The Coolest Gadget From Victorinox
Six years ago, Victorinox started for the first time to add technology to its knives, with recent models containing a digital watch or 8GB memory stick, but it has never made anything as sophisticated as the Presentation Pro.
The Presentation Pro invented by Victorinox, the company that makes 13 million tools every year and still supplies knives to the Swiss army, is all in one Bluetooth, USB drive, penknife, blade, scissors and a file in one gadget. The Swiss army knife is designed to survive in the jungle, where you might need a small knife or a scissor.
However, this Swiss army knife may have also been designed for use in the office, containing all the tools necessary to deliver boardroom presentations. Its 32 GB memory stick can contain hundreds of thousands of documents; the laser can be used to point at slides, while the Bluetooth technology means a little button on the penknife can double up as a computer mouse.
Victorinox, which was founded by Karl Elsener in 1884, after he was dismayed that the army was using Germany knives, says that its unique and sophisticated fingerprint security feature makes it a secure way to carry information. The memory stick is security protected by the owner’s fingerprint. ‘It doesn’t matter if you lose it, no one can hack into your information,’ said designer Martin Kuster.
Moreover, this technology also allows you to put all your passwords for internet banking and shopping websites onto the penknife. They will be not only completely secure, but also if the stick is plugged into your laptop, you will not need to remember your password. It will automatically remember it for you.
Charles Elsener, the chief executive of the company and great-grandson of the founder, said: “My great-grandfather would be very surprised by how far we have come. But his vision was to invent a tool for life. And this is exactly that. Just a modern version.”
Tom Dunmore, editor-in-chief of the gadget website Stuff, said: “Victorinox have done some amazing things to the Swiss Army Knife in recent years. But this latest version is the ultimate 21st Century tool for businessmen. I think it is very clever indeed.”
In addition, the company will also offer a version of the model including the stainless steel blade around which Victorinox built its reputation. However, there is no room on either version for the famous Swiss Army toothpick.
“We just couldn’t fit it. I am sorry,” said Mr Kuster.
The announcement about this complex cool small gadget came at the consumer electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company is going to sell the product for £250 later this year.