Remember the Segway? The two-wheeled personal transportation device that launched in 2001 to great fanfare and massive amounts of hype because media outlets had gotten hooked by the idea of a "revolutionary invention" without any actual details? Well, despite the fact that most people can't seem to figure out if the devices are a useful form of transportation or just a really expensive toy (maybe because they retail for about $5500?), the Segway company is still around, with a steady growth in sales every year after a disappointing beginning and they're back with two new models: the i2, which handles most driving duties and the x2, which the company seems to be aiming at the offroading SUV set. The new designs replace all of the older Segway models and come with two new pieces of technology:

• InfoKey, a Bluetooth-based monitoring system that gives you details on speed, distance traveled and battery life and allows you to activate the Segway's alarm system
• LeanSteer, a frame and Handlebar enhancement that responds to the body's natural inclination to tilt left or right when turning.

To be honest, the only time I've seen Segways in action was in the hands of two Wachovia employees, who were using them as part of the most obnoxious flyer hand out scheme I've ever seen, but I suppose that the Segway does have its place and it's clear that more and more people (rich people, apparently and municipalities - there are several different i2s and x2s aimed directly at public institutions like police departments) are liking the idea enough to lay down the money to purchase one. I just don't see myself as being one of those people any time soon.

Via the Kansas City Star