Popular Science sez P series out by summer, $3000!

[BruceWright]

This story is linked from the front page of Segway.com.


The smaller and lighter consumer model, coming next summer, will cost $3,000.


Here's the link:
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/bown/article/0,16106,388250,00.html

[Cube128]

We've heard that in nearly every article about the Segway. I believe that that was written before the Amazon offer. Let's wait for official confirmation before we spend the 2K we don't need.

[Brooster]

I think Cube's absolutely right. There's no confirmation on this. This is just another of the pre-Amazon articles (and there have been many) throwing dates around that have turned out to be absolutely meaningless. We know one thing for sure, and that's what's available now. And that's it, folks. Don't get too excited.

Brooster

[ftropea]

It's not anything new, but it's in line with some of us have been saying..

Some of us don't need this "heavy duty" version which is the i167 series. If all your Segwaying will be over relatively smooth surfaces, for example, you could probably do with a lighter - "less durable?" (not flimsy) version of the Segway that's not only lighter, but perhaps has a little less redundancy (say a couple less gyros) and maybe slightly less range (gotta drop some battery weight) and a slightly smaller profile (squeeze that platform a bit.)

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea

[Brooster]

When Segway decides on a launch date for the p-Series, trust me, we'll be the first to hear about it. :)

Brooster

[BruceWright]

Magazines like Popular Science check their facts or they get sued. I bet that data was spoonfed to them by Segway LLC.

Of course, Segway can back away from it, but at the time of publication, and now live on the website that Segway themselves link to, it names a price and a time.

[Casey]

I have that report in our "News" section dated Nov 11, 2002. That is not a new report but rather came out at least a week before the consumer release of the I model. You also have to figure in the lead time for articles published in monthly magazines.

http://www.segwaychat.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=396

quote:It may not revolutionize human transport but it's a wonderful machine.

Dean Kamen's much-hyped invention was unveiled last December, too late for our 2001 awards. Here's the deal: It may not revolutionize human transport, or even your daily commute, but it's a wonderful machine. It seems to read your mind, but really uses tiny forward-backward changes in your body angle to trigger movement, accelerate and stop. Five gyroscopes and two tilt sensors allow the 83-pound scooter to balance itself on a pair of wheels that are independently driven by electric motors. More than 100 commercial Segways are at various stages of testing. The smaller and lighter consumer model, coming next summer, will cost $3,000.

[Seeker]

It's interesting how pricing works...

We had heard that the Segway would cost about $3000, and then it came out as $5000. At first $3000 seemed like a lot. But in relation to the present cost of $5000, a $3000 cost is now seeming more reasonable. :)

Seeker

[Seeker]

quote:
The smaller and lighter consumer model, coming next summer, will cost $3,000.



Is this a different model, than the consumer model currently being sold ?

Seeker

[Casey]

The "P" model that has been seen before would be the $3000 machine, and is a lighter and smaller machine compared to the current "I" model which is based on the commercial "E" model

[Blinky]

What should make us think that the 'P' model will be that much less than the 'I' model that is selling right now?

Besides the physical difference between these two machines, there is not much of a difference. Why not sell the 'P' model for more, since it is smaller in size? It may be more suitable for most people because of its weight, etc.

What do you think?

[brocoinc]

I've lurked long enough and now have a question. [?]:)

Is the i series the same model as the e series minus the saddle bags and electronic kick stand or is the e series significantly heavier to enable the it to carry 75 more pounds than the i series? If a person weighs more than 250 pounds does he have to purchase the e series? I have read the warranty and specs but, have seen others say that the i series is the e series without the saddle bags. If this was true it would seem that the i series would be able to carry a 325 pound rider with no cargo. I would appreciate a clarification of this.

[Brooster]

Y'know brocoinc (welcome to the forum by the way), I don't know. They certainly look similar in most respects. I'd suggest calling or e-mailing Segway for a definitive answer on this one.

Brooster

[Seeker]

quote:Originally posted by Casey

The "P" model that has been seen before would be the $3000 machine, and is a lighter and smaller machine compared to the current "I" model which is based on the commercial "E" model


Hi Casey,

Thanks for this good info, relating to the different models. By the way, the way you've spelled it out for us...P model..I model...E model..is making me hungry [:p]

Seeker

[brocoinc]

Thanks, Brooster. I finally maneuvered in the automated telephone system to talk to a rep by saying that I was a commercial customer for my answer. I was informed that the i series was the same unit as the e series without the saddle bags but, both could only carry a passenger 250 pounds or less regardless of the saddle bag payload. The electronics in the platform, where the passenger stands, can only withstand the 250 pound maximum weight limit without possible damage. The saddle bag extra 75 pound weight capability does not put direct weight on the platform.

[Brooster]

quote:Originally posted by brocoinc

Thanks, Brooster. I finally maneuvered in the automated telephone system to talk to a rep by saying that I was a commercial customer for my answer. I was informed that the i series was the same unit as the e series without the saddle bags but, both could only carry a passenger 250 pounds or less regardless of the saddle bag payload. The electronics in the platform, where the passenger stands, can only withstand the 250 pound maximum weight limit without possible damage. The saddle bag extra 75 pound weight capability does not put direct weight on the platform.


Thanks brocoinc! That's good information!

Brooster

[radmoose]

The "poster" for the different models at today's Ticket To Ride in Los Angeles has some "specs" for the "p" model.

If I can remember them correctly :)

69lbs
Shorter Range
Shorter platform (6")
Narrower (don't remember specifics)
Slower maximum speed

Was for "densely populated" areas.

Sorry that I did not write it down... was too busy gliding and talking :)

[BruceWright]

Here's the Specs for the P series:

10 MPH top speed. (vs 12.5 on other models)
9-14 Miles Range (vs 11-17 miles on other models)
250 LBS Payload
Platform Height 6" (vs 8" on other models)
Footprint, 16x21 inches (vs 19x25 on other models)
Weight 69 LBS (vs E 95 and I 83)

[Cube128]

Interesting specs. So, we now know that the P series will indeed go slower. Do you think that they will include only two keys, black and red?

[John F]

OK, this isn't official confirmation but this image does indeed show the 3 seperate versions of the Segway HT:

http://pcweb.mycom.co.jp/news/2002/04/01/10l.jpg

On the Left ist he E-series mode, in the Center is the P series adn on teh right is the I Series....
At least that's what it seems to be

[Brooster]

Yep, that's right John F. Welcome to the board!

Brooster

[John F]

Thanks Brooster, I was lurking here the past few days... Also been a lurker/poster on TIQ but I'm getting tired of the Trolls over there....

I'm a moderator on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/segway-open mailing list and we've got something like 62 members. I invite anyone who'd be interested to sign up and discuss everything on there.

Finally -- I'd really like to launch a newsgroup *anyone else on the usenet) for the Segway... I should take that to a new post though...

[jwood]

Well, I just got back from Segway training and I saw a P-series in action (Dean Kamen was the rider). The BIG difference is that it has much smaller wheels (and a smaller footprint) and is most likely intended for indoor and/or much smoother surfaces. Yes, it will be a little less expensive, but the i-series with the larger wheels will be much better at handling the challenges of a bumpy outdoor environment. The p-series will defintely have a market, but for outdoor riders in varying conditions, I'd stick with the i-series.

[BruceWright]

Interesting report.

Maybe I'll just wait for Mr. Moore to work his magic on the I-series.

[John F]

I think I need to knock off a bank or two and put up my order for a Segway i167 :p :) j/k

[Blinky]

jwood writes,
quote:Well, I just got back from Segway training and I saw a P-series in action (Dean Kamen was the rider). The BIG difference is that it has much smaller wheels (and a smaller footprint) and is most likely intended for indoor and/or much smoother surfaces. Yes, it will be a little less expensive, but the i-series with the larger wheels will be much better at handling the challenges of a bumpy outdoor environment. The p-series will defintely have a market, but for outdoor riders in varying conditions, I'd stick with the i-series.
I would hate if this were the case about the p-series. I was actually waiting for that one to come out before I made my decision about which one to buy. Now you know which one I was going to buy, but you never know.

Thanks for the heads up!

[pkradd]

Dean always seems to be riding a Segway with smaller wheels. The P series is meant for inner city use and other areas where the terrain is not to challenging I believe.

Perhaps it will have less redundancy in the area of computers and other things to keep the price down.

[GlideMaster]

Very good info jwood. I've said all along that the i-series was probably the sturdiest unit for everyday use. Thanks again for the observation.

<center>Enjoy The Glide and When You Segway, May The Glide Be With You.

Ahhh The World of Seg, and a good world it is.

Have Seg Will Travel
REMEMBER:
Responsible Riders Ride Segway
and
Segway Riders Ride Responsibly

Segway, The Mind Changer</center>
quote:Originally posted by jwood

Well, I just got back from Segway training and I saw a P-series in action (Dean Kamen was the rider). The BIG difference is that it has much smaller wheels (and a smaller footprint) and is most likely intended for indoor and/or much smoother surfaces. Yes, it will be a little less expensive, but the i-series with the larger wheels will be much better at handling the challenges of a bumpy outdoor environment. The p-series will defintely have a market, but for outdoor riders in varying conditions, I'd stick with the i-series.