Demonstrating true Internet broadband on the go, Intel WiMAX-enabled Segways are cruising the streets of Barcelona this week. During the Mobile World Congress, the first mobile WIMAX demonstration network in the city of Gaudi lets drivers enjoy Internet enhanced navigation, make VoIP phone calls and stream live video and images captured by a webcam to visitors at Intel’s booth at the event.

Okaaaaay, and the point is?

You know, I dont have anything against Segways in particular, but despite what most tech-startup ceo’s might think, the Segway is far from the coolest way to travel, you look like a weirdo - and lets be honest, you’ve got to have a few bits loose upstairs to even get on one of those things; add to that the fact that they are notoriously difficult to master, and have been the cause of a number of padestrian near misses [1]. Its not like the nerds that ride it need exercise… oh wait.

So when Intel announces that there are Segways roaming around Barcelona fitted with WiFi, I have to ask… WHY????? Its hard enough to control these things without adding the ability to go onto Bebo or Facebook and answer a bunch of quizes about what sexual position you are. Besides all the web 2.0 nonesense you’ll be able to pay attention to, instead of watching where your going, I cant imagine such a thing would ever be street legal.

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