Good Thinking

TaskOne turns the iPhone into a legitimate pocket knife

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TaskOne transforms the iPhone into a multi-tool
The TaskOne opens your bottle
The TaskOne adds 16 new functions to your iPhone
The tools are built into the back of the case
The knife has fine and serrated edges on one side and a wood saw on the other
A series of buttons releases the tools
The 1.8-inch (4.6-cm) wood saw may not be lumberjack worthy, but it'll cut smaller wood
The implements pop out and prepare for work
TaskOne transforms the iPhone into a multi-tool
The TaskOne has a wire stripper and a wire cutters
View gallery - 9 images

The smartphone is already a modern-day multi-tool, combining communications, entertainment, information access and all kinds of personalized content. But while the smartphone can multitask in the virtual world, it can't do quite as much back in the physical world. The TaskOne iPhone case changes that, giving Apple's smartphone the functionality of an old-school Swiss Army pocket knife. Like the Morgan E Pulse, it seamlessly blends cutting edge technology with retro-inspired design.

The 3.1-ounce (89-g) TaskOne from TaskLab is similar to the ReadyCase we covered previously, but it offers more implements. The innovative case rivals an actual multi-tool in offering a portable, pocket-sized toolbox with 16 separate tools.

Its 2.5-inch (6.4-cm) knife includes both serrated and fine edges, and the opposite side has a 1.8-inch (4.6-cm) wood saw. Six metric Allen wrenches, small and large flathead screwdrivers, medium Phillips screwdriver, and pliers with an integrated multi-size wrench take care of torque-related tasks. Other tools include wire cutters, a wire stripper, a ruler and spoke wrenches. Of course, there's also the obligatory bottle opener and kickstand.

The TaskOne adds 16 new functions to your iPhone

Since the thick casing and rotating implements common on traditional multi-tools wouldn't work that well with the thin profile of an iPhone, TaskLab seats the tools flat inside the aluminum backing of the case. Each tool is secured via a spring assembly and accessed with a button. Some of the tools automatically secure into work mode while others are removed and either secured into a separate slot or used in standalone form.

In addition to the aluminum back that holds the tools, the TaskOne has polycarbonate edge bands that secure to the sides of the phone and provide a raised bezel to protect the screen. TaskLab says that the TaskOne can be removed in seconds, so it's easy to take off in situations where you can't carry a knife (e.g. air travel).

After wrapping up a successful Indiegogo campaign last week, TaskLab is hoping to set up its tooling in time to get the TaskOne shipping by April. You can pre-order the case starting at US$90. It is compatible with iPhone 4, 4S and 5 models.

Source: TaskLab, Indiegogo via The GearCaster

View gallery - 9 images
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3 comments
offthegrid
For those who need a bottle opener to open a bottle this is great and worth the money just for that feature alone.
However, the very first time you fly anywhere some halfwit security agent will own that and you'll be out $90.
Pks29733steel
@offthegrid, I agree. Now instead of security having you turn it on, more time will be wasted inspecting the phone itself! This item is not the regular kind of 'stupid' but that 'SPECIAL' kind.
Nantha
So, does this case also make the phone water resistant? I assume the can or bottle being opened will have liquid in it?
About the only really usefull smart tool i would like to see in a smart phone is a case with enough juice and a pair of super thin wire jumper cables that can be used to jump start a car...