Segway inventor drives off cliff

[GRG55]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

when i heard about this on the radio, i assumed it was suicide. otherwise, why didn't he jump off it before it went over the cliff?

Geezuz but this recession is making sour-pusses out of quite a few of my fellow iTulipers. So what if it's a toy...everybody out there over the age of 8 forgot how to play?

So what if it was marketed over the top as "saving the world"...not exactly the first time that's happened with some new technical gizmo, is it? Nor the last, I would venture. Hell every Apple product launch fits that description. Think the world would have ended and the sun never rise again if there wasn't a single Apple product on the face of the earth? Let's face it, Apple makes nothing but beautifully designed, overpriced "toys". I will admit to having been seriously tempted to convert to a Mac because of my growing hate-on for Microsoft, but I haven't...yet. And if I do it will be the first Apple product I have ever owned...yes, one can lead a productive life [or at least fake it, as I do] without having a single Apple gizmo in your inventory.

I had the opportunity to use a Segway this summer to move around an airfield during an airshow I was volunteering at. C1ue, I find myself most often agreeing with you...but not this time. Sure the Segway is a toy, but as Jeff pointed out it's a hell of a lot more fun, and a completely different experience to any tandem-axle two-wheeler. And that's really what life's about isn't it...the experiences, and memories of same, that we accumulate over a lifetime. That's the reason I fly general aviation aircraft, and have owned two in the past. They don't make any economic sense compared to flying commercially...but go up for one hour, or do a long cross-country in one and the experience is completely different, and there's nothing comparable.

As for jumping off, having used one I can understand why he didn't. The biggest problem with beginners on a Segway [and most beginners learning to fly a small airplane too] is overcontrolling. The Segway is ultra-sensitive to any subtle weight shift and will immediately start to change direction. Even lowering or turning your head can be enough to change its trajectory, because we humans tend to start to lean towards where we are looking. Jumping off a Segway that is in a stable configuration guarantees a crash, something an experienced rider most likely would not do given how amazingly maneuverable these things are once you get comfortable with them at speed. Who knows why he drove off the cliff...inattention, being a daredevil, trusting his ability to just miss the dog - sorry, cliffedge? All I know is that having used one I would also be very reluctant to jump off one that was under perfect control.

[flintlock]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

Geezuz but this recession is making sour-pusses out of quite a few of my fellow iTulipers

Agree wholeheartedly!

So what if it was marketed over the top as "saving the world"...not exactly the first time that's happened with some new technical gizmo, is it?

True but the Segway's build up hype ranks as one of the all time over promises in marketing. And I believe that contributed to the underwhelming response of the public. If you'll remember, they didn't even let on what the new product was, only that it would change the world.

Steve Jobs was quoted as saying that it was "as big a deal as the PC", though later sources quoted him as saying when first introduced to the product that its design "sucked". John Doerr speculated that it would be more important than the Internet. Bezos was quoted that "...Cities will be built around this device." Articles were written in major publications speculating on it being a Stirling engine. South Park devoted an episode to making fun of the hype before the product was released.

I think they are cool and if I had the means I might even buy one.





Apple is a toy company. My wife has fought me for years wanting to buy more Apple Stock. I keep telling her, " Nobody will be able to afford their toys ". Meanwhile the stock just keeps going up!

[c1ue]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

C1ue, I find myself most often agreeing with you...but not this time. Sure the Segway is a toy, but as Jeff pointed out it's a hell of a lot more fun, and a completely different experience to any tandem-axle two-wheeler.

That may be - but again just how many people outside of the banksters are going to be able to buy a $7000 toy?

My tandem 2 wheeler is for work - I would never buy such a thing otherwise.

As for private flying - it also is seeing precipitous declines in usage.

Amazing what less money can do.

I don't have anything against what someone wants to do with their money though - a friend of mine has a Mig-21.

He has the best pickup line ever: do you want to fly in my plane?

If the chick says yes, he drives her to the San Jose airfield, then takes her in his 4 seat Cessna to another nearby airfield where the Mig is parked.

Then he says: $500 to take it up or I get compensated some other way

(This is a paraphrase of the actual line...)

[GRG55]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

That may be - but again just how many people outside of the banksters are going to be able to buy a $7000 toy?

My tandem 2 wheeler is for work - I would never buy such a thing otherwise.

As for private flying - it also is seeing precipitous declines in usage...

So are steak dinners in restaurants, and a myriad of other things...what's your point?

Amazing what less money can do...

That's what happens in a recession. People have to make different choices. Once again, nothing new about that. Doesn't change the fundamental being of us humans. We still work, live, love, laugh, cry and play [or at least we should]...and nobody needs a Segway or a private plane to do these things; those are just personal choices as to where money and time get allocated.

I don't have anything against what someone wants to do with their money though - a friend of mine has a Mig-21.

He has the best pickup line ever: do you want to fly in my plane?

If the chick says yes, he drives her to the San Jose airfield, then takes her in his 4 seat Cessna to another nearby airfield where the Mig is parked.

Then he says: $500 to take it up or I get compensated some other way

(This is a paraphrase of the actual line...)

No wonder private flying is seeing precipitous declines.

If he comes across someone he's really attracted to does he serenade her with a rendition of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" with all his pilot friends doing back-up vocals? Just askin'... :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTbASqoqH3Q

[c1ue]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

That's what happens in a recession. People have to make different choices. Once again, nothing new about that. Doesn't change the fundamental being of us humans. We still work, live, love, laugh, cry and play [or at least we should]...and nobody needs a Segway or a private plane to do these things; those are just personal choices as to where money and time get allocated.

Certainly true. And I already said - ultimately all such frivolous spending is fine so long as it is discretionary spending with your own earned money.

But the original other point: that the primary buyers of such toys as a demographic are the banksters and their FIRE ilk - remains.

Much as buyers of Lamborghinis, of $1000 bottles of wine, of speedboats, the list goes on and on.

Notice a continuity in these items? They're all trophies. So is the Segway.

And the money 'earned' by those said banksters and FIRE-men comes in a not so indirect way from all of us.

[Andreuccio]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

He has the best pickup line ever: do you want to fly in my plane?

If the chick says yes, he drives her to the San Jose airfield, then takes her in his 4 seat Cessna to another nearby airfield where the Mig is parked.

Then he says: $500 to take it up or I get compensated some other way

(This is a paraphrase of the actual line...)

He sounds like a great guy. I'll be sure to let my female friends know Mig rides are available. If he really wants to squeeze them, so to speak, he could hit them up for $250 for the ride back in the Cessna if they balk on the Mig offer.

[WildspitzE]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

Certainly true. And I already said - ultimately all such frivolous spending is fine so long as it is discretionary spending with your own earned money.

But the original other point: that the primary buyers of such toys as a demographic are the banksters and their FIRE ilk - remains.

Much as buyers of Lamborghinis, of $1000 bottles of wine, of speedboats, the list goes on and on.

Notice a continuity in these items? They're all trophies. So is the Segway.

And the money 'earned' by those said banksters and FIRE-men comes in a not so indirect way from all of us.

I have yet to see a bankster on a segway, not one in the city or in their playgrounds (hamptons, etc.)

All of the segways I've seen belong to: cops, renta cops, and gimmicky tour companies.

[flintlock]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

I have yet to see a bankster on a segway

Yeah, someone in my neighborhood has one and I am hardly living in The Hamptons.

I see mostly Police/govt types using them also. If not for those purchases I think the free market would have closed them down already.

[jk]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

i read somewhere that amazon had employees using them to get around giant warehouses.

[lakedaemonian]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

That may be - but again just how many people outside of the banksters are going to be able to buy a $7000 toy?

My tandem 2 wheeler is for work - I would never buy such a thing otherwise.

As for private flying - it also is seeing precipitous declines in usage.

Amazing what less money can do.

I don't have anything against what someone wants to do with their money though - a friend of mine has a Mig-21.

He has the best pickup line ever: do you want to fly in my plane?

If the chick says yes, he drives her to the San Jose airfield, then takes her in his 4 seat Cessna to another nearby airfield where the Mig is parked.

Then he says: $500 to take it up or I get compensated some other way

(This is a paraphrase of the actual line...)

Speaking of MIG 21...I recently had this thing:



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

....blocking the rear alley for half a day disrupting operations at one business I own.

It was being repossessed.........from a property developer.......

I wouldn't fly in a MIG 21 if you paid me to, and I love flying....the Indian Air Force has lost more pilots flying that coffin with wings than the Luftwaffe 2.0 lost F104 Starfighter drivers in the 1960's and 70's.

I'd buy a Segway....2nd hand for 0.15c on the dollar....much like my wife's well used but rock solid 3rd hand Prius.

[c1ue]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

I wouldn't fly in a MIG 21 if you paid me to, and I love flying....the Indian Air Force has lost more pilots flying that coffin with wings than the Luftwaffe 2.0 lost F104 Starfighter drivers in the 1960's and 70's.

I'm no pilot, but the person who owns it was flying in Vietnam as a combat pilot. Perhaps he just has a different view on risk!

Besides, the Mig-21 as I understand it is basically a rocket with stubby wings. Fast but not particularly maneuverable.

I'd buy a Segway....2nd hand for 0.15c on the dollar....much like my wife's well used but rock solid 3rd hand Prius.

I'd be careful - the Segway's batteries are Li-Ion, and have the same 'memory' issues as a laptop battery. The discount would not be very helpful if the range was reduced from 18 miles to 3 - repairable only via several thousand dollars in new batteries.

Would you pay 15 cents on the dollar for a used laptop battery?

[flintlock]

Re: Segway inventor drives off cliff

I'm no pilot, but the person who owns it was flying in Vietnam as a combat pilot. Perhaps he just has a different view on risk!

Besides, the Mig-21 as I understand it is basically a rocket with stubby wings. Fast but not particularly maneuverable.



I'd be careful - the Segway's batteries are Li-Ion, and have the same 'memory' issues as a laptop battery. The discount would not be very helpful if the range was reduced from 18 miles to 3 - repairable only via several thousand dollars in new batteries.

Would you pay 15 cents on the dollar for a used laptop battery?

I'd venture to guess most people playing with a Segway never go more than a few miles away from home. But no, I would would not buy a used laptop battery either.

[GRG55]

Look What The Segway Begat...

Segways are just fancy toys for eco-nuts.

They're heavy - 83 lbs - too heavy to carry onto public transport/buses.

The range is relatively poor due to the high weight.

It is packed so full of electronics gadgets that long term maintenance is of highly questionable provenance.

It is damned expensive: $5000 to $7200.

Lastly, it don't travel well. Too big and bulky for typical luggage on an airline and non-trivial to fit into a typical car trunk.

I was just in Hong Kong for few days and this thing is getting a lot of attention at the Shanghai 2010 Fair...a two-wheeled electric car. My biz associates in HK were talking about it enthusiastically. The stability system is a derivative of the Segway.

This is the first effort at an electric vehicle that shows any real promise. imo. Instead of trying to replace the existing vehicle fleet with something that looks the same but costs more and delivers less, the out-of-the-box-and-into-the-bubble thinking going on here might actually lead to something practical in terms of a usable and useful urban electric vehicle one day.

GM unveils tiny, futuristic concept car



SHANGHAI — It's not quite as foldable as the space vehicle that cartoon figure George Jetson pops into his briefcase as he bops into the office.
But the EN-V concept car, GM's "automobile solution" for the future, just might fit into an apartment foyer.

General Motors and its Chinese partner SAIC will showcase the "Electric Networked-Vehicle" launched Wednesday in their joint pavilion at the Shanghai Expo, which opens May 1 and runs for six months...

...The two-wheel, two-seater EN-V, which looks something like an oversized vacuum cleaner, is not just about making vehicles small, lightweight and emission-free, the company says.

"What we're talking about here is completely redoing the automobile," says Michael Albano, director of product and technology communications at General Motors International Operations — its global headquarters for international business in Shanghai...

...The 1.5 meter by 1.5 meter (about 5 foot by 5 foot) EN-V appears to build on GM's earlier work with Segway Inc. in developing the PUMA, or Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, vehicle. It will use the same types of battery cells as the Segway and the same battery supplier, Valence Technology Inc., said Christopher Borroni-Bird, GM's director of advanced technology vehicle concepts.

With the EN-V, GM proposes to reconstruct the automobile's "DNA."

The EN-V's maximum speed of only 40 kilometers per hour (24 mph) — even now city roads average only 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph) and often less — and other high-tech features reduce the need for heavy, high-stress steel, bumpers, air bags and crumple zones, says Albano.

Apart from its diminutive size and light weight — 400 kilograms (880 pounds) including the passengers — the vehicle would offer drivers the option of "autonomous driving:" letting the car drive itself via an elaborate system of GPS systems, digital maps, roadway and vehicle sensors, cameras and other devices.

"None of this is beyond the technology that exists today," Wale says...

[c1ue]

Re: Look What The Segway Begat...

Apart from its diminutive size and light weight — 400 kilograms (880 pounds) including the passengers — the vehicle would offer drivers the option of "autonomous driving:" letting the car drive itself via an elaborate system of GPS systems, digital maps, roadway and vehicle sensors, cameras and other devices.

I guess diminutive is all relative.

The Segway weighs twice what my Goped does, and in turn this 2 wheeled vehicle weighs more than 10 times what the Segway does.

What exactly is all that extra weight for? 2 seats shouldn't be more than 100 pounds, and the associated battery weight should equally not be more than 5x existing battery load.

Of course all this is academic. I for one have zero desire to be on the road in this literal tin can if there are 5000 lb+ vehicles also around. P1V1 = P2V2 in a collision; when the weight difference is 6 to 1, the speed of those in the Segway+ exiting a collision would be 6x of that experienced by the larger vehicle.

Not pretty.

[GRG55]

Re: Look What The Segway Begat...

I guess diminutive is all relative.

The Segway weighs twice what my Goped does, and in turn this 2 wheeled vehicle weighs more than 10 times what the Segway does.

What exactly is all that extra weight for? 2 seats shouldn't be more than 100 pounds, and the associated battery weight should equally not be more than 5x existing battery load.

Of course all this is academic. I for one have zero desire to be on the road in this literal tin can if there are 5000 lb+ vehicles also around. P1V1 = P2V2 in a collision; when the weight difference is 6 to 1, the speed of those in the Segway+ exiting a collision would be 6x of that experienced by the larger vehicle.

Not pretty.

I think you missed the point about the limited velocities that can be achieved in ever more crowded urban environments.

And I think the formula you want is Newton's second law of motion [F=ma], not Boyle's Law. ;-)