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Segway Revolutionizes Polo
Mirkon writes "The Register is carrying a story on an example of how technology is making sports better: Segway Polo. The San Francisco Bay Area Segway Enthusiasts Group has instructions on how to build a mallet (PDF), and a video clip of Segway Polo in action (MOV). A revolutionary device, indeed."
This was really a good example of a toy with no practical future. I, like many others, were excited about the buildup and then it's debut. I'd say the cost definately prevented it's adoption.
It's funny to see it revolutionize polo though, I don't remember that in the things Kamen promised it would revolutionize.
Those suckahs would have as much fun playing polo on a pogo stick instead of a 4000$ Segway. I think Segways should be used on golf courses instead.
kinda funny : the tone of the register was rather mocking, considering the segway drivers a bunch of rich-asses with to much time on their hands, and the segway a silly, expensive toy that never could deliver what was promised.
/., it becomes a revolutionary device that makes sports better.
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Probably, the submitter intended irony, but failed to convince
When will I end this grieving ? When will my future begin ?
Sound familiar?
Reading the whole book is recommended, but for those that don't...
as a Segway. The Segway is cheaper to maintain. The polo field is easier to clean up with the Segway, but requires additional fertilization.
Doesn't the fact that 'revolutionizes polo' is in the topic let us know that it's useless? I mean if that's the best you have...
At least horses can do other tricks. They're darn pretty, too.
I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missourah!
From the article:
"The machine's creator, Dean Kamen, wants to see US Special Forces troops eventually ride Segways into battle."
What a self-serving assh*le. The things only do a couple mph and can't even navigate dirt, let along rough terrain.
It's just my opinion, but I think the Segway is a great metaphor for the 21st century American. Its introduction was preceeded by a plethora of sensationalism about how it was going to "change the world", and then it turned out to be only mildly interesting, yet profoundly impractical, expensive, buggy and high maintenance. This of course, didn't stop some people from plunking down five grand for this vanity-driven embarassement of a vehicle, who now desperately seek to find realistic use or justification for their decision.
The Segway epitomizes the concept of the consumer economy, not unlike the Hummer. A piece of vanity equipment whose ultimate underlying purpose is to project the owner's own sense of insecurity upon others.
This is the legacy of the baby boomers in America. In their quest to prove to others (as well as themselves) that money and materialism = happiness, they've perfected this growing trend of high-end vanity-oriented accessories. I hope it works out for 'em.
I would imagine that the whole "entering battle standing straight up on something that lifts you 1/4 metre up into the air" might be a bit of a drawback too.
I'm no military expert, but I would assume that a device that makes you a *bigger* target might be a drawback when people are shooting at you.
a sport is, but this qualifies.
;)
Two team trying to control a ball while on a playing field seems like a sport to me.
It also looks hard.
"releases of off-gases at plastic plants,"
you
ve never mucked a stable, have you?
While your bitching, please take into account the care, feeding, and maintainencs of the horse, saddle, cleaners etc . . .
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