pt on Q13 News

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.bookofseg.com/q13/' target='_blank'>http://www.bookofseg.com/q13/</a><br /><br /></div>If you're as intrigued as I am about the Segway, check out this video clip with our pal pt - it's amazing how fluid the movements of the Segway are...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/q13.jpg" />

[Janak Parekh]

Oh, that is great stuff! I love it. pt is now our very own celebrity! :werenotworthy:

--janak

[Newsboy]

[bleep!]ing sweet! Congrats Phil!!!!

[Steven Cedrone]

What? No "Your add here" on that Segway yet??? :wink:

Steve

[SnAPPUrU-nyan-ko]

Too cool =^_^=

[Newsboy]

Somebody get that bag embroidered with "PocketPC Thoughts" already!!!

[Daniel]

No mention of the pocketpc? What's up with that pt? ;)

Look like fun. How heavy are they? I live in NYC, could I have on in a walk up?

Daniel

[Jhokur2k]

Ok, how long before pt hacks the Segway to output to his ppc? :)

[Kirk Stephens]

pt has always been a true innovator...I'd love to have this guy's arsenal of gadgets! :D

[ctmagnus]

Nifty! But how does it fair in snow? Uphill?

It doesn't look nearly as geeky as I originally pictured it.

[Weyoun6]

didnt know pt lived near fremont....

[gorkon280]

But kind of off topic. Lately, Thoughts has started to turn away from it's moniker! Anyway, I really could give a rats ass about the Segway because for one, I'd have less money for PPC stuff. For Two, could never afford it and if I had the disposable money for one of these I would rather buy either a Motorcycle, or turn it back into my house. Why does everything start breaking in your house when it turns 5?

[marlof]

But kind of off topic. Lately, Thoughts has started to turn away from it's moniker! Anyway, I really could give a rats ass about the Segway because for one, I'd have less money for PPC stuff. For Two, could never afford it and if I had the disposable money for one of these I would rather buy either a Motorcycle, or turn it back into my house. Why does everything start breaking in your house when it turns 5?

Our main focus will remain with the Pocket PC. But as this site started as a Blog, and some part of it still is, we take the liberty to post on other things we find cool as well. The fun thing: we do that in the off topic section. If you don't want to see that, just use the "Filter the front page topics" on the front page. Our aim is to please. :)

[Jason Dunn]

In addition to what Marlof said, we also push the off-topic stuff to the evenings and weekends (North American time) to help keep the "busines hour" focus on Pocket PCs.

If you become a paid subscriber, one of the abilities you'll have is to permanently block our certain content categories - which means you'll never see off-topic posts. Won't that be fun! :wink:

[MitzEclipse]

Holly cow! 8O That's like 10 min away from where I live!

[snap]

pt also made the front page of the local Seattle newspaper last Thursday.

The online story is here: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/105429_segway23.shtml

Leave it to Q13 news to be a few days late, but its fun to see the Segway in action.

[jeffmd]

bleh, segway is so... it wouldnt last 2 minute in syracuse weather. ;) fluid movements or not. it's just going to make the fat people fatter. ^^

[isrjt]

Please continue with all the off topic posts. For some it is the very reason that this site is the best around. I can always count on finding something interesting here. I would like to see more off topic posts... community

For a another point of view, I have been checking buzz and avenue. If you remember they beat this site in a review run earlier this month. I forget the premiss of the article, but it was some rating thing. So I started checking these and a few other sites very regularly to see how they compared. There is no comparison. You all update, and have more current content then all of those sites combined ... hats off guys

What does pt do, he has more cool toys than any guy I know. I want his job. Oh to be married to a gadget diva (my wife just don't understand)

2 cents - rod

[bdegroodt]

But kind of off topic. Lately, Thoughts has started to turn away from it's moniker! Aw come on! Segway and PPC. It's like peanut butter and jelly. Anyway, I really could give a rats ass Hmmm. What exactly is the current exchange rate of rats ass and dollars? :P ...about the Segway because for one, I'd have less money for PPC stuff. For Two, could never afford it and if I had the disposable money for one of these I would rather buy either a Motorcycle, or turn it back into my house... Take a read of PT's site. It's a compelling return. It's seems to beg less of disposable money and more of disposable luxuries that we "think" we need. When you look at the utilization of a vehicle (Especially a 2 car family) it really is pretty painful. It took me moving to new york city (from so calif) to finally understand that. Of course, that's only my opinion, your mileage may vary. :)

[orion]

:twisted:

Cool gadget, would be considered a luxury though with families as a car is always needed to accomodate kids.

Teenagers might like it for school. Does it require a driver's license?

[Jimmy Dodd]

pt saved $600 in gas in less than a month of commuting??? What was he driving, a school bus??? :lol: I have a 35 mile commute (one way) each day and still only spend around $100 on gas.

[PPCRules]

Aw come on! Segway and PPC. It's like peanut butter and jelly.
Please don't link them that close, lest someone takes my interest in PocketPCs to mean I have an interest in Seqways, which I do not.

In my view, the crime (there's the use of a term that people can react to) in all this is that Rich Dude Inventor can go around the country and lobby governments to change their motorized-vehicles-on-the-sidewalk laws to make a special case for his device, which would be flat dead without such law changes. (And hopefully, not too many pedestrians (think about children) become flat dead because of the changes.)

I know; they claim they are not spending big bucks on lobbying, but because of all the hype, these government people (our elected servants) aren't thinking clearly and are buying into it cheaply.

[JMountford]

While this is all off topic, keep in mind that this community's leaders have a strong friendship, bond, and fascination with Mr. Torrone. I think he represents the ultimate gadget geek. As for what he does, if I remember correctly he is in advertising.

While there are things that irk me, like the fact that a lot of normal people do not have the kind of money or jobs that many of the more paid attention to PPC community leaders do, we can't be petty because they have what we do not. Maybe a little Jealous...

As for the Segway... I would rather have a hovercraft, but that is just me. I have read in other articles that communities around America are all ready considering bans. Many have restrictions in place already against the Segway. It is thought of as somewhat of a menace.. Kinda silly really. Me personally, I don't see the point. I say walk. It's better exercise.

[bdegroodt]

pt saved $600 in gas in less than a month of commuting??? What was he driving, a school bus??? :lol: I have a 35 mile commute (one way) each day and still only spend around $100 on gas.

That's gas, car payment, insurance. I'm sure.

[DrtyBlvd]

Either that or his car was a tank :lol:

[Jimmy Dodd]

pt saved $600 in gas in less than a month of commuting??? What was he driving, a school bus??? :lol: I have a 35 mile commute (one way) each day and still only spend around $100 on gas.

That's gas, car payment, insurance. I'm sure.

Maybe so. Did he say they sold the cars or just parked them? If the latter then car payment and insurance still apply. They also mention that Beth uses one to get around the MS campus. Sounds like she still drives to work. Maybe they got rid of one car altogether - that might add up to $600 a month if you had a high payment (high for me, that is).

Jeez. Now I feel like a nosey neighbor talking about pt behind his back. :wink:

[powder2000]

Pretty dang cool, ya didn't know he lived in my home state. Lifes great in the northwest! 8)

[Jason Dunn]

Maybe so. Did he say they sold the cars or just parked them? If the latter then car payment and insurance still apply. They also mention that Beth uses one to get around the MS campus. Sounds like she still drives to work. Maybe they got rid of one car altogether - that might add up to $600 a month if you had a high payment (high for me, that is).

Methinks you should have just watched the video. :D $600 a month is the savings from getting rid of one car: lease payment (perhaps bank loan?), insurance, gas, maintanance, etc. My 2001 Chevy Cavalier Z24, a fairly budget car, costs me about $700 CND a month ($500 US) between the car lease, insurance, gas, etc.

There's nothing mystical or fake about what pt is doing - if the weather weren't so spastic in Calgary, I'd probably get one of these too. :-)

[bdegroodt]

...Maybe so. Did he say they sold the cars or just parked them? If the latter then car payment and insurance still apply. They also mention that Beth uses one to get around the MS campus. Sounds like she still drives to work. Maybe they got rid of one car altogether - that might add up to $600 a month if you had a high payment (high for me, that is).

Jeez. Now I feel like a nosey neighbor talking about pt behind his back. :wink:

Don't worry. I won't speak on behalf of PT, but anyone that's willing to chronicle the experience the way he has (http://www.bookofseg.com/) surely isn't worried about a nosey neighbor.

I can't find proof positive that they ditched the second car, but he certainly did state that they would be a one car family. Personally, I don't know how he only saved $600 with a BMW (Must get the friends and family rate on the car.) payment. My last car was a Lexus and I couldn't get away with anything less than just shy of a $1000 (Payment, insurance, maintenance, parking and fuel.) a month.

The posts about getting fat, going up hills and using the Seg in inclement weather should review PT's site. It's very informative.

So far, from my experience the only draw back that I see from him having the Segway is that I don't see him often in the PPC forums. :)

[van_mierlo]

What .....a gps in the bag.

PT...you need to build in a gps navigator in conjuction with your PocketPC :2gunfire:

[Jimmy Dodd]

Maybe so. Did he say they sold the cars or just parked them? If the latter then car payment and insurance still apply. They also mention that Beth uses one to get around the MS campus. Sounds like she still drives to work. Maybe they got rid of one car altogether - that might add up to $600 a month if you had a high payment (high for me, that is).

Methinks you should have just watched the video. :D $600 a month is the savings from getting rid of one car: lease payment (perhaps bank loan?), insurance, gas, maintanance, etc. My 2001 Chevy Cavalier Z24, a fairly budget car, costs me about $700 CND a month ($500 US) between the car lease, insurance, gas, etc.

There's nothing mystical or fake about what pt is doing - if the weather weren't so spastic in Calgary, I'd probably get one of these too. :-)

I did watch it. That's where I got the $600 value from. I thought he said they had saved $600 in gas (which they donated to some local pedestrian/biking charity - see I did watch it :lol: ) which seemed amazing to me. Maybe I didn't listen so good though if I misunderstood (too busy laughing at that reporter spin around on the thing I guess).

BTW, I wasn't questioning pt's honesty or sincerity. I was just asking how the $600 value was arrived at. Gas isn't that expensive in TN (yet) for that short of a commute to add up to $600.

As for getting one, I don't think so. I might as well paint a big target on my back as drive one of those things on a road down here. :lol:

[Perry Reed]

Nifty! If I didn't have such a long commute (over 40 miles one way), I'd love one.

Although, getting caught in a Florida summer thunderstorm while standing on one of those things would be scary...

[bdegroodt]

...As for getting one, I don't think so. I might as well paint a big target on my back as drive one of those things on a road down here. :lol:

Man that's no joke. It reminds me of 9/11/01. I was in Baltimore when the SHTF and a group of us had to drive back to Los Angeles. The worst part of that trip was driving throught TN. I thought between the trucks on the interstate and our falling asleep at the wheel we were sure to die before we got out of the state. If you have less than 18 wheels in TN, you're certainly borrowing the space on the road from the trucks.

Beautiful part of the country though.

[pt]

here's an offer for folks in washington state area pocket pc thoughts members.

email me, and we'll arrange a demo (so you can try the segway ht).

cheers,
pt

[Jimmy Dodd]

...As for getting one, I don't think so. I might as well paint a big target on my back as drive one of those things on a road down here. :lol:

Man that's no joke. It reminds me of 9/11/01. I was in Baltimore when the SHTF and a group of us had to drive back to Los Angeles. The worst part of that trip was driving throught TN. I thought between the trucks on the interstate and our falling asleep at the wheel we were sure to die before we got out of the state. If you have less than 18 wheels in TN, you're certainly borrowing the space on the road from the trucks.

Beautiful part of the country though.

Yea, the speed limit signs down here are mere suggestions for the truckers. :roll:

But that's a small price to pay for living in the most beautiful place in the world. 8)

[Fzara]

I really do think pt has gone really far with this one. Its amazing how this thing works.

However, like the Razor scooter, are there any plans to make this thing foldeable? That would be awesome if this thing could be folded, almost like a razor or BMW foldeable bike.

[sponge]

It seems too heavy to fold up and carry.

[bdegroodt]

It seems too heavy to fold up and carry.

The Segway site says it's about 95lbs.

[feo]

:) PT,
When I grow up I want to be like you...
Damnn!!!.. to late, I am almost a grandparent... :(

[pt]

in the newspaper article, there's a pocket pc phone edition mention.

they're about 80lbs, you don't need to lift them up stairs, there is something called "follow mode" and it will follow me up the stairs (while i'm off of it of course). works great.

cheers,
pt

No mention of the pocketpc? What's up with that pt? ;)

Look like fun. How heavy are they? I live in NYC, could I have on in a walk up?

Daniel

[pt]

Nifty! But how does it fair in snow? Uphill?
It doesn't look nearly as geeky as I originally pictured it.

snow is fine (and you can get snow tires) as far as uphill goes, i take one of the steepest (if not the steepest hills) in seattle, for those who know the area, i go right over the queen anne hill (over 20% grade).

and..on the way down, it self recharges.

cheers,
pt

[pt]

bleh, segway is so... it wouldnt last 2 minute in syracuse weather. ;) fluid movements or not. it's just going to make the fat people fatter. ^^

hi jeff-

i lost 10lbs with the extra time i've had:
http://www.bookofseg.com/fat

or:
http://www.bookofseg.com/100miles

i use it in the rain all the time, snow-- i'd most likely use a car or something else, but if i lived in syracuse i'd use it parts of the year, the goal-- is to decrease car usage, that doesn't mean you need to use every day.

cheers,
pt

[T-Will]

here's an offer for folks in washington state area pocket pc thoughts members.

email me, and we'll arrange a demo (so you can try the segway ht).

cheers,
pt

Cool! If I lived near Washington (I'm in California) I'd take you up on that offer! :D Does anyone in the Sacramento area have a Segway they'd be willing to demo?

Also, I don't get why people are so against these things. Don't environmentalists want less cars on the roads which will help the air and free traffic congestion. I can't believe San Francisco, probably the most liberal city in the U.S., voted to ban Segways from the sidewalks (http://www.walksf.org/segways/).

Are Segways allowed to drive in bike lanes?

[bdegroodt]

...you don't need to lift them up stairs, there is something called "follow mode" and it will follow me up the stairs (while i'm off of it of course). works great.

cheers,
pt

Huh? PT do you have a video of that? I'd really like to see how that works.

[pt]

this is a new technology, and for now-- it may be regulated off the sidewalks in some cities. you can use it on paths and roads.

cheers,
pt

Cool! If I lived near Washington (I'm in California) I'd take you up on that offer! :D Does anyone in the Sacramento area have a Segway they'd be willing to demo?

Also, I don't get why people are so against these things. Don't environmentalists want less cars on the roads which will help the air and free traffic congestion. I can't believe San Francisco, probably the most liberal city in the U.S., voted to ban Segways from the sidewalks (http://www.walksf.org/segways/).

Are Segways allowed to drive in bike lanes?

[pt]

Huh? PT do you have a video of that? I'd really like to see how that works.

yah,

http://www.bookofseg.com/videos/power_assist.wmv

this isn't the best example, but it's where i could film. it might be hard to tell, but i never lift it, the wheels are crawling up the stairs.

cheers,
pt

[bdegroodt]

yah,

http://www.bookofseg.com/videos/power_assist.wmv

this isn't the best example, but it's where i could film. it might be hard to tell, but i never lift it, the wheels are crawling up the stairs.

cheers,
pt

Oh OK! I got it. I was really far out there thinking that it somehow knew to follow you up the stairs.

So basically, it looks like the wheels are set to turn just enough to help it carry its own weight from step to step. That about right?

[pt]

Oh OK! I got it. I was really far out there thinking that it somehow knew to follow you up the stairs. So basically, it looks like the wheels are set to turn just enough to help it carry its own weight from step to step. That about right?

yep-- you got it. it's powered during that process, it's why i don't need to lift it or even use 2 hands.

cheers,
pt

[ctmagnus]

Watched the video again... Made me think of Wolverine in the X-Men movie with that hair :)

[gorkon280]

I did read the site. It sounded like he was pushing it in everyone's face. PLEASE! I can get there by walking!

This IS something you don't need. Sure it's cool, but until my dad wants one, I don't.

I currently ride the bus to work. I have not had my own car for several years now. Riding the bus home is my way of winding down from the rigors of work (of course having a PPC helps, but I'd be ok without it). I also almost never rent a car when I am out of town on business. I ride the bus again. I find it challenging to navigate a new (to me) city transit system.
PPC's don't necessarily go with the Segway, but I can see how they can.

It isn't particularly interesting to me nor is it that hi tech. Big deal. I have 4 microprocessors on my person right now (2 in cell phones, one on watch and one in my e740). Making the whole thing work together, while a challenge, it's not something I see as too hard. Yeah it balances on two wheels...wow. Real impressive. Yeah it's neat and yeah it would be neat to try one, but frankly, what would impress me more is a PPC that's damn near disposable(50 or less). and that will happen sooner rather than later.

But kind of off topic. Lately, Thoughts has started to turn away from it's moniker! Aw come on! Segway and PPC. It's like peanut butter and jelly. Anyway, I really could give a rats ass Hmmm. What exactly is the current exchange rate of rats ass and dollars? :P ...about the Segway because for one, I'd have less money for PPC stuff. For Two, could never afford it and if I had the disposable money for one of these I would rather buy either a Motorcycle, or turn it back into my house... Take a read of PT's site. It's a compelling return. It's seems to beg less of disposable money and more of disposable luxuries that we "think" we need. When you look at the utilization of a vehicle (Especially a 2 car family) it really is pretty painful. It took me moving to new york city (from so calif) to finally understand that. Of course, that's only my opinion, your mileage may vary. :)

[T-Will]

This IS something you don't need. Sure it's cool, but until my dad wants one, I don't.

Maybe it's not something YOU need but other people find it extrememly useful. Also, why would you wait for your dad to want something before you get it? That doesn't make sense... :roll:

[pt]

I did read the site. It sounded like he was pushing it in everyone's face. PLEASE! I can get there by walking!

tellya what, if you can do my commute by walking and get there before i can, i'll give you a new ipaq 5455. i'm also willing to do a foot race (my feet vs. your feet) your call.

btw, i don't "push" anything, i post on my personal site, you don't need to visit my site, there's many other great sites out there.

This IS something you don't need. Sure it's cool, but until my dad wants one, I don't.

while your needs or your dad's needs are very important, they really don't set the stage for my needs, thanks. i gave up a car and needed something that was more than walking, a little different than a bike-- and this has _so_ far worked out. if it doesn't at some point, i'll get something else.

I currently ride the bus to work. I have not had my own car for several years now. Riding the bus home is my way of winding down from the rigors of work (of course having a PPC helps, but I'd be ok without it).

It isn't particularly interesting to me nor is it that hi tech. Big deal. I have 4 microprocessors on my person right now (2 in cell phones, one on watch and one in my e740). Making the whole thing work together, while a challenge, it's not something I see as too hard. Yeah it balances on two wheels...wow. Real impressive. Yeah it's neat and yeah it would be neat to try one, but frankly, what would impress me more is a PPC that's damn near disposable(50 or less). and that will happen sooner rather than later.

fair enough, i'm pretty impressed by it.

if you want that free ipaq, let me know.

cheers,
pt

[rgremill]

I've always thought Segways were cool.

I hear the same arguments over and over again. "Why doesn't the lazy bum walk?" Maybe he doesn't want to be hot & sweaty when he gets to work.

I do find it interesting how someone could go on the local news and tell everyone what type of valuables they have on them. Do you think any thieves were listening??

[pt]

I've always thought Segways were cool. I hear the same arguments over and over again. "Why doesn't the lazy bum walk?" Maybe he doesn't want to be hot & sweaty when he gets to work.

yah-- and folks get "miffed" when they see i've lost 10lbs since i started using a segway ht as opposed to sitting in a car too... it's hard to make some cranks happy.

I do find it interesting how someone could go on the local news and tell everyone what type of valuables they have on them. Do you think any thieves were listening??

i guess i don't care, live free or die as they say. if someone is going to commit a crime, knowing what i have or do not have won't make a difference.

cheers,
pt

[bdegroodt]

...
I hear the same arguments over and over again. "Why doesn't the lazy bum walk?" Maybe he doesn't want to be hot & sweaty when he gets to work.

I laugh every time I hear this argument. Sitting in a car somehow burns more calories than standing up? :?:

...I do find it interesting how someone could go on the local news and tell everyone what type of valuables they have on them. Do you think any thieves were listening??

Thieves don't watch the morning broadcasts. They're sleeping after a hard night out looting unsuspecting citizens. :P

[ctmagnus]

Thieves don't watch the morning broadcasts. They're sleeping after a hard night out looting unsuspecting citizens. :P

We are?

Kidding! :lol:

[Santa Fe]

PT, I'll be happy to race the scooter (segway) with my bike over any hill chosen (remember I live in the mountains).

See the following link for reasons to get them off the sidewalks. If they are so special let them compete for the same road space as cars, bicycles and other scooters. Leave the sidewalks for the walkers.
http://www.walksf.org/segways/why.htm

[pt]

i'd use my bike to race you, sure no prob.

as far as sidewalks go, i use the roads for my segway ht for 99% of my commute and in washington state bikes as well as segway hts are allowed on the sidewalk, i'm not sure why you're telling me this.

cheers,
pt

PT, I'll be happy to race the scooter (segway) with my bike over any hill chosen.

See the following link for reasons to get them off the sidewalks. If they are so special let them compete for the same road space as cars, bicycles and other scotters. Leave the sidewalks for the walkers.

[Santa Fe]

Just teasing you a bit. I do think that if large numbers of people (think of the wild guy tearing by you on a skateboard when you are walking) start using them on sidewalks that it will be dangerous. I sure would not ride my bike on the sidewalk even if it was allowed.

By the way, how are the brakes?

[bdegroodt]

...See the following link for reasons to get them off the sidewalks. If they are so special let them compete for the same road space as cars, bicycles and other scooters. Leave the sidewalks for the walkers.
http://www.walksf.org/segways/why.htm

That site really isn't a very fair representation. It's so dramatic and its bias is too much to look past.

[pt]

Just teasing you a bit. I do think that if large numbers of people (think of the wild guy tearing by you on a skateboard when you are walking) start using them on sidewalks that it will be dangerous. I sure would not ride my bike on the sidewalk even if it was allowed.

By the way, how are the brakes?

hehe, no problem.

right now price and availability (and the required training before delivery) are pretty high barriers to keep the "wild skateboard guy" from these for a bit. but, to be fair there are thousands of responsible skateboarders (at least in my area) and we all share the roads as well as the sidewalks.

in seattle, bikes and people share the sidewalks, but not many people use the sidewalks at all, most folks are in their cars.

-

the "brakes" are great, but they're not really brakes (but the ht will stop *very* quickly using braking like actions. i feel i can stop better and faster than a bike or feet going the same speeds. if you're ever in seattle please drop me a line, i'd love to show you first hand since it's kinda hard to explain.

cheers,
pt

[pocketpcdude1024]

I'm ignorant about the Segway HT. How do you operate it? How do you balance? How fast does it go? I'm not seriously thinking about buying one but these scoot.... er, human transporters look pretty nifty. :D

Oh, BTW. I never saw the video. 18MB was just too much for my dialup to handle. :wink:

[pt]

I'm ignorant about the Segway HT. How do you operate it? How do you balance? How fast does it go? I'm not seriously thinking about buying one but these scoot.... er, human transporters look pretty nifty. :D

well-- i'll try my best to answer this here.

from the site"the segway ht (human transporter) is the first of its kind—a self-balancing, personal transportation device that's designed to operate in any pedestrian environment. it makes businesses more productive by providing them with a tool to more effectively manage time, space, and resources. it gives workers the carrying capacity and speed to contribute more. It gives people everywhere the ability to move faster and carry more, allowing them to commute, shop, and run errands more efficiently. and it does it all by harnessing some of the most advanced, thoroughly tested technology ever created".

basically it uses gyroscopes and lots of tech to stay balanced at all time, it's very safe and very easy to use.

most people say "it's like walking on air, or a magic carpet".

to go forward, most people "think" about going forward, to go back, think back. the segway ht is actually detecting your center of gravity and weight on the balancing platform.

the unit can go as fast as 12.5 mph is open areas, but it optimized for slow speeds (sidewalks).

hope this helps.

here's some stuff from my site:
http://www.bookofseg.com

cheers,
pt

[pocketpcdude1024]

So what I gather here is that the Segway detects how far you lean forward or back and goes that way? Is it possible to lean too far forward or back? Have you ever fallen?

Since you used this to replace a car, I have to wonder: how many Segway service centers are there? If the Segway breaks, can it be fixed without sending it away? If not, then the car replacment idea isn't so wonderful...

4 minutes after I posted my questions, a detailed and lengthy response awated me. Somehow, I had a feeling you were lurking; waiting for someone to post again! :wink:

[bdegroodt]

...Since you used this to replace a car, I have to wonder: how many Segway service centers are there? If the Segway breaks, can it be fixed without sending it away? If not, then the car replacment idea isn't so wonderful...


What would be different from the Segway going into the shop versus your car going into the shop? Either way, you bum a ride or rent a car.

[pt]

So what I gather here is that the Segway detects how far you lean forward or back and goes that way?

actually it detects weight on the platform, center of gravity and many other things, the leaning is part of that as well.

Is it possible to lean too far forward or back?

anything is possible, but you really can't lean too forward or back. it's a bit hard to explain, but if you can watch the video(s) on my site i think that may vest show it.

Have you ever fallen?

never, and i've gone over 200 miles so far.

Since you used this to replace a car, I have to wonder: how many Segway service centers are there? If the Segway breaks, can it be fixed without sending it away? If not, then the car replacment idea isn't so wonderful...

any part that needed to be repaired is 24 hours away and all / most repairs are user servicable. so i'm fine.

cheers,
pt

[pocketpcdude1024]

...Since you used this to replace a car, I have to wonder: how many Segway service centers are there? If the Segway breaks, can it be fixed without sending it away? If not, then the car replacment idea isn't so wonderful...


What would be different from the Segway going into the shop versus your car going into the shop? Either way, you bum a ride or rent a car.

The main difference is that when you get your car back, it's intact. When you get the Segway back, it comes in 2 different pieces. Also, theres the mailing time and the cost to fix the ht plus the astronomical shipping charge.

[pt]

The main difference is that when you get your car back, it's intact. When you get the Segway back, it comes in 2 different pieces. Also, theres the mailing time and the cost to fix the ht plus the astronomical shipping charge.

i'm not sure what you mean, i need a part once for my segway ht. it came in 24 hours and i was on my way. shipping was like $9.

cheers,
pt

[pocketpcdude1024]

The main difference is that when you get your car back, it's intact. When you get the Segway back, it comes in 2 different pieces. Also, theres the mailing time and the cost to fix the ht plus the astronomical shipping charge.

i'm not sure what you mean, i need a part once for my segway ht. it came in 24 hours and i was on my way. shipping was like $9.

cheers,
pt

You posted after I had started posting, so I didn't have a chance to read your comments. I was comparing it to screen repair on my Pocket PC, which was about a month before I got my Pocket PC back again. In total, I paid $130 for the repair. Using the same service (FedEx) I had ignorantly assumed that it was the same way. I'm sorry. :(

[bdegroodt]

The main difference is that when you get your car back, it's intact. When you get the Segway back, it comes in 2 different pieces. Also, theres the mailing time and the cost to fix the ht plus the astronomical shipping charge.

What do you mean 2 pieces? 1 piece or a hundred, it's still not different than the car situation.

Add to that the fact that most of us are fairly unlikely to self service a major mechanical issue on a car. Having seen the insides of the Segway, it appears to mostly user serviceable (Pull this out plug this in.)

[pocketpcdude1024]

The main difference is that when you get your car back, it's intact. When you get the Segway back, it comes in 2 different pieces. Also, theres the mailing time and the cost to fix the ht plus the astronomical shipping charge.

What do you mean 2 pieces? 1 piece or a hundred, it's still not different than the car situation.

Add to that the fact that most of us are fairly unlikely to self service a major mechanical issue on a car. Having seen the insides of the Segway, it appears to mostly user serviceable (Pull this out plug this in.)

On http://www.bookofseg.com/unpack/index.html pt says that it came in 2 pieces. It's like getting your car back and them saying: "ok, here's the engine and here's the body. some assembly required" that said, the assembly of a segway seems a lot easier than the assembly of a car.

[pt]

On http://www.bookofseg.com/unpack/index.html pt says that it came in 2 pieces. It's like getting your car back and them saying: "ok, here's the engine and here's the body. some assembly required" that said, the assembly of a segway seems a lot easier than the assembly of a car.

for the general public (in march) they ship assembled.

cheers,
pt

[bdegroodt]

On http://www.bookofseg.com/unpack/index.html pt says that it came in 2 pieces. It's like getting your car back and them saying: "ok, here's the engine and here's the body. some assembly required"

Or like getting a Pocket PC and them saying "Here's the PPC and here's the cradle."? :D

[pocketpcdude1024]

On http://www.bookofseg.com/unpack/index.html pt says that it came in 2 pieces. It's like getting your car back and them saying: "ok, here's the engine and here's the body. some assembly required"

Or like getting a Pocket PC and them saying "Here's the PPC and here's the cradle."? :D

Not quite. More like "Here's the Pocket PC, and here's the battery" (assuming it's removable). Unless I'm quite mistaken, the two parts of the ht cannot function without each other, unlike the Pocket PC/cradle scenario where the Pocket PC could survive independant from the cradle.

[T-Will]

Actually from what I've read it's more like, here's the Pocket PC, and here's the stylus. Tap the screen with the stylus and your ready to go, controlling your Pocket PC with the stylus.

With the Segway you just plug in the handlebars, tighten them in place and you're ready to go (after you charge it of course), controlling the Segway with the handlebars. :wink:

[DrtyBlvd]

Now on a Palm device......

:lol:

[DrtyBlvd]

(That's most definitely a joke btw) :wink:

[MitzEclipse]

Just wanted to let everyone know - I met PT today and got a chance to test ride the Segway. It's AWESOME!

I would definitely buy one if I commuted to the same work place every day (or same city, for that matter!)

Thanks again PT for letting me do this!

[pocketpcdude1024]

Just wanted to let everyone know - I met PT today and got a chance to test ride the Segway. It's AWESOME!

I would definitely buy one if I commuted to the same work place every day (or same city, for that matter!)

Thanks again PT for letting me do this!

Lucky duck! :x

[pt]

no problem, if anyone else (here on ppcthoughts) is ever in seattle, feel free to drop me a line. you'll get a segway demo (ride) and see some other cool stuff too.

after meeting some of you in person, i gotta say-- ya'll are great people.

cheers,
pt


Just wanted to let everyone know - I met PT today and got a chance to test ride the Segway. It's AWESOME!

I would definitely buy one if I commuted to the same work place every day (or same city, for that matter!)

Thanks again PT for letting me do this!

Lucky duck! :x

[pocketpcdude1024]

That's just the thing! I'm nowhere near Seattle! Would it be too much to ask for complimentary airfare? Perhaps you can FedEx your Segway to me... :lol:

Seriously, though, I am intrigued by the Segway. How does it handle in deep snow? Ice?

[pt]

That's just the thing! I'm nowhere near Seattle! Would it be too much to ask for complimentary airfare? Perhaps you can FedEx your Segway to me... :lol:

if it were up to me, i totally would :-]

Seriously, though, I am intrigued by the Segway. How does it handle in deep snow? Ice?

for deep snow and ice applications, you can get snow tires. when i was in new hampshire for training we went over snow and ice, it did an amazing job, i was really impressed.

cheers,
pt