• On TechRepublic: 10 cool USB flash drive tricks
October 21, 2008 5:16 PM PDT

Open It protects your hands from sharp plastic

by Dong Ngo
(Credit: Zibra)

One of the things I hate about my job, and there aren't many of them, is opening packages. Especially when I receive one of those products that comes in an annoying airtight clamshell plastic case that requires brute force and a sharp knife to open. I don't like sharp knives, nor do I like the sharp edges of the plastic cases.

For this reason, I was very excited to find out about the new Open It Zibra introduced on Tuesday. It's not rocket science, just a tool designed to open all types of hard plastic cases while keeping your hands free from the edges. The device features patented angular jaws engineered to provide maximum leverage while cutting.

The tool can open any package that might otherwise require multiple tools, thanks to its mini screwdriver, box cutter blade, and those aforementioned patented jaws.

According to Zibra, the new tool was designed by groups of female consumers working with Zibra. The groups are known as "Because Women Know," and it seems they really do know this time (not that I have any other ideas about other times). Zibra says the tool can be safely be used by anyone, including the elderly.

Ironically, judging from the picture, it seems the product is housed in a clamshell plastic bag itself. I guess things really need to get worse before they get better.

The Open It is available now for about $10 at retails stores and online.

Dong Ngo is a CNET editor who covers networking and network storage, and writes about anything else he finds interesting. You can also listen to his podcast at insidecnetlabs.cnet.com. E-mail Dong.
Recent posts from Crave
ZiiLabs latest processor brings 1080p to Netbooks
How your cell phone can diagnose disease
Apple Store opens in the Louvre: Where next?
OOMouse has more buttons than a shirt
Gigaware remote adds HD radio to the iPhone and iPod Touch
The 404 463: Where we're not that funny, but at least we try
Hands-on: Netflix streaming on the PS3
Sony Eco TV turns off when you leave the room
advertisement

About Crave

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

Add this feed to your online news reader

Crave topics

After 5 years, Firefox faces new challenges

Mozilla helped reshape the Web since releasing Firefox 1.0 five years ago. Now it's got a reawakened Microsoft and Google Chrome to reckon with.

There's a map for that: GPS or smartphone?

Almost every handset comes with mapping software these days, but standalone GPS devices are becoming more affordable than ever.