CES 2009: Swiss Army Knives Get Even More Useful

Author Riyad Emeran
Published 11th Jan 2009
CES 2009: Swiss Army Knives Get Even More Useful
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I've been carrying a Swiss Army Knife with a USB memory key inside it for years now, probably too many years considering that mine only has 1GB of storage. And that's kind of the problem. With these devices, the only thing that's really changed over the years is the capacity of the USB key, which is probably why I haven't reviewed one since 2005. But at CES Victorinox announced a completely new version of its USB key toting Swiss Army knife.

The Presentation Pro is aimed squarely at the business user who spends a lot of time giving presentations. First up, the memory capacity of the USB keys goes all the way up to 32GB, so you really can carry everything you need in your pocket. And those memory keys are the most secure that Victorinox has ever offered thanks to the built-in fingerprint scanner.

When the key is inserted into a computer an enrolled finger needs to be swiped before you can access the data. Multiple users can enrol their fingers too, so that a key can be used by more than one person. Of course the data is also encrypted for maximum peace of mind.


While previous generation devices came equipped with an LED torch built-in, the Presentation Pro has an integrated laser pointer, making it perfect for pointing out those salient points on your PowerPoint slides. Or you can just annoy your colleagues in the office with it.

But the most surprising feature in the Presentation Pro is its Bluetooth support - yep, that's right, Bluetooth. Embedded into one side of the casing are two buttons which are used to click forwards and backwards through your presentations. So, there's no need to sit in front of your laptop while you present, or ask a colleague to switch slides every couple of minutes.

Of course you also get a knife, a nail file, a pair of scissors and a ball point pen thrown in for good measure. You can also get a version without any blades for anyone who flies regularly. Pricing starts at $169.95 for the 8GB version, going up to $329.95 for the flagship 32GB model.

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comment Simon Twine said on 12th January 2009

smc8788 said "doesn't really deserve the name 'swiss army knife'"

I agree completely, but i reckon it'd sound silly having a 'Swi... more

comment haim said on 12th January 2009

kinda loses its military link without the knife....hmmm perhaps they should rename the laser pointer to 'sniper target spotter'.

comment Riyad said on 12th January 2009

@riz - Yes knife crime has become a problem in the UK, but as has already been pointed out, pocket knives like these are not illegal. Personally I don’t think that carrying knives ... more

comment Kashif Bhatti said on 12th January 2009


If they weren't so expensive - I'd get one, but with my 8gb stick for 8.99 from amazon and 19.99 (scorching!) laser pointer from ebay, I'll just keep dreamin... more

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