I know, it's a huge picture right?

So I’ve been wondering what to post up first - pictures of the race, the Jamiroquai concert, or the race queens.

But judging by the comments on the post before this, you want to see the Segway. Okay then. I’ve also been trying something new with my picture titles, hope you like it. Segway is apparently now in Malaysia, and they were giving test drives at the recent F1 Malaysian Grand Prix 2009 at Sepang.

So what is the Segway? Well, it’s that thing that I’m standing on la. Here’s more details:

From Wikipedia: The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It is produced by Segway Inc. of New Hampshire, USA. The name “Segway” is a homophone of “segue” (a smooth transition, literally Italian for “follows”). PT is an initialism for personal transporter while the old suffix HT was an initialism for human transporter.

Computers and motors in the base of the device keep the Segway PT upright when powered on with balancing enabled. Users lean forward to go forward, lean back to go backward, and turn by using a “Lean Steer” handlebar, leaning it left or right. Segway PTs are driven by electric motors at up to 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h). Gyroscopic sensors are used to detect tilting of the device which indicates a departure from perfect balance.

In short basically you lean forward to make it go forward, lean left to go left, lean back to go back…etc….very intuitive.

In fact, even a monkey can do it (click here for a Youtube video of a monkey, actually  chimpanzee on a Segway).

Here are some of the technical specs...(look on the floor). Also, notice that me and her have the same hair?

After a while you get the hang of it, it’s pretty fun. There’s no accelerator to press, you control everything just by leaning, just lean back to brake. I managed to weave through the crowd pretty easily, and even managed to go in a tight circle around Yvonne.

Segway Hardcore Model, Also, I Is Enjoy!

There’s also the Segway X2 Adventure with larger tyres which is for offroad purposes.

I love the depth of field effect here. Must get a better camera soon.

This shot above was taken by Rano who was down for the weekend from Brunei. Rano is Brunei’s top blogger, and a really good photographer, and a  nice guy. Check out his blog - ranoadidas.com, for more pictures from the race and more.

Segway Love. You always remember your first...

So you probably want to know…

Why get one?

Let’s be clear about one thing. You don’t need it. The same way you don’t need a go-kart, or a Macbook Air/Dell Adamo - but it’s nice to have, and once you have it, you wonder how you lived before it.

Though seriously it may be good for people to hate to walk, or old people.

How much does it cost?

While I love the Segway, it costs more than RM25,000 from what I know. You can get a second-hand car for that price.

Probably not something I will buy anytime soon. But, by the way, my birthday is August 6th. Hint. Hint.

Epilogue

While not pictured here, on the way out I spotted Yvonne with a bandage around her leg, with some blood on it. I presume she had fallen down. Perhaps the Segway is best not operated with 4 inch heels.

Thanks for the ride Yvonne, hope your leg recovers soon!

PS: I didn’t get your number Yvonne, but if you’re reading this, drop me a comment!

PPS: Blog readers…did you like the title effects?

Tags: F1-Sepang-2009