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FERRO · Dec 2, 2001, 02:17 AM

The more I see that last picture...

I keep getting depressed...

I think "IT" just may be that last one...

However, I do think that "IT" may be cooler "in person"...

Just like how the "ibot" would probably be very cool if it was balancing in front of you...

just seeeing something stand up by itself... without human intervention...

"IT" may have that cool look, but I think its energy source - "Stirling" - may have farther implications...

maybe... who knows...

this is turning out to be the longest weekend...

E PLURIBUS UNIX
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Demonhood · Dec 2, 2001, 06:53 AM

i just read the entire book proposal.

it's a great read. and quite enlightening. some good insight into the workings of Jobs too. i'm inching closer and closer to the hover camp. i'd be interested to see if any of you change camps after reading the whole thing.

Macfreak7 · Dec 2, 2001, 07:13 AM

If my 'calculations' are correct, i think IT is going to be a car that can actually fly (like in the movie 5th Element for example)

His last name Kamen sounds extremely familiar, if i remember correctly, he had tried in the past to create a flying car already, but that was too big and not as maneuverable as he wanted it to be (cant remember what it was called now). So he decided to give it another go and create something that could hover and fly around like a humming bird. Thats probably going to be IT.

iNub · Dec 2, 2001, 08:24 AM

Hmm. I read something about this in Maxim a while ago. (What a reliable source of real information!

)

Anyways, when I read "scooter" this is what I thought of:

Apparently, somebody has invented a one-wheeled scooter that uses and external hydrogen combustion engine whose exhaust is pure water. It uses a balance system much like the one we have in our ears to stay upright while moving.

I'm not sure if this is a real invention or not, but if this were "IT", wouldn't it be grand? Finally, geeks can get off their mopeds! (admit it, you still own one)

scottiB · Dec 2, 2001, 01:24 PM

Demonhood's link is well, well worth the read. I hope this book makes it to press. These emails are as entertaining a read as The Double Helix.

KellyHogan · Dec 2, 2001, 02:12 PM

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/htx/cn/20..._coming_1.html

It's a vehicle for people who don't know what legs are for. Another way to make money out of people and an excuse for politicians to create the 'Walking Tax'.

Either that or it is a revolutionary device called an 'mp3 player'.

lenkman · Dec 2, 2001, 02:35 PM

'IT' IS REVEALED: NAMED 'SEGWAY', A SELF-BALANCING PEOPLE MOVER"

so saith Matt Drudge (Time and NY Times set to reveal Monday, according to Drudge, along with GMA).

IT supposedly mimics the human body's balance-maintaining mechanism, and cost $100m to produce.

Drudge Report

MikeM32 · Dec 2, 2001, 05:49 PM

If my 'calculations' are correct, i think IT is going to be a car that can actually fly (like in the movie 5th Element for example)

I dunno about that one. I think someone did invent a flying car within the past year or so. I do recall hearing about something like that but don't remember what it was called or who invented it (just mighta' been Kamen himself).

I'd even looked it up on the web and there were pictures of the thing. I'll see if I can dig-it-up again. Because now that the notion is in my head I gotta find it again (that's just the way "I is"

)

Mike

MikeM32 · Dec 2, 2001, 05:55 PM

Found it

It's called the "Skycar" from some company named "Moller International"

Link with a pic -----> Skycar

It's a pretty cool looking vehical. Vertical Take Off and Landing too (VTOL). Just like the "Harrier Jump Jet"

Mike

Niubi · Dec 2, 2001, 06:22 PM

I want one!

anyway, is the big "it" gonna be revealed on fridayt or tomorrow monday I've seen conflicting reports.

cdhostage · Dec 2, 2001, 06:22 PM

It's not the M400 SkyCar, although God knows that is cool. I wonder how much the M400 will cost once it gets into production.

FERRO · Dec 2, 2001, 06:34 PM

This COOL LINK has been posted at "TIQ"...

Dynamically Stabilized robots... not unlike star wars bots..

might have too copy and past URL....

leiwww.epfl.ch/joe/index.html

E PLURIBUS UNIX
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kman42 · Dec 2, 2001, 07:12 PM

I'm just impressed IT actually exists. In that interview with Kamen it doesn't appear that they are trying to downplay it or anything, so I hope it really does meet our expectations. Also, the GMA guy said it was extremely fun and useful. Pretty much what I had hoped for.

kman

MikeM32 · Dec 2, 2001, 08:13 PM

It's not the M400 SkyCar, although God knows that is cool. I wonder how much the M400 will cost once it gets into production.

Every time I see it I keep thinking of the movie "Blade Runner".

I just wonder if they can function like regular cars as-well. Like driving on roads and so forth. The after-burners would probably melt the cars behind it

The mileage on that thing is crappy as hell though

After doing the math it takes 60 gallons of gas and only gets 15 miles per gallon. The neat part though is it runs on regular automobile gas.

There was another link to a single seater version (The M200 I believe) which gets like 45 - 50 Miles per gallon (almost comparable to a normal car).

The funniest part is the specs about parachutes

If your'e crashing in such a thing I'd think they'd need ejector seats. It would be pretty tough to "chute-up" when your'e plummetting to the ground.

Mike

FormerLurker · Dec 2, 2001, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by MikeM32:


I dunno about that one. I think someone did invent a flying car within the past year or so. I do recall hearing about something like that but don't remember what it was called or who invented it (just mighta' been Kamen himself).

I'd even looked it up on the web and there were pictures of the thing. I'll see if I can dig-it-up again. Because now that the notion is in my head I gotta find it again (that's just the way "I is"

)

Mike

Hmmm... Moller AirCar is what you are thinking of. Rotary-engine powered.

IIRC, it had a problem with keeping its balance (all that torque from them rotary engines, ya know).... combine this with DK's gryoscopic expertise and you might have something very interesting indeed!

Demonhood · Dec 2, 2001, 10:26 PM

IT revealed: http://www.time.com/time/business/ar...186660,00.html

now we just wait for GMA and footage of IT (Segway) in action.

gorgonzola · Dec 2, 2001, 10:57 PM

$3000? A bit steep, methinks...

FERRO · Dec 2, 2001, 11:25 PM

SPOILER..!!!...!!!...!!! Scroll down only if you want to REALLY know what ginger is.... WARNING!!!!!!
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oh.... oh god...... i am sooooo disapointed....

I knew IT was overhyped... but i had no idea....

a $3000 yuppie scooter...

21st century is going to suck as much as the 20th century did....

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[ 12-02-2001: Message edited by: FERRO ]

Demonhood · Dec 2, 2001, 11:28 PM

be sure to click on the "Interactive: Inside the Segway" part for a picture.

Nonsuch · Dec 2, 2001, 11:39 PM

Originally posted by FERRO:
I knew IT was overhyped... but i had no idea....

a $3000 yuppie scooter...

21st century is going to suck as much as the 20th century did....

Reading the Time.com article, it sounds to me as though an incredible amount of engineering vision and know-how went into making this device. "$3000 yuppie scooter" ... just how jaded are we anyway?

FormerLurker · Dec 2, 2001, 11:42 PM

"it's like skiing without the snow"

I'm in!
8-)

$3 K is a bit steep for rapid consumer adaptation, but I'll gladly be on the bleeding edge of this one.

I'm already on the pre-order list at amazon.com. The Segway Fund gets started tomorrow - I've got a year to save up!

MacAgent · Dec 3, 2001, 12:01 AM

smacintush · Dec 3, 2001, 12:02 AM

I would just like to take this moment to say "I told you so".

JLFanboy · Dec 3, 2001, 12:04 AM

It seems like the same thing happened with Ginger that happened with the iPod:

1) A new device is coming out.

2) Rampant speculation makes people expect a device that wouldn't be possible to engineer in 100 years.

3) The actual device comes out, drastically missing expectations. "It's only an mp3 player?" in the iPod's case.

4) Finally, people realize that the device is really something new and incredible, something they never would've expected, but can never admit it.

Personally, I too expected more of Ginger. But after knowing what it really is, all I can say is...wow. That looks like it's going to kick a fair amount of ass.

cdhostage · Dec 3, 2001, 12:05 AM

Me disappointed.

CaseCom · Dec 3, 2001, 12:05 AM

It does look like an impressive piece of engineering, and it could be a godsend for the disabled who can stand but have a hard time walking (those with MS, for example?).

$3000 is pretty steep, though, and they'll have to work so that it doesn' t get pigeonholed as a "Sharper Image" type item. If they really have contracts with the Postal Service and Park Service that would go a long way toward that...

SillyMonk · Dec 3, 2001, 12:11 AM

That thing rocks so hard!!! If it works well outside I am definately buying one.

I just can't believe you can run all day on a nickel of electricity...

FERRO · Dec 3, 2001, 12:36 AM

Couldnt the same thing be accomplished with a small springed 3rd wheel that would trail "IT" under the floorplate...????

Or perhaps "Infrared Measurement Detectors" on the front and back....

no advanced technoligy....

and a $2000 cheaper....

E PLURIBUS UNIX
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Ruddigger · Dec 3, 2001, 12:41 AM

Originally posted by FERRO:
Couldnt the same thing be accomplished with a small springed 3rd wheel that would trail "IT" under the floorplate...????

Maybe, but then it wouldnt be as cool. And probabl wouldnt sell as well, lower price tag or not.

MacAgent · Dec 3, 2001, 12:44 AM

I think the true quality of Segway is its power consumption. One day. 5�. That's rather incredible. I'd buy one if I didn't commute to school 70 miles every day. Maybe the Pro version will be a car-like thing that goes faster than 12 mph? Would take a bit of time to get to school...

SillyMonk · Dec 3, 2001, 01:13 AM

Originally posted by FERRO:
Couldnt the same thing be accomplished with a small springed 3rd wheel that would trail "IT" under the floorplate...????
Or perhaps "Infrared Measurement Detectors" on the front and back....
no advanced technoligy....
and a $2000 cheaper....

Like I've said before...if it's that easy then there is your first million!

juanvaldes · Dec 3, 2001, 03:22 AM

Like I just told Cheerios...

If you don't get it, you don't need it.

Macfreak7 · Dec 3, 2001, 03:50 AM

Originally posted by MikeM32:
Found it

It's called the "Skycar" from some company named "Moller International"

Link with a pic -----> Skycar

It's a pretty cool looking vehical. Vertical Take Off and Landing too (VTOL). Just like the "Harrier Jump Jet"

Mike

yep, thats exactly what i was thinking about... too bad my imagination runs too far. gotta settle for a "segway" now.
Maybe my kids will be able to enjoy that technology in their cars.

KellyHogan · Dec 3, 2001, 06:31 AM

I can out run that piece of crap for far less money. And if someone bumps into me with a Segway, I'm gonna wrap it around their neck.

FERRO · Dec 3, 2001, 05:22 PM

I wouldnt be caught dead riding one of those in public... especially in NY

You would get mugged and beat up for being stupid...

they would take your "IT" and break it...

remember what school was like...

oh well only cost me $3000....

FERRO · Dec 5, 2001, 05:21 AM

First off... Admins, I am sorry to double post...

But I would like to inform the MacNN crowd of a few important Video URLs I have come across....

Here is the Quicktime Video of "IT"..... click here... Size - 2.3MB

And the page URL it comes from..... click here

please excuse the double post....

I had some difficulty finding the quicktime movie... becuase of what i can only assume is a javascript error.... And thought to post these if other had experienced the same...

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Thunderbird · Dec 6, 2001, 11:38 AM

I've been trying to find an answer to this, and I don't see it anywhere. Can somebody tell me how much this thing weighs?? Can you just pick it up and put it in the trunk of your car or pack it with your luggage in an airplane?

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Dec 6, 2001, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by Thunderbird:
I've been trying to find an answer to this, and I don't see it anywhere. Can somebody tell me how much this thing weighs?? Can you just pick it up and put it in the trunk of your car or pack it with your luggage in an airplane?

It is 80 pounds, I am not kidding. This thing is more of a tech demo then any use.