 12V/35W bulb for a face, a mirror in one hand and a diffusing glass in the other. By manipulating his joints, Osqar can sit, stand or lean, with his mirror and glass positioned to give just the right amount of desired illumination. In addition, his powerful transformer provides him with a stable seat and incorporates a switch allowing the selection of high or low intensity. Available in silver or gold finish. Osqar has a height of 340mm and a width of 105mm.
This innovative lamp is the creation of Ygnacio Baranga, the Spanish designer whose creativity earned him Paris Match's top prize in its summer 1994 design contest. The trademark, design and artwork for Osqar The Living Light are all registered.
According to John-Michael Peizer, managing director of Kumade (HK) Ltd, which handles Osqar, the product has already been shipped to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany and has been ordered by buyers in Japan and Singapore. Pelzer says, "We have a very aggressive worldwide marketing campaign for Osqar, which is available with 110V or 220V and any plug required."
The first shipment of Osqars left Hong Kong in March 1994. So far, 10,000 have been exported and current production is at capacity with 5,000 Osqars manufactured every month. Production takes place at the company's factory in China. All components are sourced in Hong Kong and china.
Osqar costs US$55 FOB Hong Kong and currently retails for about US$200 (including VAT) in Europe, says Pelzer. He expects FOB prices to remain stable, or possibly drop slightly if volume increases. Premium buyers, mail-order houses and chain stores are the company's main customers.
For a bright business future, Osqar The Living Light makes an ideal partner.
Written by Jacqueline Doyle
For healthy eaters who enjoy alfresco dining Breville Export Ltd manufactures an innovative grill that will help thrill the taste buds. The Gourmet Health Grill was designed in Australia for fast, virtually fat-free cooking for use indoors or out.
Unlike most grills where the element is located in the tray or base, the element in the Gourmet Health Grill is set in a unique recessed channel. This helps to sear food and seal in its natural flavours and juices. Also, thanks to the unit's rounded char-grill bars, fat flows away quickly, ensuring practically fat-free meals. In other grills, fat drips onto the element and causes smoke, but in the Breville grill it simply drips into the tray. Lining the tray with aluminium foil makes the unit both easier to clean and more energy efficient since heat is reflected upwards onto the food. Also, the char-grill plate has a Corflon non-stick finish for effortless cleaning.
There are two heat zones -- high heat on the grill bars for steaks, chicken and fish, and medium heat on the side area (similar to a hotplate) for eggs, onions and tomatoes. Compared to a standard vertical grill, the Breville's large cooking area can handle twice the amount of food and 20% more than a 12in frying pan. There is no temperature control, but the 1600W heating element is designed to give fast, even heat distribution of around 260C.
The product was patented by Breville in 1993 and is now distributed worldwide by Kenwood, AFG, Betty Crocker and Charles Craft. Due to EC and UL regulation standards, there are slight variations in design -- extra leg stands on the plate, rubber tips on the tray base and so on, however the basic design is universal.
Managing director Viola Cheung is confident that the Gourmet Health grill will be just as successful in Asia, as it is in Australia, Europe and the US.
"It is a practical device, light and portable, very handy for barbecues, table use and in the kitchen. And it does not take up much space -- it is suitable for an apartment. It is also perfect for Asian cooking because while the soup is boiling the prawns can be grilling," says Cheung.
The grill comes with a cover, a brush and a detachable windshield, which can also act as a splatter shield.
Written by Liz Mottram
There is a growing trend for health, beauty and fitness products that can be used in the privacy of one's own home. Every part of the body, it seems, has been catered for -- as Well Mark Int'l Ltd's vibrating massage brush proves.
This product is a combined health and beauty unit. The manufacturer claims that it not only adds more volume to hair when it is used as a styling brush, but that its bristles stimulate the scalp causing increased blood circulation. This, in turn, maximizes oxygen flow to the head and provides more nutrients to hair follicles.
But the massage brush is not designed exclusively for use on head and hair -- according to Well Mark. It can relieve stress and help with relaxation when used on other parts of the body.
Though manufactured in Hong Kong and China, the massage brush was designed and subsequently patented in the US, Well Mark's managing director, Preston Ma, says that since its launch in the US in September 1993. "the response has been marvellous." He adds that the product has received very favourable reports from health experts and was an instant success with salon owners.
The vibrating brush is produced under two brand names, Raje and Vitra, which differ slightly in design and packaging, Raje is available exclusively through beauty and hair salons, while Vitra is aimed at drug stores, supermarkets and retail chains.
The cost of both Raje and Vitra, based on a minimum order of 1,000 units, is HK$40 FOB Hong Kong per item. Delivery time depends on the quantity ordered; any order up to 5,0009 pieces will be delivered within two weeks, while bigger orders, up to full containers, may take four weeks.
Although North America is Well Mark's biggest export market, Ma says the products are receiving a favourable response in Europe, where they were launched in the Spring of 1994, and throughout Asia.
Each item is individually packaged and comes with clear instructions on recommended uses. Two AA batteries are also included.
Written by Gary Walder
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