Recurring themes among segway owners...

[segsurfer]

Is it just me or do segways and aviation, and segways and macs go together hand in hand. It seems like 95% of the segway owners I've met or conversed with on SC are either mac users/fanboys *cough* Dan *cough*:D or current or former aviators/aviation enthusiasts. Just some things I noticed.
-segsurfer

[jryan]

Is it just me or do segways and aviation, and segways and macs go together hand in hand. It seems like 95% of the segway owners I've met or conversed with on SC are either mac users/fanboys *cough* Dan *cough*:D or current or former aviators/aviation enthusiasts. Just some things I noticed.
-segsurfer

I think it is because of one of two things. Aviators typically (or at least as I have seen) are drawn to new technology. The Segway is such making it an easy choice. I am not an aviator (although I do enjoy travel and flying), but all of the aviators I have known have enjoyed discussing new technologies.

As far as mac people go, I, as well, am not one of them. I don't mind macs but grew up on PC. My preference is PC just because I know it better. However mac people are typically (or at least the ones I have known), very forward thinking, sophisticated, visionary people. They also like new technology, but mostly if it can make things easier for them or not take gas!

These, are of course stereotypes made by my observations/acquaintances, however this is what I see.

Jeremy Ryan

[EricBetts]

I think that's a very interesting and insightful question. I can't speak to aviation, but I think there are a number of parallels between Segway and its competitors and Mac and PC.

Apple's products are well known (at least in the circles I travel in) for being more expensive than a PC, but well built, having an intuitive interface, and being stylish. PC, since they are be produced by a number of companies, vary widely in their quality and style, but often are much more affordable.

From everything I've read here and elsewhere on the internet, it is generally agreed upon that Segways are well built and intuitive to ride, and stylish if not a little dorky looking*. Their electric scooter counterparts are significantly less expensive, but (speaking from experience) can vary significantly in terms of quality and style.

I'm a computer enthusiast and potential Segway owner, so if anyone wants to discuss these parallels in more depth, I'd be glad to.

*Dorkiness is a social construct which I believe will diminish with social acceptance (more people seen riding Segways). In my opinion, if you can get three attractive college girls to do something (such as ride a Segway) on campus, it is instantly acceptable for anyone.

~Eric
PS This is my first post, please be gentle

[wwhopper]

You will find a lot of Segway enthusiasts are also Apple enthusiasts. I bet the number of iphones will out number anyother cell phone in August in Indy.

Enjoy getting to know our Segway folks more, and I bet you will soon be a Segway glider as well!

[Mr5150]

I'm not an aviator or Mac Man. I do have an iPhone though :) I've always felt a 'Macness" with the i2 even the name and packaging smacks of Mr. Jobs :p

[Sal]

Another parallel is B & O and Macs... The many B & O enthusiasts (Bang & Olufsen), I know are also into Macintosh...

Unfortunately the company of which I speak isn't so much into the Fruit. :mad:

Their software for integrating music and computers isn't as elegant as it could be if it recognized it's customer's demographic.

-Sal

[segsurfer]

Another parallel is B & O and Macs... The many B & O enthusiasts (Bang & Olufsen), I know are also into Macintosh...

Unfortunately the company of which I speak isn't so much into the Fruit. :mad:

Their software for integrating music and computers isn't as elegant as it could be if it recognized it's customer's demographic.

-Sal

My nearest apple store has alot of B & O products, it's interesting considering how they dislike macs.
-segsurfer

[EricBetts]

I have both a MacBook Air and an iPhone. If I buy a Segway at the end of this month as I intend to do, then I too will be a statistic in the Apple-Segway correlation.

[Sal]

I have both a MacBook Air and an iPhone. If I buy a Segway at the end of this month as I intend to do, then I too will be a statistic in the Apple-Segway correlation.

Eric,

If you're coming to the FesT, you must let me play with your MBAir. :D

-Sal

[EricBetts]

Eric,

If you're coming to the FesT, you must let me play with your MBAir. :D

-Sal

Were I, I would, but unfortunately I'm working/researching all summer (Grad School) and probably won't have a chance.

[SegwayDan]

Hey, buddy, I'm not only a fanboy, I was an air traffic controller in the Navy during 'Nam. I happen to love aviation and have actually toyed with the idea of getting a two-place kit helicopter! Quite perceptive of you, though, on the apparent coincidences.

Back when RC model helicopters were popular (they probably still are) I was also dreaming about the possibility of mounting a camera on one and doing some remote-control aerial photography. Even with today's far more compact cameras, and radio transmission of video signals (for the viewfinder), the idea is a bit far-fetched, given the high cost of equipment and the too-high likelihood of expensive crashes! Oh well. . .

[SegwayDan]

I think it's interesting how few people complain about the high cost of owning and operating an airplane, or who entertain any notion of any "boycott" against airplane manufacturers for not pandering to them with affordable pricing.

The airplane owners seem content to "pay the freight" of flying and its attendant other costs. Perhaps it's because they recognize the value, both in its practical utility and in the special thrill of flying itself.

For me, Segway gliding is a type of flying with its practical utility and its own special thrills and pleasurable sensations, all of which make it well worth the price.

[segsurfer]

Hey, buddy, I'm not only a fanboy, I was an air traffic controller in the Navy during 'Nam. I happen to love aviation and have actually toyed with the idea of getting a two-place kit helicopter! Quite perceptive of you, though, on the apparent coincidences.

Back when RC model helicopters were popular (they probably still are) I was also dreaming about the possibility of mounting a camera on one and doing some remote-control aerial photography. Even with today's far more compact cameras, and radio transmission of video signals (for the viewfinder), the idea is a bit far-fetched, given the high cost of equipment and the too-high likelihood of expensive crashes! Oh well. . .

I love aviation man, just hate macs, or at least their software.:D
-segsurfer

[jryan]

I think it's interesting how few people complain about the high cost of owning and operating an airplane, or who entertain any notion of any "boycott" against airplane manufacturers for not pandering to them with affordable pricing.

The airplane owners seem content to "pay the freight" of flying and its attendant other costs. Perhaps it's because they recognize the value, both in its practical utility and in the special thrill of flying itself.

For me, Segway gliding is a type of flying with its practical utility and its own special thrills and pleasurable sensations, all of which make it well worth the price.

You make a good point Dan! I have known many people who have owned their own planes and none of them have ever said "Man I wish I didn't buy this plane, it's much too expensive to fuel and maintain". No, when someone buys a plane they know it's going to be expensive but they do not care.

The way I see it, if you have enough money to own/maintain a plane and you want to do it, do it d@mnit! Fortunately, a lot more people can afford a Segway versus a plane, but if you want the experience, chase it. You only live once, make the best of it!


Jeremy Ryan

[KSagal]

I dunno...

Maybe I hang in the wrong crowds...

I had a pilot's ticket, but it is expired because the costs are very high in that circle. I just do not have that disposable income to dispose of anymore. I also know lots of broke pilots, broke pilots who complain about the price of everything, and slightly less broke ex-pilots like myself...

I also do not have much experience with apple products. I am an old PC guy, and there is more than enough there to consume me.

The parallel is a valid one, and I concur, there does seem to be a commonality here...

I would go further and say there is also a need to be comfortable being outside of the mainstream to be a happy segway owner. This is likely a common thread that runs thru pilots, and apple produce users and other alternate lifestylists as well.

Now, some may prefer to think of themselves as ahead of the curve, rather than outside of it, but the point is the same... Sheeple do not good pilots make, nor segway enthusiasts....

[perpendicular]

Check - Macintosh user
Check - Private pilot
Check - Segway owner (well pretty soon, I hope)

Just another brick in the wall - that's me :p.

[SegwayDan]

Make that pretty soon SOON!

[SegwayDan]

Aw c'mon. You don't seriously think Apple is interested in actually SUPPORTING Windoze, do you?

Stick your nose inside an Apple store sometime and force yourself over to a Mac and tickle its keyboard for a while. They'll gladly sell even you a machine! ;-)

[JBeattie]

Mac owner have been will continue to be. Segway is all lined up. Not a pilot haven't got there yet. But I drive a Subaru, I think that is another company that mac users are a high percentage of.

[jcargal]

I don't care for Apple computers, but I'm an aviation enthusiast...specifically helicopters.

I was drawn to the Segway because of low cost intersecting with high style (as I saw it...others just see "geek").

[jgbackes]

My guess is that it is more of an early adopter than just Mac thing. When did you first buy the following?

Home Computer: 1977
Telephone Speed Dialer: 1977
Cell Phone: 1983
Cordless Phone: 1985
VCR: 1977
Blu-Ray: 2007
Big Screen TV: 1991
Surround Sound: 1992
Mac: 1985
iPod: 2001
iPhone: 2007
Front Loading Washer: 2000

These are all things that are pretty much taken for granted now, but at the time were bleeding edge.

[SegwayDan]

True enough for the most part, but to be an airplane early adopter would rather date a person!

[segsurfer]

True enough for the most part, but to be an airplane early adopter would rather date a person!

Not if it was a jet.
-segsurfer

[SegwayDan]

Touché!!!!

[Mr_Laurenzano]

Is it just me or do segways and aviation, and segways and macs go together hand in hand. It seems like 95% of the segway owners I've met or conversed with on SC are either mac users/fanboys *cough* Dan *cough*:D or current or former aviators/aviation enthusiasts. Just some things I noticed.
-segsurfer

simple for does,

[Dennis Tracey]

... and continued to be on the early adopter (techno geeky) side ever since. Have flown on many military aircraft, to include the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (E4B) but am not a pilot.

Had my exposure to Apples, but use PC laptops. I am a Palm Pilot type of guy who has just rejuvinated a Palm Life Drive to carry 20 GBT in my pocket with a Palm Centro for my phone (@$% screen is too small to be used for much). Love the Lifedrive. Read most of my books on it where ever I find myself killing time. Use a PC with Linux as a Free to Air satellite receiver and install my own satellite dishes.

I use a Garmin RINO GMRS/FRS with GPS on my Segway as a speedometer, odometer, time and temperature console. Handy for navigating in strange cities (got a Segvator). Also acts as mount for my Infokey to get it up where I can see it.

My other car is a Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. Got to have 4 wheel drive in Utah, and still get 28 to 32 MPG with it.

Some time in the next two weeks I will have a 15 x 18 foot solar awning that will generate 3.14 Kilowatts. My Segways will be charged by the sun. That is being as green as it gets. I am a forward thinking, with not a heap of a lot of money, but love my techology...

[KSagal]

My guess is that it is more of an early adopter than just Mac thing. When did you first buy the following?

Part of this is also affected by your lifestyle choices. I have never been a big Television guy, but some of these dates do ring true... How do you know the specific years for all this stuff?

Home Computer: 1977 Sounds about right. 16K CoCo if I remember (Sinclair later)

Portable Computers: 1985(+/-) Sharp lunch Pail with optional Hard disk drive bolted to the bottom. A whopping 10meg. (8 inch floppy disk on this one)
Laptop Computers next, about 1989
Notebook Computers since about 1991
Telephone Speed Dialer: 1977 I know in 1981 I had a dialer on my Casio Watch.
Cell Phone: 1983 Mine was a Radio Shack unit the size of a bowling bag. Attached in the trunk with remote handset for the car, and was hardly portable by today's standard.
Cordless Phone: 1985 I don't recall the date. I do recall that they did not really work very well for about 10 years. Lots of buzzing.
VCR: 1977 This is about right. Top loader.
Blu-Ray: 2007 Not yet
Big Screen TV: 1991 Never had rear projection. Plasma TV about 1998
Surround Sound: 1992 5 channel about the same as Plasma, 1998
Mac: 1985 Not Yet
iPod: 2001 Not Yet. I have had an IPAQ and other Toshiba PDAs for over a decade, and they all play music and more.
iPhone: 2007 Not yet Blackberry from my office for the last several years
Front Loading Washer: 2000 ? These have been around for years, I thought. I don't have one yet.

These are all things that are pretty much taken for granted now, but at the time were bleeding edge.


There are lots of lists that people could make that demonstrate different technologies. I find these things interesting, but do not always remember exactly what year this or that occurred...