TravelGolf.com
- Updated Daily |
Golf Search
-
Course ReviewsCourse GuideResort FeaturesTravel FeaturesGolf InstructionGolf PackagersReader Forums
The Daily Blog Archives
Tim McDonald   Tim McDonald
   a TravelGolf.com Blog
-
Blog Home | The Daily Blog | Worldwide Golf Blogs | Free Golf Podcasts

Latest useless and expensive golf gadget: the Segway

Friday October 27, 2006 | 13:55:46 188 words, 2291 views
Win a free golf book!

Back when I used to write for a high-tech magazine, a guy named Dean Kamen came up with a pre-release, promotional campaign that had the high-tech industry abuzz.

He had invented something so huge, so momentous, it would change the world forever. The buildup was incredible. It turns out, his earth-shattering invention was … the Segway.

It was supposed to revolutionize the “personal transportation industry.”

Guess what? It didn’t.

I’ve seen a few in the years since, but it’s hardly taken over the world. It’s a cool, little “self-balancing” scooter, but the price is prohibitive and it’s just not that practical.

Now, they’re turning to the golf market, maybe because the world at large has pretty much ignored the Segway and because golfers are suckers for gadgets. The Ritz Carlton in Naples is having an “unveiling” Nov. 6 of the “Segway x2 Golf Personal Transporter.” It’s supposed to be an “invigorating and fun way to travel the course.”

Let me tell you about the most invigorating and fun way to travel a golf course: your own two feet. Unless you just HAVE to spend money on the latest, expensive toy.

Comments:

Comment from: Brian Smith [Visitor] Email · http://briansmith.blogspot.com
I agree about the Segway. I don't think it'll ever have the impact Kamen thought it would because the rest of the world is already literally set in stone; it's too late and too hard to change it to suit personal transport like this. Plus it somtimes rains, and then you're in trouble.
Permalink 10/28/06 @ 08:30
Comment from: Doug [Visitor]
Latest useless and expensive golf gadget = golf itself

It's funny that a sport which is of no actual "use" and all about money and players riding around in carts would be used to argue a tiny electric car is "useless."

Yes, we understand, you will never give up your SUV. Gee, if gas was $5/gallon would you continue to be so certain others will consider the Segway's "price pohibitive and it's just not practical." For years so many folks said this about the hybrid car (you probably still do, right?). Heck, just like those crazy motorcycle thingees, if it rains you have to run for cover (that's why they never sold).

You're a frickin' visionary :)
Permalink 10/29/06 @ 11:51
Comment from: tim [Visitor] Email · http://www.travelgolf.com
Doug, you must be the visionary because I don't know what the hell you're talking about.

I don't own an SUV.

If you're going to make a point, learn to express yourself. Otherwise, you come
across as either a lunatic or stupid.
Permalink 10/30/06 @ 06:58
Comment from: paul doane [Visitor] Email
Another idiot who doesn't understand the straight jacket the oil companies have put us in, or the importance of Segway. Yes, Segway is not the cure-all the hype promised, but is exciting and fun technology that will help in cities, and more importantly, become a tool in our battle for energy independence. They laughed when the automobile came out too(get a horse!). Kamen will have the last laugh.
Permalink 10/31/06 @ 09:41
Comment from: tim [Visitor] Email · http://www.travelgolf.com
The descriptive word "idiot" has been so vastly overused that it holds little impact any more.

We need to come up with a better insult.

Permalink 10/31/06 @ 11:01

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be displayed on this site.
Your URL will be displayed.

Allowed XHTML tags: <p, ul, ol, li, dl, dt, dd, address, blockquote, ins, del, span, bdo, br, em, strong, dfn, code, samp, kdb, var, cite, abbr, acronym, q, sub, sup, tt, i, b, big, small>. Bloggers reserve the right to edit or delete comments. Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.
(Line breaks become <br />)
(Set cookies for name, email and url)
(Allow users to contact you through a message form (your email will NOT be displayed.))
Grass is green. What color is grass?
-

Misc

GolfPublisher.com Add GolfPublisher.com articles/headlines to your web site
Course Reviews | US Golf Guide | Resort Features | Travel Features | Golf Instruction | Golf Schools | Golf Packages | Free Vacation Quote

© Copyright 1997-2008, WorldGolf.com, LLC. For questions, comments or suggestions on any of our network publications, Contact Us!
Privacy Policy