Duracell Unveils Advanced Power Inverters and Laptop Adapters

BETHEL, Conn., Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Duracell responds to increasing consumer need for dependable charging solutions with the launch of a new line of Duracell Portable Power Inverters and Duracell Laptop Power Adapters. The new portable power lines from Duracell are the first to market with advanced USB 2.1 Amp charging ports across inverters and laptop adapters, making them the most comprehensive line of USB 2.1 Amp charging devices available.

The demand for USB electronic devices such as iPads, tablet PCs, e-Readers, smartphones and iPods continues to grow. In 2009, more than 3 billion USB-enabled devices were shipped worldwide and over 4 billion are expected to ship in 2012. (1) The five new inverters and two new adapters from Duracell with USB 2.1 Amp charging offers the latest standard in USB power and provides the high level of power needed to charge these power-hungry devices.

"With the popularity of USB and AC electronic devices continually on the rise, consumers are in need of efficient, dependable portable power," said Bob Jacobs, Duracell marketing director-North America. "Duracell Portable Power Inverters and Duracell Laptop Power Adaptors provide consumers with the power solutions needed to stay connected to their mobile devices."

Duracell inverters convert the 12-Volt DC power from vehicle cigarette outlets into 120-Volt AC and 5-Volt USB power giving consumers the ability to charge thousands of devices on the go including the iPad and other tablet computers, iPhones and smart phones, iPods and MP3 players, e-readers such as Kindle and Nook, digital cameras and camcorders, as well as netbooks and laptops. The power inverter line includes five models which can simultaneously charge two devices and range from the compact Mobile Inverter 30 and Mobile Inverter 100, the slim Pocket Inverter 100 and Pocket Inverter 175, and the Power Inverter 130 that fits seamlessly into a car cup-holder and includes AC, DC and USB 2.1 Amp ports able to charge three devices at once. All models are equipped with high-quality cooling technology which dramatically reduces fan noise and makes them the quietest, most efficient inverters available. Many current competitor models rely on internal cooling fans which can emit enough noise to drown out normal conversation.

The Universal 90-Watt AC Adapter and the Universal Energy Efficient 90-Watt AC Adapter are the latest entries to the Duracell laptop power adapter family. The Universal Energy Efficient model exceeds the stringent EnergyStar efficiency requirements and is designed to use 90 percent less energy than comparable adapters. Both models include 10 patented voltage-controlling tips to ensure safe, efficient power to all popular laptop models from top manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and more. The additional USB 2.1 Amp power port can simultaneously charge thousands of popular handheld devices.

Duracell is also answering consumer demand for environmentally-friendly product packaging with an innovative new "green packaging" design. The new structure eliminates the use of plastic by up to 85 percent versus traditional "clamshell" cases and incorporates several leading-edge technologies that together make a significant positive impact on the environment.  These innovations include 100 percent recyclable paper made from 50 to 60 percent post-consumer recycled paper, 100 percent recyclable plastic made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET plastic, Zero-Hassel Zero-Residue™ water based adhesive and vegetarian soy-based inks.

The new lineup of Duracell Portable Power Inverters and Duracell Laptop Power Adapters will be available in Spring 2011 with an MSRP of $29.99 -- $59.99 and feature a 3-year warranty.

About Duracell

Part of the Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG), Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 40 years. Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. As the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, Duracell also innovates in lighting, renewable power and wireless charging technologies to help consumers live life without limits. Visit www.duracell.com for more information, follow us on Twitter.com/Duracell_Power, and like us on Facebook.com/Duracell.

About Procter & Gamble

Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®.

The P&G community includes approximately 127,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

(1) USB 2010: SuperSpeed USB Adoption Will Lag the Pace of High-Speed USB Adoption, In-Stat report

SOURCE Procter & Gamble