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Hardware-Based Commute-Map Gadget

Posted by timothy on from the just-the-tip-of-the-underbelly dept.

coreymetrics writes "Anyone have one of these things? While it's no substitute for an improved mass-transit solution in the Puget Sound area, TrafficGauge's new gadget sure looks like it beats any PDA or cell phone auto traffic map I've used. It uses the same data that powers the Washington State DOT's indispensable website. Now why can't auto makers put this kind of thing in a dash instead of mostly worthless GPS navigation and DVD units?"

17 of 261 comments (clear)

  1. Mostly worthless GPS? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Apparently you're not using it for the right things, like precisely aiming missiles at your neighbor's houses.

  2. You mean... by TampaTim · · Score: 3, Funny

    an overloaded IIS web-server? No don't have one of those!

  3. I wonder how long will it be before... by DerProfi · · Score: 5, Funny

    we see the first traffic fatality caused by some asshat paying too much attention to their TrafficGauge(tm) and not enough to TheRealTrafficRightInFrontOfYou(tm).

    --

    3000+ comments meta-modded. 0 mod points awarded.
    Lesson for other meta-suckers: Don't believe the hype!
  4. Re:Running this site on XP Pro or what? by terradyn · · Score: 5, Funny

    Slashdot should make a pay service that gives out links a few hours ahead of the main pack.

    Yeah, and they should make it only for subscribers.

  5. Re:Running this site on XP Pro or what? by Jad+LaFields · · Score: 5, Funny

    What are you doing trying to read the article, anyway.

    You're just supposed to reload the front page over and over again trying to get the "frost piss" post, which I have been told means "first post". Or maybe "Eskimo Latrine". Hmmmm...

    --
    [SIG] It's like putting a moose in the blender -- a recipe for disaster!
  6. Article text by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    reprinted July 2003 for slashdot.org


    The page cannot be displayed

    There are too many people accessing the Web site at this time.

    Please try the following:

    • Click the Refresh button, or try again later.
    • Open the www.trafficgauge.com home page, and then look for links to the information you want.
    HTTP 403.9 - Access Forbidden: Too many users are connected
    Internet Information Services

    Technical Information (for support personnel)

    • Background:
      This error can occur if the Web server is busy and cannot process your request due to heavy traffic.

    • More information:
      Microsoft Support

  7. Instant answers mmmkay by GillBates0 · · Score: 5, Funny
    From their What it can do page:
    You'll find TrafficGauge indispensable if you've ever wondered...
    Will I hit traffic on this route? Should I go a different way?
    Do I need to leave now, or can I spare a few minutes?
    Can I make it to the meeting, day care, or movie on time?
    With TrafficGauge, you'll know the answers instantly--at a glance!

    So, like, you ask it these questions and it'll come back with:
    "You will definetly hit traffic on this and any alternate route that you may choose. You could either leave now, or a couple of minutes later...doesn't really matter, you won't be able to make it to the meeting, day care or movie on time anyway.
    And remember, roadrage is bad mmmkay. Happy driving

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
    1. Re:Instant answers mmmkay by realdpk · · Score: 2, Funny

      "You will definetly hit traffic on this and any alternate route that you may choose. You could either leave now, or a couple of minutes later...doesn't really matter, you won't be able to make it to the meeting, day care or movie on time anyway."

      Hey neighbor, you too must be from the Puget Sound area. Where the traffic report can usually be summarized as "Good" or "Bad" overall.

  8. From their 'About' page... by InterruptDescriptorT · · Score: 4, Funny

    Will I hit traffic on this route? Should I go a different way?

    If you're trying to access their IIS-run website, then I'd say that's a big 10-4, good buddy.

    --
    Karma: Excellent Birds (mostly as a result of listening to Laurie Anderson)
  9. In other news... by indros13 · · Score: 5, Funny
    ...TrafficGaugeWeb, used to measure internet traffic, imploded today at approximately 11:21pm Slashdot time, while taking its evening reading of the TrafficGauge homepage. Mary Merger, TrafficGauge spokeswoman, said that the site, usually receiving less than 100 hits daily, was struck by a vertiable avalanche of requests. "Fortunately no one was standing near the [TrafficGaugeWeb] at the time," Merger said, "the needle not only slammed to maximum, but the pressure blew the cover off the device, richocheted off my classic '52 Yield sign and nearly took the head off Jim ["Ramp" Meter, TrafficGauge field tester]. I guess word must be getting around about the new product...maybe there was a big car convention or something where they had free internet access." Authorities in the Seattle area could not be reached for comment.

    --
    Under capitalism man exploits man. Under communism it's the other way around.
  10. Re:How to finance these by dextremethorpheus · · Score: 3, Funny

    or i suppose they could provide a handy calendar of their scheduled games. hmmm, perhaps they already do.

  11. Re:In-dash distraction by chunkwhite86 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Damn...need some anger management classes Champ?

    Arrrrrggghhh!!!

    DO I LOOK LIKE I NEED ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES?!?

    What the hell is wrong with you people!!?????

    --
    I'd rather be a conservative nutjob than a liberal with no nuts and no job.
  12. Re:Mostly Worthless? by lcorc79 · · Score: 2, Funny
    ... Mostly worthless? Am I the only one whose hide has been saved by "worthless GPS navigation and DVD units"?

    Nope, you certainly aren't the only one. Billy Graham sent me a DVD in the mail, I popped it in my "worthless" DVD unit; and halleluja, I was SAVED! Praise the lord, I've been SAVED!!!! :)

    --
    Groove Salad -- a nicely chilled plate of ambient grooves and beats.
  13. Hardware-Based Commute-Map Gadget by Ilan+Volow · · Score: 3, Funny

    I can't wait till it has speech recognition. I'd love to say "Go Go Gadget Commute-map!" in heavy traffic.

    --
    Ergonomica Auctorita Illico!
  14. Navigation Koans by xixax · · Score: 5, Funny

    One day Scott got into his car and drove to work and arrived at the Interstate. Only then did he realise that you cannot travel without changing yourself and the universe.

    A trouble Cathy sat in the gridlock and implored her in-car navigation, "Why am I stuck?". The GPS replied, "You are here", and she was enlightened.

    Destination is illusion if you do not know from where you start and where change in your journey.

    A single GPS point coordinate is as protected as the robin that nests in an inpenetrable briar patch.

    Even the road travels the bridges.

    --
    "Everything is adjustable, provided you have the right tools"
  15. Mixed review, no sale by UnknowingFool · · Score: 2, Funny

    On the one hand, it's a cool new gadget so men will buy it. On the other, it's like asking for directions so no man will buy it. It's kinda of a wash if you ask me.

    --
    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  16. Erm.. by akpcep · · Score: 0, Funny

    Why on earth would I need a 404 error page on the dash of my car?

    --
    Hmmm.