Future Tools

[Grant Lamontagne]

While we may not be able to figure out what is happening next year or next decade with various tools, it's interesting to consider (at least if you are a Sci Fi fan like me!) where the multitool will take us in the future.  I have mentioned this in SOSAK in the past, and I think it fits with multis as well.

Some of the major science fiction franchises have scenes built on multitool type gadgets.  In some cases, it's a simple way to get around a plot point, but many of them have become indispensable parts of the continuing series.  For example, where would the crew off the USS Enterprise (NC-1701, not the aircraft carrier!) be without this handy multiple function tool?



And with further refinements, the crew of the Next Generation depended heavily on this newer tricorder:



Of course, before I start to sound like a king sized Trekkie, we can't forget perhaps the best known and most useful multitool that ever graced the silver screen. 



Of course, if Leatherman ever thought it would end up as indignant as Artoo Detoo can be he may have scrapped the while multitool idea long ago!

Of course, this is what happens when I am left alone for too long... we may want to find me a hobby!

Def

[665ae]

You know, now that I think about it.  I don't remember seeing many "tools" at all in Sci Fi movies!?!  How do they repair that stuff?  How is it that all the repairs can be made from a control panel?  I've never been a big Star Trek fan, but it seems to me that most of the repair crew just hit a few buttons on a control panel to "reroute" this or "power" some other thing, but they very rarely ever showed them working on anything.  What would the world come to if there weren't any more screwdrivers or pliers???

Of course, I could be totally wrong, and there could be several episodes showing repairs. I'm trying to go by memory here, and my memory sucks...

[prime77]

On Deep Space Nine, Chief O' Brian was always running around fixing things with the same tool, but all it ever seem to do is light up.

[CQC-7]

I belive that young Luke skywalker carried an assortment of tools on his belt.  I personally would love to have a lightsaber or Han Solos fusion cutter at my disposal.  A victorinox lightsaber powered by a uranium ion battery with a folding fusion cutter and a few TORX bits would repair anything this side of Admiral Akbar's ship.  

I'm a huge Star Wars geek.  

[Anthony]

R2-D2...circular saw, fire extinguisher, jet propulsion (didn't he use it in ROTJ, or am I thinking of the new movies?), hologram projector, starship navigation, lightsaber ejector...what other features did he have?

[665ae]

R2 also had that computer interface thingy that he could plug into anything... all it ever did was spin... you'd think they'd have a better way for two computers to communicate other than a little spinny probe thing.

[J-sews]

R2 also had that computer interface thingy that he could plug into anything... all it ever did was spin... you'd think they'd have a better way for two computers to communicate other than a little spinny probe thing.

I'm sure there was a purpose, but it was no doubt too technically advanced for us to understand. 

[geoemt]

R2-D2...circular saw, fire extinguisher, jet propulsion (didn't he use it in ROTJ, or am I thinking of the new movies?), hologram projector, starship navigation, lightsaber ejector...what other features did he have?

More uses for R2D2:

    * Cable gun
    * Oil injector
    * Claw arm
    * Fusion welder
    * Periscope
    * Electric pike
    * Propeller
    * Hidden lightsaber compartment with ejector
    * Air Cannon
    * Crashmat
    * Lariat
    * Submarine Mode
    * Collapsible Umbrella
    * Flea Remover
    * Distracter
    * Headdress Detangler
    * Breakdance Mode
    * Droid Deactivator
    * Computer Interface Arm
    * Charge Arm
    * Life-form Scanner
    * Smoke Screen



Cool thing to have around!

Guillermo

[Grant Lamontagne]

R2-D2...circular saw, fire extinguisher, jet propulsion (didn't he use it in ROTJ, or am I thinking of the new movies?), hologram projector, starship navigation, lightsaber ejector...what other features did he have?

He only "flew" in the new movies.  Although it would explain how he managed to get through much of the terrain in other movies!  The biggest drawback to the old R2 unit that I could see was that it was somewhat limited in where it could go, as those small wheels weren't exactly all terrain.  Of course, they fixed that when they decided he could fly.

Not actually getting your hands "dirty" is an old Star Trek tradition, which dates back to the early days of Scotty.  James Doohan actually lost a finger on his left hand and was self concious about it.  You will notice that his left hand, at least the fingers, are never shown clearly or straight on as a result.  It's easier to hide a finger when holding something, especially when the end of it lights up to distract the viewer.  This is probably the biggest reason I still watch Star Trek, even though I have seen them all a hundred times over.  I am not a huge Star Trek fan, but it seems half the people in my life are!  I think it's kinda fun to see how they hid Scotty's hand and yet still make it seem natural!

Def