iPad Sprocket Pocket signals bicyclist's intentions

I think people are missing the point - this is a clever prototype for a future design that I would imagine wouldn't use an iPad at all, but some sort of textile/LED based device. I'm a cyclist - I'd be interested in a gillet or something that would do this on dark nights and mornings when hand signals aren't all that visible.
The iPad is a great way of quickly prototyping this...

Here are the problems I see with this design.

1. Taking an environmentally friendly activity like biking, and then wasting power for something you could do with your hands.

2. Potential to break the device.

3. No feedback to the user, so it could be displaying anything back there and since it uses body movement to work, it could be potentially confusing to drivers.

4. Advertisement for muggings.

5. Not visually consistent. Sun glare, distance, screen brightness, graphics, and angle will all effect how the driver sees the device.

I realize it's a bit of fun and all...however I wouldn't use one for the reasons above.

a reviewer in a blog I read complained that he does get sweaty palms from the warm aluminum back, but he's the only one that I heard point it out. I think it's perfectly understandable to have that effect with such a device (even mobiles heat up).

Anyway, risking a fall and breaking a 500$ device is overkill for just a hand signal or a LED turn indicator. Unless you really want to show people you own an iPad. And risk getting mugged too.

Though it doesn't really tell that your intentions are turning, just that you are turning, which would be too late :)

eh? I can't see image/video-I'm reading this on an iPad. Is it an art statement on 'safety' / 'unsafety'. Maybe voice command would signal before-no, now you've got me actually examining practicality. silly ideas are still ideas.

Mick, it is indeed an interesting proof of concept. My biggest worry would be that the iron on patch would come loose and scatter my iPad across the roadway. For that expensive of a device, you probably need to sell a jersey with a sewn pocket.

I'm always cycling with a CamelBak, and I could actually see myself using this attached to the rear of that, but not ironed on to my jacket itself. The most useful part of this would definitely be for the stoker on a tandem bicycle. You could everything right at your fingertips.

this is either a) a joke or b) the result of too many afternoon martinis, either of which is cool

Alas the design is fatally flawed. As the video clearly shows, it only engages the turn signal once you've *begun* the turn. A proper turn signal is going to kick in 100 yards before or sooner. Now, I could see having some sort of accessory mounted to the handlebar that would enable the turn signal on command, but at that point you might was well get a standard blinking LED jobbie.

Aside from the functionality, which is sort of cool, that's just plain dumb.

All it takes is one idiot giving you a door prize (auto driver or passenger whips open door without looking into passing cyclist) to bust your poor iPad.

An endo would make a pretty quick iPad death, too.

I'll leave mine at home.