Swiss Army Prestige and s.beat USB key knives

Swissbit and Victorinox have announced plans to expand their stable of combination Swiss Army weapons/USB keys. The next model to be released is being called the "s.beat" (not to be confused with Swizz Beatz of the Ruff Ryders), a hybrid knife that adds MP3, WMA, and OGG playback into the mix. The MP3 component of the knife is removable (lesson learned from the first-gen not-approved-for-flight model), sports a three-line display and wired remote, and will come in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB flavors. Also due from Swissbit is the Swissmemory Prestige lineup, gold, silver, and diamond plated knives with USB attachments that can be upgraded as storage needs warrant. The 1GB and 2GB s.beats will be released on November 15th, for $278 and $419, repectively, while the 4GB version will drop for an unknown price in Spring 2006. Stepping up the price ladder considerably are the Prestige models, which start at $1750, and you can bet that's not for the iced-out edition. More pics after the break…

[icerabbit @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Nice to see you will be able to check the knife part and carry the data part, but why bother? Separate both parts get more functionality (apple shuffle or comparable & regular swiss knife)

[Mark Blass @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

A Swiss Army Knife is made for life. That flash drive, on the other hand, will be obsolete well within five years, leaving you with a knife that is functionally equivalent to Victorinox's basic pocket carrier. Such a disparate combination more befits the Japanese innovation mindset than the Swiss.

[tm65 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

And you probably won't be able to take it on a plane, not even Swiss Air.

[Eddy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Thats really funny. Who knows when you might need to back up your data when you're camping or mountain climbing.

[Azeem @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Try taking that with you on a business trip. Two thumbs down. Impractical... imagine you had important data on there and had it confiscated at the airport... totally not cool.

[spetz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

You guys really need to lear to read: "The MP3 component of the knife is removable (lesson learned from the first-gen not-approved-for-flight model)" YOu can take it on an air plane you just need to remove the lfash storage part from the knife when you go ont he plane you put the knife in your luggage. and keep usb with you. YOu just cant have aknife with your carry one I have taken many knives on to planes, going to switzerland. I think its sa sweet Idea I am goan ask my God mother ot buy me one.

[Mark from MT @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

I protest the use of the word "weapon" when describing these puny little knives. The feds have everyone mesmerized and duped into believing that anything that isn't made of rubber or foam is a weapon. The weapon is the person, the tool is what the person uses to harm others.