August 2, 2008 6:51 PM

Winglets look like fun!

On Friday Toyota announced their new transportation device.  It's called the winglet (I definitely like that name over the Segway).  It's like a lighter version of the Segway seeing how the smallest version weighs only 22 lbs. and can be easily folded up to fit into a bag.  It can only go 3.7 mph vs. the 12.5 mph of the Segway as well.  This is pretty slow so maybe they'll try to enhance the speed later while still keeping it as compact as possible.  It seems easier to control from the video because the people get the hang of it right away.  There are 3 sizes available currently and it looks like they'll have a few different colors available as well.  I like the fact that you don't need the handle to keep it upright and keep moving too.  Here's some specs available for the current 3 models.



A lot of people are saying it's the "Segway killer" but until it can move a bit faster I don't think the Segway will become unpopular at all.  It definitely might get Dean Kamen thinking about ways he can improve upon his design.  But that's it for the time being.

Here's a video of it in action. It looks more like the girl is using rollerblades by how she's moving. I like the idea of that versus steering with your hands like the Segway.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VqV2z7dq3M]

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