View Full Version : p vs i
terryp
10-04-2003, 10:29 PM
When I got my HT upgraded a week ago at the Westin in Seattle, Chris from Segway said that the p-series that was sent here had gotten delayed in the mail. I had hoped to get a good chance to compare it to the i, since there are times I'd rather have a more portable unit. Chris told me to come back this weekend, so I did, but he appears to have left the city a few days early.
I'd be interested in hearing a comparison from others who have spent time on both, over varied terrain. They told us at SegFest that the 'personalities' are quite different, but I'm not sure what that means.
There was a rather large meeting of handicapped people being held right outside the upgrade room today. I'll bet many of them would have liked to try the p-series too.
Practicing Safe Segs in Seattle
fredkap
10-04-2003, 10:48 PM
With the P you don't have the bulk of the I. Even though it is rated as slower, I hardly noticed the difference. It really feels like electronic sneakers. I didn't hit any significant bumps while on it so I can't say how much harsher it is with bumps. It sure is easier to lift! I wish I owned both so I could do an extended comparison.
Fred
opti6600
10-04-2003, 10:53 PM
p-Series is fine over varied terrain. Just don't expect to go off-roading as you can with the i-Series. People take the i's into Appalachia - you can't do that with a p-series, but it's fine for urban potholes, grassy medians, potholes in grass, odd things, and other things you encounter on your daily commute with your i-Series.
Also, remember that you have tons of excess power on the i-Series. The p-Series doesn't have that huge margin, so you can't do as much to the extreme.
SegwayLongIsland
10-05-2003, 02:19 AM
I tried a "P" model at the NYC upgrade with JR from Segway for about 2 hours. I presently own 2 "i" series models.
We mostly rode on sidewalks, but there were areas in lower Manhattan near Wall Street where the terrain was under construction with potholes, piles of asphalt and thick metal grates covering excavations in the street. (They are ALWAYS digging up lower Manhattan!)
I loved it! It was very smooth, accelerated at the same rate, red key turn felt identical to the "i", but it was as advertized, slower than the "i". But I rarely spend much time pushing the envelope at 12.5 mph and barely noticed the speed drop except when chasing JR on an "i".
JR (who was on his personal "i" with yellow fenders) and I switched our models several times through the afternoon. Since the controls and handle bars are identical, I actualy had to look down at the base to remember which one I was on...the "p" is that similar to the "i".
The only downside was that with smaller wheels, it has a harder time popping up on curbs with you aboard. The lighter weight and smaller footprint make it MUCH LESS OBTRUSIVE in crowded places like shopping malls.
Conclusion: The ride gives you the same "Segway Smile" as the "i", yet the light weight and small platform are a definate plus +.
Prediction: The "p" is going to do for Segway what all of us early adopters have felt all along...it's going to go balistic!!!
With a lower price, same feel, smaller footprint and lighter weight, the drop in speed/distance in inner cities is worth the trade off. These things are going to be EVERYWHERE!!!
I plan on getting a "p" as soon as they come out in November. I might sell one of my "i" models, or maybe auction it at a hospital benefit or something.
Wayne
opti6600
10-05-2003, 01:45 PM
The other thing I love about the p-Series is that it gives more shock and awe to both the rider and observer.
With the i-Series, it's bloody huge, people expect it to be able to do anything - the fact that it keeps you upright isn't too surprising. The p-Series on the other hand is tiny! It's hard imagining that something so tiny can keep a full-size person upright (unless your battery is dead! derr!).
btw...papa john's chicken pizza...w00000t!
terryp
10-05-2003, 10:56 PM
Sounds like nothing but raves! Is November the official date now?
Practicing Safe Segs in Seattle
RAG1247
10-05-2003, 11:02 PM
quote:Originally posted by terryp
Sounds like nothing but raves! Is November the official date now?
Practicing Safe Segs in Seattle
maybe, now we have to find out what year
Richard
Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.sonyguy.com/stars_rag2.gif[/img=left] [i]If you can’t change the people around you, change the people around youhttp://www.sonyguy.com/stars2.gif
Cruzan Glider
10-05-2003, 11:10 PM
I have riden both the i and the p. My firt Segway experience was actually on a p-series. The p-series has many advantages in its lighter weight and smaller overall footprint. I heard Dean Kamen refer to the p as "wearable transportation" and I believe he is correct. It is much less obtrusive. If I lived in an urban enviornment I would certainly consider the p-series.
Mike
[8] Bringing the future of transportation to central Ohio
Segue
10-05-2003, 11:16 PM
Is the p going to be $4k or $3K? This may be the model I'm finally going to get!
terryp
10-05-2003, 11:27 PM
I can't believe it will be $4000, with the i now at $4500. My guess is $3500.
Practicing Safe Segs in Seattle
ElectraGlide
10-06-2003, 01:57 PM
There was a thread about this topic a couple weeks ago. I owned the "i" model for about 5 months, recently sold it and bought the new "p" . I really like the smaller size , lighter weight, and better feel of the "p". I can best describe the feel as "better handling" more sporty feel, easier leaning into turns, and so light on the sidewalk that I go extended distances with my hands in my pockets or folded across my chest and slightly leaning to make small corrections in direction. The range on the new batteries is superior to what I was getting on my "i", and it's one thing thats impresses me most !
While getting the new software installed at the dealer last week just for fun I took an "i" out for a ride.....yes it's bigger and faster than I remembered, but I felt clumsy riding it. I may just get a second "p" model instead of a new "i".
Steve
ronzul
11-04-2003, 09:17 AM
Having to make a p vs i decision only having tried the i, it's great to see people's experiences on both machines.
I'm living in a city and would be doing a lot of indoor gliding, so the p series seems like the way to go. The lower platform height is also a plus for me.
The only non-smooth surface that I can see myself on is grass at a park. I would really appreciate feedback about a p series in a park setting.
Has anyone tried the p series sand? Apologies if this is totally out of the question. If it doesn't, that's fine, but if maybe that could be fantastic.
Thanks
Ronny
SegwayUtah
11-04-2003, 09:54 AM
The p-series does great on grass in the park. It leaves marks a little more than the i-series does, but it doesn't seem to "tear up" the grass.
In sand, the i-series is much better. The p-series will work if you're careful and in packed sand from what I'm told, but the i-series can really zip around (from what I'm told).
Chris
ElectraGlide
11-04-2003, 11:32 AM
Although I live near beaches I never ride my "p" (or the "i" when I had one ) in the sand. I dont like to think what sand does in bearings or other moving parts. Along the ocean we have many fine asphalt paths for bikes, joggers, and Segways. The "p" has performed better than my expectations. It takes small hills ( up the bridges and over the intracoastal waterway )just fine. It travels thru grass with no problem...but those two conditions are better travelled by the "i". If I buy a second machine , I will probably not get another "i" series, but another "p". The portability makes it worth it alone, I cant stress that enough! The "i" seems a bit clumsy after riding the "p" now for several months. And the "i" is not easy in any way to put into the car compared to the "p".
Steve
Geez, I'm beginning to think about selling my i for a p. I might just do that!
-Sal
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ElectraGlide
11-04-2003, 04:32 PM
quote:Originally posted by salkulkarni
Geez, I'm beginning to think about selling my i for a p. I might just do that!
-Sal
Thats what I did.....and I dont regret it a bit...in fact I'm more than pleased with the switch. Unless you are a very large person , or riding in conditions that require the larger tires and traction the "p" is the way to go. Sold my "i" and NOT going back!
Steve
Well, I think I'll soon be one of those posting my i for sale in the for sale section of this forum... But, I would hate to lose my first "baby."
-Sal
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ElectraGlide
11-04-2003, 05:43 PM
I sold mine in August on EBAY.....I got the price I was asking , and in return bought a new "p" model at a lower cost. The big benefit was selling a 5 month old unit and getting the newest model with fresh new batteries! I have been more than pleased with the "p" model....and highly recommend it!
Steve
May I ask, Steve, what price did you fetch? I would go on eBay, but the amount of fake auctions out there are too many to get a fair market price.
I still have my original boxes/packing, etc, but the Segway is about 6 or 7 months old. it's certainly not in MINT as new condition, nothing major, but one can see the wear on the mat, etc.
If you like, you can certainly email me with your reply.
Thanks for your time,
Sal
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ElectraGlide
11-05-2003, 09:27 AM
quote:Originally posted by salkulkarni
.
If you like, you can certainly email me with your reply.
I sent you a reply....good luck, and keep me posted on your decision.If I left anything out that you would like to know drop me an E Mail
Steve
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