CHICAGO – June 15, 2009 – Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., today introduced the first laptop computer carts smart enough to protect and preserve the valuable technology equipment inside of them. Developed primarily for educational environments, Bretford’s new Intelligent Laptop Computer carts incorporate a sophisticated Power Management System (patent pending), or “brain” that decreases hestresses while proportionally distributing power to the laptops, thereby lengthening battery life. Production models of the Intelligent Laptop Computer carts will be shown in the Bretford Showroom at and electrical (#330) during the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2009, June 15–17, at Merchandise Mart Chicago, and in booth #5281 during InfoComm 2009, June 17–19, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
“It’s exciting to have so many schools using one-to-one technology equipment like laptops in the classroom. But using laptops can be an enormous – and somewhat intimidating – responsibility for educators,” said Jim Fisher, product manager for Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. “The beauty of the Intelligent Laptop Computer carts is the brain inside of them. This brain protects and preserves the life of the laptops by reducing heat and redistributing power, which minimizes wear and tear on the batteries. Instructors can now focus on using the technology to enhance learning instead of worrying if their students’ laptops will have enough battery life to make it through the lesson.”
Brainy Carts The brain in each Intelligent Laptop Computer cart is responsible for charging the laptop batteries, with no manual switching or timer required. It redistributes power every three minutes not only to ensure consistent Intelligent Laptop Computer Cart charging, but also to keep the laptops cool and prevent overheating. The brain also senses when the laptop batteries are almost charged, then automatically decreases power, which extends battery life and saves energy.
Clutter Free Located in the back of the carts, the Cable Clutter Closet provides storage and identification for computer cords and cables. The lockable closet arranges all the cords into special compartments, providing storage and identification for up to 30 wire/cable sets. Both the front and rear access doors fold back against the cabinet sides, making it easy to access the computers from the front while managing cables from the back.
Made for the Environment The Intelligent Laptop Computer carts require only a single circuit – one plug to the wall outlet for the whole cart – to minimize circuit tripping and reduce electricity consumption. The carts also have perforated sides, tops and doors to allow proper ventilation while charging. Both models are in the process of becoming UL certified, RoHS compliant and GREENGUARD certified. These designations will allow architects and designers to use the carts in applications where LEED credits can be applied and long-term health and safety are of the utmost concern.