German's Create A Dummy-Proof LCD Shift Knob

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't actually have to completely learn how to drive a stick. Just imagine all the great drivers we would have if they didn't bother to learn which gear they are in without a digital device telling them.

This German Shift Knob LCD does exactly that. Now I know we have dummy lights (that don't really work) and we also have imprints on our shifter knobs showing the gear pattern, however, I think this is going a bit far. My first car was a stick shift, and I had to learn the hard way. I wasn't a fast learner either, I drove around and around in a big circle until I figured out the clutch. Considering that is actually the hard part, not finding the gear.

Besides that, anyone with one of these would have to look down to see what number was displayed. Remind me to check someone's car for one of these before I allow them to drive mine. My poor gears would be grinding all the way home since they didn't learn how to drive a stick properly. To make things even more ridiculous, it is priced at $169.

German Shift Knob LCD Makes Gadget Fans Happy [via Gizmodo]