----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2003 9:48 AM Subject: Re: SCOUTED: Segway scooter hot seller online
> On Sun, 29 Dec 2002 17:25:30 -0600, Dan Minette wrote: > > >>So I see in the Segway and (hopefully) its descendants a means to move > >>towards a smaller, more efficient means of transportation. > > > >How is it more efficient for commuting than other forms of single person > >transportation that use very little fuel, such as scooters? > > It may not be. But I think Doug's point was that it gives an option to people > who either can't or won't drive a scooter for commuting. There are environments > were the Segway will do well. And personal preference will have a lot to do > with it. Although right now, that choice isn't there for many people because of > the cost. > > I would like to suggest to all of you who, it appears, have already been run > over by one of these, that whether skateboard, bicycle, blades or segway, the > problem does not lie with the mode, but with the asshole who is piloting it. > > >>Obviously the scope if this first iteration is limited, but its a start, > >>a new idea, and I hope it's successful. > > >Well, the TV phone was a new idea too. We were all supposed to have TV > >phones by now; the first prototypes were available over 40 years ago. Most > >new well hyped technology doesn't live up to their promise. It is possible > >to criticize individual efforts without being a luddite. > > But it wasn't a good idea. People just thought it was neat, not useful. Like > automatic doors and food pills. Expense and lack of bandwidth made it > impractical for all but the wealthy. Cheap bandwidth is here now and webcams > are becoming quite cheap and popular for those who wish to use them. CD's, cell > phones, ABM's, debit cards, PC's, microwave ovens, telephones, electricity etc. > were all new ideas that at one time had their critics. > > How did you ever become a science fiction fan? :-) > I think Dan may be unaware of the extent that programs like Netmeeting, Cu-Seeme, ICU2, and many others actually are in use. There is quite a sizeable base of people who use these programs on a daily basis. (Lets not talk about what they use it for.)<G> I have a webcam and comset for every computer in the house (3) and they do get some use. Now I admit that this doesn't invalidate Dans argument, but I think it ends up being a standoff or a draw as I think we are in a period where things are changing and it is hard to predict exactly how things will go. xponent Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes Maru rob ________________________________ You are a fluke of the universe. You have no right to be here. And whether you can hear it or not, the universe is laughing behind your back. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
