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Pimp My Wheel: The Promise of LED Fulfilled |
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Dr. Samuel Says -
New Toys
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Written by Dr. Samuel Centralia, Ph.D., D.D.S., Esq.
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Tuesday, 08 January 2008 |
Hey, I like LED technology as much as the next guy. But let's be frank. The light-emitting diode isn't as sexy as it once was. Sure, it was exciting when Oleg Losev published his initial (and largely ignored) research in the 1920s. But since then, really. LED: What have you done for me lately?
 Oddly, the event horizon of LED tech these days is coming from the most
unlikely of places: The vanity car accessory market. The Pimpstar
system, from an outfit called Dub Custom Wheels, offers to turn the
wheels of your truck or SUV into tiny, spinning LED displays. Not the
low-grade flashing carnival light type, but rather full-on images
including text, graphics, even digital photos.
I am not typically given to displays of conspicuous consumption of this
sort, but I must admit: The Pimpstar system looks pretty cool. The
software lets you create and preload your own images, then send them to
each wheel individually -- or all wheels at the same time -- as you
drive. The system is powered by the vehicle's electrical system.
The promotional video pretty well illustrates the concept, and is, in
addition, a compelling narrative of one young person's quest for true
love on the public roadways of southern California. Videos like this
solve the mystery of where all the kids that flunked out of USC film
school wind up.
It also suggests the purchasing habits of young people with far too
much money on their hands. The entry-level package starts at $11,950.
Sheesh.
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