• On TechRepublic: Five super-secret features in Windows 7
October 21, 2008 5:16 PM PDT

Open It protects your hands from sharp plastic

by Dong Ngo
  • Font size
  • Print
  • Post a comment
(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
New netbooks get subsidized for the holidays: Samsung Go and Acer Aspire One go for $199 at AT&T
AT&T debuts new Windows 7 mobile Netbooks
What's new with Palm WebOS 1.3.1?
AT&T reveals the LG Shine II
Chinon AVi iPod docking station doubles as portable DTV
The 404 468: Where we take a RIDE with Tony Hawk
Hands-on with New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Samsung unveils Android-powered Galaxy Spica

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

A CNET Conversation with Eric Schmidt

CNET's Tom Krazit and Molly Wood sit down with Google CEO Eric Schmidt to discuss the future of Android, the Chrome OS, the problem of real-time search indexing, and more.

Verizon tests sending RIAA copyright notices

The No. 2 phone company, known for its reluctance to intervene in antipiracy cases, strikes an agreement to forward copyright notices on behalf of the music industry.