I suppose I should comment on the Ginger/IT/Segway announcement, even though I may be a few days late. OK, the human-like balancing is pretty darn cool and it seems to do a decent job with off-road and rough-ish terrain. And, it looks like fun. Will it change the world? Hmmm...
Some optimists say it's a 1.0 product and that come 2.0 it'll be the device that revolutionizes urban planning like people have been saying. The pessimists (and there are plenty of 'em) dis its nerdy scooter stylings and beefy price tag.
Now, I consider myself pretty handy with motor vehicles, and I'm no stranger to zipping around on fast personal transportation devices, but if the Segway hits 30mph+ on it's 2.0 release, we should all invest in the Rhinoplasty industry 'cuz there's gonna be some busted up noses 'round here.
Comments (3)
I'll keep my Harley, but I wouldn't mind takin' "IT" for a spin to the local pub. Just for shits and giggles from the boys at the bar.
Posted by Old Man | December 6, 2001 3:18 PM
Posted on December 6, 2001 15:18
The nut don't fall too far from the tree, folks - in case you were wondering.
Posted by redshifter | December 6, 2001 3:26 PM
Posted on December 6, 2001 15:26
Last year I saw a wheelchair this guy developed first using the gyro technology. It "stands up" on two wheels and climbs stairs using two sets of balancing wheels going end over end. Cool shit.
But, Ginger is most likely to take its place on sidewalks and bike lanes where other motorized ped-scooters are just barely tolerated. For the optimists who see it being designed into site plans, I have two words: liability insurance. That would be like a Silicon Valley company buying a fleet of motorcycles for its staff to commute down 101. People have enough problems not hurting themselves while walking.
Posted by Hugh Jass | December 6, 2001 6:21 PM
Posted on December 6, 2001 18:21