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Product Magazines: Product Trends |
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The Chatter Box is a wired motorcycle intercom system that lets motorcyclists and their passengers keep in touch on the open road. Developed and manufactured by TFE Hong Kong Ltd, the Chatter Box set includes driver and passenger earphone, microphone, clip and transmission unit.
Designed with simplicity in mind, the windproof microphone will clip onto any helmet. Reception is so clear, claims general manager Fred Gunn, that volume control should never have to be turned up more than halfway. the waterproof Chatter Box operates on a pre-set FM channel and turns off four AAA batteries which can be included in the complete set.
This high-quality system complies with EMC (Electromagnetic Compactibililty) world safety standards and carries the European HK271 and CE certification. "It had to be hands-free -- so there are no buttons to push when you want to talk," explains Gunn. An on/off switch, LED and volume controls are the only operating features on the unit, which weights 55g and measures 10x5.5cm. the earphone wire measures 1m but will extend to 1.8m.
There is enough room on the sleek, black box to print a customer's logo and TFE will supply a single-colour one free of charge. the company will also print the customer's brand name on he packaging at no extra cost, thought the artwork must be provided and at least 5,000 units ordered.
"We've filled orders for Spain, Argentina, the UK, Italy and France so far -- and they've all been above the minimum order requirement, announces Gunn. Minimum order quantity is 2,000 units and the Chatter Box sells for US$5.95 FOB Hong Kong. The delivery date is normally 30 days after the order has been placed.
Though the chatter Box is mainly being sold in Europe to date, Gunn is convinced that this is a product with international appeal. He declares that the Box is cheaper, better designed and better looking than its competitors.
Written by Nicola Theo
Tech Lane Ind Ltd's latest product allows you to toast the new day with a message. The Patterning Toaster pops up toast printed with cheerful greetings such as Good Morning and Happy Birthday. "This is a new approach to breakfast enjoyment," announces Tech Lane representative Tong Tsang-fu.
The patterns are produced by interchangeable metal plates with cut-out designs which fit between the slices of bread and the heating element. As the bread toasts to a golden brown, the design appears in darker brown on the toast. The Good Morning salutation includes a rising sun logo and Happy Birthday comes with a birthday cake logo. The four plates also include romantic and island scenes. A fixed metal plate with another pattern opposite the message plate means both sides of the toast come decorated.
"The patterning plates must be firmly pressed into the slides inside the toaster and pre-heated until the toasting light goes off," explains Tong. A special lifter is included to remove the hot plates to a holding rack located on the side of the toaster. the best result are achieved with white or whole-wheat sliced bread, 9-18mm thick. A browning control -- ensuring exactly the right degree of toasting -- is included as well as a release button for emergency releases during the toasting cycle.
The product is available in white with red trim, measures 263x186x198mm and weighs 2.6kg. "Cleaning the toaster couldn't be easier," says Tong, "simply slide the crumb tray out and dispose of the crumbs." The metal plates can also be removed and cleaned with washing-up liquid.
The Patterning Toaster comes with an instruction book printed in English, French, German and Japanese. Instructions for operation and cleaning are also printed in English on the outside of the product's sturdy packing box.
Materials used in the Patterning toaster are sourced in the US, Japan, France and Hong Kong and the product is available in two different versions: 110/220V 680W and 220/240V 660/720W. It has also received safety certification in the US and Canada.
Tech Lane charges US$23-25 FOB Hong Kong for its innovative toaster for orders of at least 1,600 units. Current production is 30,000-90,000 units per month, with major markets in the US, Japan, Germany, France and Taiwan.
Written by Susan Byron
When the air bag was first introduced as an accessory to the automobile, it was considered a luxury item aimed at consumers who could afford to indulge themselves. However, with the passing of time, it became a standard safety feature in almost every vehicle on the market.
Although it's difficult to predict tomorrow's necessities, few would disagree that products designed to minimize the risk of car accidents will always be well received by the public. Poron Corpn Ltd's success with its new BAT3000 and mini series of computerized car reversing aids is a case in point.
The BAT 3000 and the mini series offer the same general function; digital display showing the exact distance between your vehicle and the nearest object behind as well as an accompanying audio warning signal. Managing director John Lam ventures that "these products will grow in popularity because they are aimed at the needs of the near future."
He adds that Poron is a leader in the computerised car reversing aid market. "Other companies tend not to have digital display," he remarks. Lam points outs that similar systems have already been installed in the recent BMW 7 series and this year's new seven-seater Honda.
Poron's mini series was created seven years ago, the Mini-3 being the series' latest model. Measuring 190x23x10.5mm, this is an "easy mounting unit" with an input voltage of 11-15V DC and power consumption of 4.5W.
Poron recommends the Mini-3 for "saloon, pullman saloon, station wagon, mini bus and mini van" vehicles. the TUV-approved BAT 3000 is better suited to "vans, light and medium-sized trucks or light buses." The input voltage is 24V DC and capacity is 5W.
Currently, European markets consume most of the company's monthly production of approximately 20,000 units. As far as minimum orders are concerned, Lam says, "we accept different quantities. However, prices are higher for small order quantities." The Mini-3 series prices range from US$40-50 FOB Hong Kong while the BAT3000 is US$80 per unit. Orders will be delivered within 45 days and OEM is available.
Written by Steve Clay
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