Comments on: Franklin Pocket Performance Sport Binder for the Palm m100 Series Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 25 May 2012 21:26:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: gshepherd http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15739 gshepherd Tue, 19 Aug 2003 20:38:16 +0000 #comment-15739 I'm glad to see more interest in electric transportation, be it personal scooters, neighborhood electric vehicles, or full-size highway capable cars. I have a friend who has several electric stand-up board scooters, some of which he has modified. One was clocked at 42 MPH! There are also a number of electric 50-cc-equivelant city scooters showing up from China. <a href="http://www.evparts.com">http://www.evparts.com</a> sells one that looks like a classic Vespa. Other companies sell more modern-looking versions. The nice thing about these technologies is the convenience of silently and automatically charging at home or work while you do other things. While in use, they are smooth, silent, and zero air and ground-water pollution. Of course, I like the addicting pull of torque from an electric motor while accelerating. A good resource on all types of electric vehicles is <a href="http://www.evalbum.com">http://www.evalbum.com</a> I’m glad to see more interest in electric transportation, be it personal scooters, neighborhood electric vehicles, or full-size highway capable cars.

I have a friend who has several electric stand-up board scooters, some of which he has modified. One was clocked at 42 MPH!

There are also a number of electric 50-cc-equivelant city scooters showing up from China. http://www.evparts.com sells one that looks like a classic Vespa. Other companies sell more modern-looking versions.

The nice thing about these technologies is the convenience of silently and automatically charging at home or work while you do other things. While in use, they are smooth, silent, and zero air and ground-water pollution. Of course, I like the addicting pull of torque from an electric motor while accelerating.

A good resource on all types of electric vehicles is http://www.evalbum.com

]]> By: bg3am http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15738 bg3am Thu, 14 Aug 2003 22:46:10 +0000 #comment-15738 I guess enough twists would make it a yarn... Anyway, I took my Mantis to a usually very friendly bike shop here in Chapel Hill after riding it all over campus and noting that the drum-style brake was slipping when I tried to stop in a hurry on hills. The repair person at the bike shop was very reluctant to work on it. This despite assurances from Mark Ward at City Mantis that it was a relatively common maintenance job for a bike shop. Having had less-than-wonderful experience getting repairs on my Voloce anywhere but at the dealer, I have come to the conclusion that a)you are better off knowing how to handle the routine stuff yourself with these things and b) it is unwise to be genuinely dependent on any technology you can't do at least the common repairs on.(Doh, right?) Fortunately there is nothing mysterious about any part of the bike, and if it were to take me weeks to get replacement parts I certainly be just fine. But I think I will order a couple of new tires and maybe a couple of new batteries and belts anyway. And I'll take it apart and put it back together a couple of times as a spare-time thing. I'll report my experience, of course. BG I guess enough twists would make it a yarn… Anyway, I took my Mantis to a usually very friendly bike shop here in Chapel Hill after riding it all over campus and noting that the drum-style brake was slipping when I tried to stop in a hurry on hills. The repair person at the bike shop was very reluctant to work on it. This despite assurances from Mark Ward at City Mantis that it was a relatively common maintenance job for a bike shop. Having had less-than-wonderful experience getting repairs on my Voloce anywhere but at the dealer, I have come to the conclusion that a)you are better off knowing how to handle the routine stuff yourself with these things and b) it is unwise to be genuinely dependent on any technology you can’t do at least the common repairs on.(Doh, right?) Fortunately there is nothing mysterious about any part of the bike, and if it were to take me weeks to get replacement parts I certainly be just fine. But I think I will order a couple of new tires and maybe a couple of new batteries and belts anyway. And I’ll take it apart and put it back together a couple of times as a spare-time thing.

I’ll report my experience, of course.

BG

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15737 Julie Thu, 14 Aug 2003 16:31:54 +0000 #comment-15737 I'm a lefty... I’m a lefty…

]]> By: bg3am http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15736 bg3am Thu, 14 Aug 2003 15:40:52 +0000 #comment-15736 Depends on whether you are right- or left-handed, I suppose. I'm right-handed. On a bouncy ride, I like controlling the throttle with my more skilled hand, to prevent accidentally accelerating, or just to have more refined control. Some would prefer the security of having their strongest hand on the brake. It's all pretty adjustable to taste, though. The bigger deal is that the bars are more manageable if they jut out in front of the front tire a bit, rather than coming closer to you. Again, that's a personal issue. De gustibus non disputandem etc. BG Depends on whether you are right- or left-handed, I suppose. I’m right-handed. On a bouncy ride, I like controlling the throttle with my more skilled hand, to prevent accidentally accelerating, or just to have more refined control. Some would prefer the security of having their strongest hand on the brake. It’s all pretty adjustable to taste, though. The bigger deal is that the bars are more manageable if they jut out in front of the front tire a bit, rather than coming closer to you. Again, that’s a personal issue. De gustibus non disputandem etc.

BG

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15735 Julie Thu, 14 Aug 2003 15:23:31 +0000 #comment-15735 Bernard, Mark is actually the person that sent me the bike to review :) He told me that I had the handle bars on wrong. I guess the brake really goes on the left side? It felt fine to me the way I had it ;) Bernard,

Mark is actually the person that sent me the bike to review :)

He told me that I had the handle bars on wrong. I guess the brake really goes on the left side? It felt fine to me the way I had it ;)

]]> By: bg3am http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15734 bg3am Thu, 14 Aug 2003 15:18:12 +0000 #comment-15734 Had one for a year. The Mantis makes it possible to find parking and still get to campus fast. Folding and unfolding get a lot easier with practice. While lighter, the Mantis is not really portable. I had fantasies of jumping on a bus with it. But it's too ungainly for anyone except a fairly large, strong person to manage in a tight space like that. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on the Metro in DC, though. But, can it be thrown quickly into the back of my car? Absolutely, and I'm 59 and no Hulk. I use a bungee cord to strap the charger to the rear fender. Starbucks and Barnes and Noble think it's cute. Replacement parts (tires, throttle) are all under $25. Takes two $25 batteries every 350 or so charges. Julie, you are right about the directions needing a retranslation. You got the handlebars on backwards. So did I. Con: don't plan on taking it to the grocery store. No way to add a decent package carrier. But it goes great with a backpack or messenger bag, and it's perfect with my Scott eVest. Give Mark Ward a shout at <a href="mailto:Mark@citymantis.net">Mark@citymantis.net</a>. Mention my name. I'm a huge fan of The Gadgeteer. I've persuaded him to knock $25 if you do. Maybe I can persuade him to let me sell them for him if my entrepreneurial spirit really kicks in. Bernard Glassman Had one for a year. The Mantis makes it possible to find parking and still get to campus fast. Folding and unfolding get a lot easier with practice.

While lighter, the Mantis is not really portable. I had fantasies of jumping on a bus with it. But it’s too ungainly for anyone except a fairly large, strong person to manage in a tight space like that. I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on the Metro in DC, though. But, can it be thrown quickly into the back of my car? Absolutely, and I’m 59 and no Hulk.

I use a bungee cord to strap the charger to the rear fender. Starbucks and Barnes and Noble think it’s cute.

Replacement parts (tires, throttle) are all under $25. Takes two $25 batteries every 350 or so charges.

Julie, you are right about the directions needing a retranslation. You got the handlebars on backwards. So did I.

Con: don’t plan on taking it to the grocery store. No way to add a decent package carrier. But it goes great with a backpack or messenger bag, and it’s perfect with my Scott eVest.

Give Mark Ward a shout at Mark@citymantis.net. Mention my name. I’m a huge fan of The Gadgeteer. I’ve persuaded him to knock $25 if you do. Maybe I can persuade him to let me sell them for him if my entrepreneurial spirit really kicks in.

Bernard Glassman

]]> By: Scott R http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15733 Scott R Wed, 13 Aug 2003 02:52:31 +0000 #comment-15733 While I can't see myself riding these types of things, I must admit that part of me wishes I could make use of them as an alternative to a car. In my case, I live in a semi-rural area with a good number of hills, some of them quite steep. On top of that, my daily commute into the city is probably a good 15-20 miles. I suppose I could always drive one of these to the bus stop in town and then take the bus into work. Then again, right now my wife drops our daughter off at nursery school and I pick her up after work, so that wouldn't work for those reasons, either. Scott While I can’t see myself riding these types of things, I must admit that part of me wishes I could make use of them as an alternative to a car. In my case, I live in a semi-rural area with a good number of hills, some of them quite steep. On top of that, my daily commute into the city is probably a good 15-20 miles.

I suppose I could always drive one of these to the bus stop in town and then take the bus into work. Then again, right now my wife drops our daughter off at nursery school and I pick her up after work, so that wouldn’t work for those reasons, either.

Scott

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15732 Julie Wed, 13 Aug 2003 02:45:17 +0000 #comment-15732 Scott R: I did find it fun to ride, but I live in a rural area. There really isn't a place to ride it. My long lane is gravel. I suppose I could use it to go get the mail on the weekends. ;) Where I live, I would really benefit more from the use of a 4 wheeler. As far as using a bicycle lock with the Mantis, you can do that. You can run the line thru the back tire area. Scott R:

I did find it fun to ride, but I live in a rural area. There really isn’t a place to ride it. My long lane is gravel. I suppose I could use it to go get the mail on the weekends. ;) Where I live, I would really benefit more from the use of a 4 wheeler.

As far as using a bicycle lock with the Mantis, you can do that. You can run the line thru the back tire area.

]]> By: Scott R http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15731 Scott R Wed, 13 Aug 2003 02:40:31 +0000 #comment-15731 So while you had some positive things to say about it, I didn't get the feeling like you were that sad to see it go. What surprises me most are the security issues. As you said, folding it up and carrying the 50lb contraption around with you isn't an option for most people. You'd think they would at least design it so that you could use a good bicycle lock with it. But it doesn't look like there's any good way to do that. Scott So while you had some positive things to say about it, I didn’t get the feeling like you were that sad to see it go.

What surprises me most are the security issues. As you said, folding it up and carrying the 50lb contraption around with you isn’t an option for most people. You’d think they would at least design it so that you could use a good bicycle lock with it. But it doesn’t look like there’s any good way to do that.

Scott

]]> By: Salman http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15730 Salman Tue, 12 Aug 2003 23:01:11 +0000 #comment-15730 That's a neat little scooter. I'm not sure if I would feel comfortable driving one in public mind you hehe. That’s a neat little scooter.

I’m not sure if I would feel comfortable driving one in public mind you hehe.

]]> By: TheDreamer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15729 TheDreamer Tue, 12 Aug 2003 15:05:12 +0000 #comment-15729 Boy this review...is making me think of getting something.... I have toyed with getting an electric scooter for some time....to help cut down the walk to work.....of course, less of a problem now that I'm closer to work. But, I've toyed with using one to just putt around the neighborhood. One thing is whether it would be street safe....(or legal). Most don't have reflectors...and Ohio drivers well.... Though I've been more looking at getting electric assist for my bike...or an electric bike. Actually I've been looking at foldable ones...because storage in my apartment is kind of a problem....and my bike is rusting from being left outdoors. Of course, price has been a factor....it is in the range where it competes with other 'gadgets' where I need to make a budget to overrun.....;) Like my budget to replace/upgrade on recorder per year (which I did...but then replaced all of them with four ReplayTVs :o) The Dreamer Boy this review…is making me think of getting something….

I have toyed with getting an electric scooter for some time….to help cut down the walk to work…..of course, less of a problem now that I’m closer to work.

But, I’ve toyed with using one to just putt around the neighborhood. One thing is whether it would be street safe….(or legal). Most don’t have reflectors…and Ohio drivers well….

Though I’ve been more looking at getting electric assist for my bike…or an electric bike. Actually I’ve been looking at foldable ones…because storage in my apartment is kind of a problem….and my bike is rusting from being left outdoors.

Of course, price has been a factor….it is in the range where it competes with other ‘gadgets’ where I need to make a budget to overrun…..;) Like my budget to replace/upgrade on recorder per year (which I did…but then replaced all of them with four ReplayTVs :o )

The Dreamer

]]> By: Ford F-150 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15728 Ford F-150 Tue, 12 Aug 2003 13:58:22 +0000 #comment-15728 O.K, I see I won't be able to sell you on the gas versions. But heres an electric Goped called the HoverBoard. Similar to the Stealth, the Hoverboard has front and rear suspension. Heres the link <a href="http://www.goped.com/html-products/hoverboard-info.shtml">http://www.goped.com/html-products/hoverboard-info.shtml</a> O.K, I see I won’t be able to sell you on the gas versions. But heres an electric Goped called the HoverBoard. Similar to the Stealth, the Hoverboard has front and rear suspension. Heres the link

http://www.goped.com/html-products/hoverboard-info.shtml

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15727 Julie Tue, 12 Aug 2003 13:23:24 +0000 #comment-15727 I have no doubt that the gasoline versions are efficient, I just personally would not want to deal with the mess. I'm the type of person that tends to slop gas all over myself when I fill up my lawnmower ;) I'll take a closer look at their electric model, thanks for the link Nate. I have no doubt that the gasoline versions are efficient, I just personally would not want to deal with the mess. I’m the type of person that tends to slop gas all over myself when I fill up my lawnmower ;)

I’ll take a closer look at their electric model, thanks for the link Nate.

]]> By: Ford F-150 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15726 Ford F-150 Tue, 12 Aug 2003 03:52:05 +0000 #comment-15726 Well, actually the gas versions are very quiet and clean burning. All the Goped models can carry a 400lb. person and still get an average of 150 miles per gallon. They even passed California's strict emision regulations. In fact, every time a goped scooter is bought, a tree is planted on your behalf in Yellowstone National Park. Well, actually the gas versions are very quiet and clean burning. All the Goped models can carry a 400lb. person and still get an average of 150 miles per gallon. They even passed California’s strict emision regulations. In fact, every time a goped scooter is bought, a tree is planted on your behalf in Yellowstone National Park.

]]> By: Nate http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15725 Nate Tue, 12 Aug 2003 03:21:05 +0000 #comment-15725 <a href="http://www.goped.com/html-products/stealth-info.shtml">http://www.goped.com/html-products/stealth-info.shtml</a> http://www.goped.com/html-products/stealth-info.shtml

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15724 Julie Tue, 12 Aug 2003 03:01:41 +0000 #comment-15724 Ford F-150 Those do look pretty cool! You really wanna see me dead dontcha? Heheheh ;) Too bad I don't see an electric model (did I miss it?). All I see are human powered and gasoline powered. I'm too lazy to power it myself, and gasoline just seems messy. I really like the idea of electric powered transportation. Ford F-150

Those do look pretty cool! You really wanna see me dead dontcha? Heheheh ;)

Too bad I don’t see an electric model (did I miss it?). All I see are human powered and gasoline powered. I’m too lazy to power it myself, and gasoline just seems messy. I really like the idea of electric powered transportation.

]]> By: Ford F-150 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15723 Ford F-150 Tue, 12 Aug 2003 02:23:48 +0000 #comment-15723 Great review Julie! Another thing that is alot of fun is the goped. <a href="www.goped.com">www.goped.com</a> I bought what they call the "Geo Bigfoot" Its an economical gas powered scooter that is fun, fast, and fuel efficient. They will go about 20mph stock, but I upgraded mine to go about 32mph. They are really alot of fun and extremely easy to maintain. I think you should try to review one! Great review Julie! Another thing that is alot of fun is the goped. http://www.goped.com I bought what they call the “Geo Bigfoot” Its an economical gas powered scooter that is fun, fast, and fuel efficient. They will go about 20mph stock, but I upgraded mine to go about 32mph. They are really alot of fun and extremely easy to maintain. I think you should try to review one!

]]> By: 10basetom http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15722 10basetom Tue, 12 Aug 2003 01:44:22 +0000 #comment-15722 thanks for the review, julie. it seems this is the poor man's segway and the rich man's razor ;). -10bt thanks for the review, julie.

it seems this is the poor man’s segway and the rich man’s razor ;) .

-10bt

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15721 Julie Tue, 12 Aug 2003 00:40:49 +0000 #comment-15721 Nate: Yes, you could fold the seat down if you wanted to ride standing up. The handle bars can be extended a bit, but not much more than what I have pictured. Nate:

Yes, you could fold the seat down if you wanted to ride standing up. The handle bars can be extended a bit, but not much more than what I have pictured.

]]> By: Nate http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15720 Nate Mon, 11 Aug 2003 22:35:38 +0000 #comment-15720 Great review Julie. I was hoping you'd get one of those for review, and I'm glad you did. It sounds like an awesome little device. I think hte idea of the Mantis is a good one. It's very cool looking, and is also very practical, particularly for city dwellers where public transportation is inconsistant. The biggest draw for me about the Mantis is the fact that because its portable, it can be taken in and stored in a closet at work or at home, unlike a full-sized gas-powered scooter. Comparing it (on paper anyway) to other electric scooters it seems to have about the same capabilities as other scooters, but a little more refinement. It costs twice as much as the really cheap scooters, but about the same as the good ones. I don't know if I'd ever actually ride one of those, but I certainly like the idea, especially if it could get me to work without me having to break a sweat and stores easily when I get there. One question though -- when you ride standing up is it possible to extend the handlebars at all? And is it possible to fold the seat down when riding it standing? I guess that's two questions. :) Great review Julie. I was hoping you’d get one of those for review, and I’m glad you did. It sounds like an awesome little device.

I think hte idea of the Mantis is a good one. It’s very cool looking, and is also very practical, particularly for city dwellers where public transportation is inconsistant. The biggest draw for me about the Mantis is the fact that because its portable, it can be taken in and stored in a closet at work or at home, unlike a full-sized gas-powered scooter.

Comparing it (on paper anyway) to other electric scooters it seems to have about the same capabilities as other scooters, but a little more refinement. It costs twice as much as the really cheap scooters, but about the same as the good ones.

I don’t know if I’d ever actually ride one of those, but I certainly like the idea, especially if it could get me to work without me having to break a sweat and stores easily when I get there.

One question though — when you ride standing up is it possible to extend the handlebars at all? And is it possible to fold the seat down when riding it standing? I guess that’s two questions. :)

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2002/01/21/franklin_pocket_performance_sport_binder_for_the_palm_m100_series_review/comment-page-1/#comment-15719 Julie Mon, 11 Aug 2003 21:49:48 +0000 #comment-15719 Post your comments here on the City Mantis Electric Scooter Review. <a href="http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/citymantis-review.html">http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/citymantis-review.html</a> Just click the POST REPLY button on this page. Post your comments here on the City Mantis Electric Scooter Review.

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/citymantis-review.html

Just click the POST REPLY button on this page.

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