i'm the fellow who lives in seattle and gave up a car, and now uses a segway ht and a bicycle to get around. one of my city council persons is looking to limit the use of segway hts in the city now, all 4 of them. there are around 4 people who own them and have replaced cars / car trips, but the ht is a controversial mode of transport for some. while i think i'll always be able to use it on the streets, motorist will complain that these slow moving "things" delay them, and then i'll just get a car again.
on my site i detail all the terrain and ranges i need to cover each day (7 to 10 miles / hill grades over 18%). it might not be able to replace -your- car or other folks, but it did replace mine. if a scooter worked, i'd use that. it's certainly cheaper.
i'm trying out the panasonic sv-av30, i saw one in japan last year, but the latest model is here now. it's an "okay" video recorder, digital camera with flash, mp3 player, voice recorder and you can plug it into a tv to record whatever. i recorded the animatrix on it and it's actually really good. i think the s-video in option for these devices and lots of storage is a where it's heading. the new rca lyra looks good too, i had thought a small screen wouldn't be good for watching video, but it turns out it's actually not so bad. i'll have some pictures on my site soon and a mini-review. i'm going to check out the latest clies. 1.3 mp is pretty good- i'm curious what the video size and format is, i'm going to guess 320 x 240 and mov format.
good question. i have one of those too and used to use one when i lived in minneapolis (mine was $1,000 one and pretty good). the electric scooter doesn't have the range, or hill climbing ability of the segway ht, i need both for my commute-- granted some can "almost" do my commute, but none can at this time. if and where there a cheaper solution that can get me to work with my travel requirements, i'll gladly consider it.
also, the state and local laws allow me to use the segway ht on both streets and sidewalks (just like bikes can in my area).
when i write professionally (book, articles, etc..) i'll use whatever capitalization is needed. this is all personal stuff, i didn't know there was a requirement to type a certain way or spell correctly?
wow--does it matter what race or nationality i am? yikes.
flashenabled-- my site of stuff i like, i'm sorry it seems "dobious". i don't make any money from my site, no amazon links, no free products, nothing. it's just my hobby. there isn't even a link to the book i co-authored on there, or even a banner ad. jeez.
no ulterior motives, no pr, no one cares about me and my segway, really. but you'll see a ton of other articles, on anti-segway stuff...you can believe anything you wish, i'll say it again (and again) i don't work with for segway / amazon or any company associated with segway, llc in any way. i've had a segway for awhile now, chose to write a journal about it-- not knowing if i'd like the segway or if it would even make sense for me.
obviously there are a lot of people who have never used one, could never imagine it being useful and have vocal opinions about it. i'm not sure why mine as an owner is any less valid than theirs. you won't see anyone cover my 1,000 miles story, but if i fell and it was on tape, front page news.
i've been really surprised how anti-segway the slashdot crowd has been in general when it's very cool tech, not popular (yet) and is very geeky. you can label most of the stuff on here the same way.
no one calls people lazy when they buy a $5,000 plasma screen, no one says "shill" when people talk about their ipods or linux (both of which i have and use).
ah well, part of my experience has been learning about the social side of using a product like the segway ht, maybe one day i'll write about that too.
naa--are you kidding? of course it's funny to many people. the prez simply did not turn on the unit and needed to step off, i'm sure this will be right up there with the pretzel humor that's out there as well.
>>Apologies if you really are sincere.
i was able to get rid of my car and did lose weight. that's a good thing. the segway was *one* of the reasons. read my site, you'll see why, or not. i'm happy about it.
the wife and dog are still here (i walk with both of them each night, with my feet).
you can email me, call me, look at my personal journal of technology or my segway owner journal. i put it all out there to share with folks good and bad, have at it. insult me, poke me, it's all fine. i write books about mobile devices and rich media, i work for the company that did bmwfilms, i live in seattle, wa. i use a segway but do not work for them in any way or get paid to do anything involving the segway, never have. i love reading slashdot, it's been my home page for years, i subscribe to support them, i have an imac, an ipod, xp machines, a linux box, nokia 3650, a pocket pc phone...and a bunch of other devices i write programs for or write articles about.
if only talked about my ipod, or my imac or my redhat box i like to tinker with it wouldn't be a problem. also, if i only posted about how the segway sucks, i'd fit right in. i happen to use one each day, it's a nerdy cool fun and useful way for me to get around that's involved me in local politics and all sorts of things. yes, i even lost 20lbs since i bought the ht, but that's just because i wanted to get down to 167lbs and the fact that i have a little extra time per day to jog or cycle has helped too, i used to sit in traffic.
i don't think i shouldn't post because i like something i documented it. it's that the point of this site and web?
some people only post about redhat, some only post about other things that interest them like macs. i thought i was uniquely qualified to post about something i use each day, but maybe not. when the subject comes up should i only post negative things? i've had a postive experience...i don't think my handful of comments vs. the thousands of "that thing sucks" is going to change the world.
i cycle quite a bit and while many cyclists don't obey the laws, that doesn't mean we should ban bicycles from the streets or sidewalks (bikes are allowed on sidewalks in my area). i'm not sure bans because of one person are a good thing for society, otherwise we'd all be held to someone else's bad judgement.
with one zillion comments about how much the segway sucks, i post one link to my travel log. i don't think one "good" comment is going to change anything, but i think it's fair to at least know there's at least one person out there and how they use it. i also don't think anyone will change their mind based on my experiences.
the segway is very nerdy, very geeky. i have a lot of fun tinkering with it, hacking around with it, using it and even saving a bit of money. the same reason i like my mac and linux boxes.
i don't get paid anything, i don't work with or for segway in any way (read my site) i'm just someone who bought a segway and writes about my experiences with it.
it does seem i'm the only person who has a segway that reads slashot and is willing to post (and get all sorts of nasty comments and insults). have at it.
yep, i live in seattle, wa. why would i take pictures while it's raining? when it rains, i wear a raincoat and a hat while using my segway. just like i do when i ride my bike. that said, if you look there are many photos of rainy times along with video as well. the segway works great in the rain, and as you suggested- it does in fact rain here quite a bit.
the segway without being powered on it much like standing on a log with platform stuck to it. the prez needed to step off of it. we've all fallen off bikes, tripped, etc...usually we don't have people taking our pictures.
this week i reach 1,000 miles on the segway ht. i really like mine.
the segway ht fits my travel needs pretty well, i don't think it's for everyone-- but it's worked out okay for me. i run, walk, ride a bike, take cars but most of my travel is via a segway...i wrote it up, here's the travel log so far: http://www.bookofseg.com/100days/
it didn't replace walking, i walk, cycle and jog. the segway replaced my car. i don't think it can do that for everyone, but it did for me.
steve jobs said "i think [the design] sucks. its shape is not innovative, it's not elegant and it doesnâ(TM)t feel anthropomorphic". it's very functional and the desgin (in my opinion) is good for version 1 of a product, i'm looking forward to the new models which are smaller, lighter with greater range.
i have a solar array. i don't hate any oil companies at all, i do try to find other sources or power and propultion than are not oil based, but i'm not opposed to it. people need cars, we need gas, i'm interested in other methods, i can use those so i will. the power in my are (over 70%) comes from a hyrdo plant, they're not a big huge powerful company, this is washington state and it's not the same as the rest of the country, i do understand that.
this looks pretty interesting, i'm not sure i'm sold on hydrogen quite yet. i just got away from "filling" up by using electricity for my transportation needs.
hydrogen requires quite a bit of energy to create, it's volatile, the only companies that really have the infrastructure to pull this off are the folks we get gas from now.
i currently use electricity to charge my "scooter" i get the power from solar panels or any plug anywhere (at work, on the go, etc..) anytime. i can charge up anytime and the power from a power plant is far cleaner than hydrogen production at this time.
i think hydrogen and electric is far better than petroleum, but hydrogen forces me to "fill up" electricity does not and it's everywhere and can be made with solar, wind, hydro, etc...
it seems like hydrogen gets us to a more profitable proposition for companies, it's like printer cartridges and razors blades for shavers, we need to keep buying. with electricity, it's different-- we can plug in anywhere, but the gas companies do not make money off that. i think that's the other reason the auto-industry is moving away from electric cars and more towards hydrogen and hybrid, granted...batteries aren't perfect either, if the systems are not planned properly you won't be able to recycle the batteries.
yep, i'm not sure how i feel about needing to go to the store if i run out of power during a late night coding session, maybe radioshack will go 24/7/365-- that's good for all sorts of reasons:-]
the sparrow was pretty cool, that's a shame. from what i understand one of the partners wanted lots of $$ so they tanked after his demands could not be met.
there was a past story here on slashdot about electric cars in washington state (you can now use them) so electric cars are finally getting a chance in some areas. here's the gem car, this looks a little too "golf-carty" for me, but when other models come out i might consider one.
on a side note, fuel cells are interesting, but you're still tied to infrastructure that requires you to "fuel" up somewhere. with electric vehicles you plug in. sure, this isn't good for people who move, store and sell gas or hydrogen, but it's better for consumers (that's opinion so far). i'm kinda concerned about fuel cell laptops and other fuel cell powered devices, right now i just plug in, i'd rather not be tied to getting cartridges like a printer, or razors for razor blades-- although, companies who make laptops would certainly love to sell more things to me than just a laptop. right now, i buy one and the sales cycle is pretty much over. we'll see i'm sure others here have other thoughts (and opposite ones at that).
currently, i use a segway ht to get around, it costs less than a few dollars worth of electricity per month and i'm pretty pleased with it so far. this week i reached 850 miles.
hopefully, this weekend i'm installing my solar array, so i'll be totally off the grid.
Slashdot Mirror
i'm the fellow who lives in seattle and gave up a car, and now uses a segway ht and a bicycle to get around. one of my city council persons is looking to limit the use of segway hts in the city now, all 4 of them. there are around 4 people who own them and have replaced cars / car trips, but the ht is a controversial mode of transport for some. while i think i'll always be able to use it on the streets, motorist will complain that these slow moving "things" delay them, and then i'll just get a car again.
on my site i detail all the terrain and ranges i need to cover each day (7 to 10 miles / hill grades over 18%). it might not be able to replace -your- car or other folks, but it did replace mine. if a scooter worked, i'd use that. it's certainly cheaper.
i'm trying out the panasonic sv-av30, i saw one in japan last year, but the latest model is here now. it's an "okay" video recorder, digital camera with flash, mp3 player, voice recorder and you can plug it into a tv to record whatever. i recorded the animatrix on it and it's actually really good. i think the s-video in option for these devices and lots of storage is a where it's heading. the new rca lyra looks good too, i had thought a small screen wouldn't be good for watching video, but it turns out it's actually not so bad. i'll have some pictures on my site soon and a mini-review. i'm going to check out the latest clies. 1.3 mp is pretty good- i'm curious what the video size and format is, i'm going to guess 320 x 240 and mov format.
cheers,
pt
good question. i have one of those too and used to use one when i lived in minneapolis (mine was $1,000 one and pretty good). the electric scooter doesn't have the range, or hill climbing ability of the segway ht, i need both for my commute-- granted some can "almost" do my commute, but none can at this time. if and where there a cheaper solution that can get me to work with my travel requirements, i'll gladly consider it.
also, the state and local laws allow me to use the segway ht on both streets and sidewalks (just like bikes can in my area).
cheers,
pt
why does it matter what race i am?
when i write professionally (book, articles, etc..) i'll use whatever capitalization is needed. this is all personal stuff, i didn't know there was a requirement to type a certain way or spell correctly?
wow--does it matter what race or nationality i am? yikes.
flashenabled-- my site of stuff i like, i'm sorry it seems "dobious". i don't make any money from my site, no amazon links, no free products, nothing. it's just my hobby. there isn't even a link to the book i co-authored on there, or even a banner ad. jeez.
no ulterior motives, no pr, no one cares about me and my segway, really. but you'll see a ton of other articles, on anti-segway stuff...you can believe anything you wish, i'll say it again (and again) i don't work with for segway / amazon or any company associated with segway, llc in any way. i've had a segway for awhile now, chose to write a journal about it-- not knowing if i'd like the segway or if it would even make sense for me.
obviously there are a lot of people who have never used one, could never imagine it being useful and have vocal opinions about it. i'm not sure why mine as an owner is any less valid than theirs. you won't see anyone cover my 1,000 miles story, but if i fell and it was on tape, front page news.
i've been really surprised how anti-segway the slashdot crowd has been in general when it's very cool tech, not popular (yet) and is very geeky. you can label most of the stuff on here the same way.
no one calls people lazy when they buy a $5,000 plasma screen, no one says "shill" when people talk about their ipods or linux (both of which i have and use).
ah well, part of my experience has been learning about the social side of using a product like the segway ht, maybe one day i'll write about that too.
cheers,
pt
naa--are you kidding? of course it's funny to many people. the prez simply did not turn on the unit and needed to step off, i'm sure this will be right up there with the pretzel humor that's out there as well.
>>Apologies if you really are sincere. i was able to get rid of my car and did lose weight. that's a good thing. the segway was *one* of the reasons. read my site, you'll see why, or not. i'm happy about it.
the wife and dog are still here (i walk with both of them each night, with my feet).
i don't play the lotto, i'm pretty good at math.
cheers,
pt
yep.
you can email me, call me, look at my personal journal of technology or my segway owner journal. i put it all out there to share with folks good and bad, have at it. insult me, poke me, it's all fine. i write books about mobile devices and rich media, i work for the company that did bmwfilms, i live in seattle, wa. i use a segway but do not work for them in any way or get paid to do anything involving the segway, never have. i love reading slashdot, it's been my home page for years, i subscribe to support them, i have an imac, an ipod, xp machines, a linux box, nokia 3650, a pocket pc phone...and a bunch of other devices i write programs for or write articles about.
i'm a nerd.
cheers,
pt
if only talked about my ipod, or my imac or my redhat box i like to tinker with it wouldn't be a problem. also, if i only posted about how the segway sucks, i'd fit right in. i happen to use one each day, it's a nerdy cool fun and useful way for me to get around that's involved me in local politics and all sorts of things. yes, i even lost 20lbs since i bought the ht, but that's just because i wanted to get down to 167lbs and the fact that i have a little extra time per day to jog or cycle has helped too, i used to sit in traffic.
i don't think i shouldn't post because i like something i documented it. it's that the point of this site and web?
cheers,
pt
some people only post about redhat, some only post about other things that interest them like macs. i thought i was uniquely qualified to post about something i use each day, but maybe not. when the subject comes up should i only post negative things? i've had a postive experience...i don't think my handful of comments vs. the thousands of "that thing sucks" is going to change the world.
i cycle quite a bit and while many cyclists don't obey the laws, that doesn't mean we should ban bicycles from the streets or sidewalks (bikes are allowed on sidewalks in my area). i'm not sure bans because of one person are a good thing for society, otherwise we'd all be held to someone else's bad judgement.
fair enough, i thought having that on my site all over the place and on the link i posted was enough-- i'll make sure to add that on any future posts.
with one zillion comments about how much the segway sucks, i post one link to my travel log. i don't think one "good" comment is going to change anything, but i think it's fair to at least know there's at least one person out there and how they use it. i also don't think anyone will change their mind based on my experiences.
the segway is very nerdy, very geeky. i have a lot of fun tinkering with it, hacking around with it, using it and even saving a bit of money. the same reason i like my mac and linux boxes.
i don't get paid anything, i don't work with or for segway in any way (read my site) i'm just someone who bought a segway and writes about my experiences with it.
it does seem i'm the only person who has a segway that reads slashot and is willing to post (and get all sorts of nasty comments and insults). have at it.
yep, i live in seattle, wa. why would i take pictures while it's raining? when it rains, i wear a raincoat and a hat while using my segway. just like i do when i ride my bike. that said, if you look there are many photos of rainy times along with video as well. the segway works great in the rain, and as you suggested- it does in fact rain here quite a bit.
cheers,
pt
how much more can i qualify my post? i don't work with or for segway / amazon in any way at all ever, it's on my site all over the place.
he didn't turn it on, that's all.
the segway without being powered on it much like standing on a log with platform stuck to it. the prez needed to step off of it. we've all fallen off bikes, tripped, etc...usually we don't have people taking our pictures.
this week i reach 1,000 miles on the segway ht. i really like mine.
the segway ht fits my travel needs pretty well, i don't think it's for everyone-- but it's worked out okay for me. i run, walk, ride a bike, take cars but most of my travel is via a segway...i wrote it up, here's the travel log so far:
http://www.bookofseg.com/100days/
it didn't replace walking, i walk, cycle and jog. the segway replaced my car. i don't think it can do that for everyone, but it did for me.
steve jobs said "i think [the design] sucks. its shape is not innovative, it's not elegant and it doesnâ(TM)t feel anthropomorphic". it's very functional and the desgin (in my opinion) is good for version 1 of a product, i'm looking forward to the new models which are smaller, lighter with greater range.
cheers,
pt
mystery investor loans palm $50 million:
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=2
sony invests $20 million in palmsource:
http://www.brighthand.com/article/Sony_Invests_in
now, palm is going to buy handspring for $169 million:
http://www.treocentral.com/content/Stories/230-1.
wild.
another fun fact, more people own sony aibo robot dogs than handspring treos.
cheers,
pt
i have a solar array. i don't hate any oil companies at all, i do try to find other sources or power and propultion than are not oil based, but i'm not opposed to it. people need cars, we need gas, i'm interested in other methods, i can use those so i will. the power in my are (over 70%) comes from a hyrdo plant, they're not a big huge powerful company, this is washington state and it's not the same as the rest of the country, i do understand that.
this looks pretty interesting, i'm not sure i'm sold on hydrogen quite yet. i just got away from "filling" up by using electricity for my transportation needs.
hydrogen requires quite a bit of energy to create, it's volatile, the only companies that really have the infrastructure to pull this off are the folks we get gas from now.
i currently use electricity to charge my "scooter" i get the power from solar panels or any plug anywhere (at work, on the go, etc..) anytime. i can charge up anytime and the power from a power plant is far cleaner than hydrogen production at this time.
i think hydrogen and electric is far better than petroleum, but hydrogen forces me to "fill up" electricity does not and it's everywhere and can be made with solar, wind, hydro, etc...
it seems like hydrogen gets us to a more profitable proposition for companies, it's like printer cartridges and razors blades for shavers, we need to keep buying. with electricity, it's different-- we can plug in anywhere, but the gas companies do not make money off that. i think that's the other reason the auto-industry is moving away from electric cars and more towards hydrogen and hybrid, granted...batteries aren't perfect either, if the systems are not planned properly you won't be able to recycle the batteries.
read more about my ride here at my site.
cheers,
pt
yep, i'm not sure how i feel about needing to go to the store if i run out of power during a late night coding session, maybe radioshack will go 24/7/365-- that's good for all sorts of reasons :-]
the sparrow was pretty cool, that's a shame. from what i understand one of the partners wanted lots of $$ so they tanked after his demands could not be met.
there was a past story here on slashdot about electric cars in washington state (you can now use them) so electric cars are finally getting a chance in some areas. here's the gem car, this looks a little too "golf-carty" for me, but when other models come out i might consider one.
http://www.gemcar.com/
on a side note, fuel cells are interesting, but you're still tied to infrastructure that requires you to "fuel" up somewhere. with electric vehicles you plug in. sure, this isn't good for people who move, store and sell gas or hydrogen, but it's better for consumers (that's opinion so far). i'm kinda concerned about fuel cell laptops and other fuel cell powered devices, right now i just plug in, i'd rather not be tied to getting cartridges like a printer, or razors for razor blades-- although, companies who make laptops would certainly love to sell more things to me than just a laptop. right now, i buy one and the sales cycle is pretty much over. we'll see i'm sure others here have other thoughts (and opposite ones at that). currently, i use a segway ht to get around, it costs less than a few dollars worth of electricity per month and i'm pretty pleased with it so far. this week i reached 850 miles. hopefully, this weekend i'm installing my solar array, so i'll be totally off the grid.
cheers,
pt