The Ipad... it might be the PDA I've been looking for.
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:39 am
One of the best things about Apple devices is that they are superseded so quickly by newer devices. (This means in 2 years an original iPad is worth about $125) The other great thing about apple devices.. is that they are also supported for a long time- and can endure many operating system upgrades.
So what is so cool about the Ipad?
You can network them to provide times at the top, bottom, and even a middle split time... at all points of the course.
Bright, touch oriented display.- Racers could quickly scroll to find their results.
Here is what I envision.... and mind you... I'm sure I'll get some naysayers... Just like when I talked about having slalom existing on multiple continents in 2000, and having timing systems, and multiple board, truck and wheel manufacturers. But.... for those skeptics... here's where we are going.
IMHO public slalom courses have suffered from several things.
1. Lack of funding
2. Unreliable timing systems or lack entirely thereof
3. No reliable way to track your progress or improvement.
4. No communication as to future events or reminders for participants ...ie a contact manager.
5. No "high score of the day"- where a top racer can get recognition for a fast run.
My solution?
A racer walks to the top of the course.
He has two choices... either
1. Swipe his credit card into a reader similar to the ones used for checkout at the apple store (an iPod touch integrated witha credit card swiper as a ipod touch case) . He automatically purchases 10 timed runs- and registers using his email address. (his run times are simultaneously emailed to him with a chart as to his progress. he can also compare his run times to others.
2. Navigate via bookmark to a purchase site. Enter his credit card manually using the iPad touch pad. (same to follow)
3. take all 10 runs in one day or save a few for next week.
4. If a special event is hosted... the racer gets an email telling him where it is.
5. Also if a racer is a top 20 in terms of times... if another racer approaches his time or passes it..he gets an email alert... (might tempt him to come and race more to get a faster time... to stave off challengers... or show up to defend a time that has him beaten. He will also get an email to show his rank change)
Similarly he could get a novice ranking... showing him how well he has done relative to other newbies.
6. When a racer wishes to take another run.. he can swipe his credit card.. it automatically recognizes him.
7. racers can update their city status, quiver, Pro/am via the website etc..
Also with a wifi hook up and perhaps a synch to the atomic clock... you might be able to use Iphones or ipod touches and tape switches as timing triggers. You would just need to have a wifi hot spot. That could be done with a Mifi or a battery powered airport express.
income produced from selling runs would support the racing site... pay for insurance etc..
So what is so cool about the Ipad?
You can network them to provide times at the top, bottom, and even a middle split time... at all points of the course.
Bright, touch oriented display.- Racers could quickly scroll to find their results.
Here is what I envision.... and mind you... I'm sure I'll get some naysayers... Just like when I talked about having slalom existing on multiple continents in 2000, and having timing systems, and multiple board, truck and wheel manufacturers. But.... for those skeptics... here's where we are going.
IMHO public slalom courses have suffered from several things.
1. Lack of funding
2. Unreliable timing systems or lack entirely thereof
3. No reliable way to track your progress or improvement.
4. No communication as to future events or reminders for participants ...ie a contact manager.
5. No "high score of the day"- where a top racer can get recognition for a fast run.
My solution?
A racer walks to the top of the course.
He has two choices... either
1. Swipe his credit card into a reader similar to the ones used for checkout at the apple store (an iPod touch integrated witha credit card swiper as a ipod touch case) . He automatically purchases 10 timed runs- and registers using his email address. (his run times are simultaneously emailed to him with a chart as to his progress. he can also compare his run times to others.
2. Navigate via bookmark to a purchase site. Enter his credit card manually using the iPad touch pad. (same to follow)
3. take all 10 runs in one day or save a few for next week.
4. If a special event is hosted... the racer gets an email telling him where it is.
5. Also if a racer is a top 20 in terms of times... if another racer approaches his time or passes it..he gets an email alert... (might tempt him to come and race more to get a faster time... to stave off challengers... or show up to defend a time that has him beaten. He will also get an email to show his rank change)
Similarly he could get a novice ranking... showing him how well he has done relative to other newbies.
6. When a racer wishes to take another run.. he can swipe his credit card.. it automatically recognizes him.
7. racers can update their city status, quiver, Pro/am via the website etc..
Also with a wifi hook up and perhaps a synch to the atomic clock... you might be able to use Iphones or ipod touches and tape switches as timing triggers. You would just need to have a wifi hot spot. That could be done with a Mifi or a battery powered airport express.
income produced from selling runs would support the racing site... pay for insurance etc..