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Lego Mindstorms NXT is pricy compared to say Arduino single board computer/controller kits because is geared toward being a learning platform (building, taking apart, building something else) vs parts for projects. I am sure you can find reviews about building "robots" with the Lego Mindstorms NXT sets, so I will try to cover some of the slightly more logistical details. The Lego Education Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (9797) set is the academic version of the retail Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547). The main differences are with the retail version (8547) you get a bunch more parts and software to program the brain brick, and with the education version you get a rechargable battery pack (9693) and charger (8887) but NO software. This set is often used with the Lego Mindstorms Education Resource Set (9695) which is about $100 and includes additional 800+ parts for building. http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_resource_set/2214 You can of course use with many other Lego sets as well. *** NOTE *** As of this writing, the Lego Education Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (9797) on the Lego education website http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_nxt_base_set/2095 shows it includes the required Lego battery pack charger but some of the ebay sellers do not include the charger, so be sure to ask about the charger before buying or placing your bid. *** POWER *** If you don't have or don't want to use the Lego rechargeable battery pack and charger, you can use your own standard AA batteries (takes 6). You can also use your own rechargable AA batteries (you might want to have two sets) and charger. The Lego battery pack (9693) uses a special 10 VDC charger (8887) which is about $25 http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/dc_charger/2235 The Lego rechargeable battery pack (9693) is about $55 http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/nxt_rechargeable_dc_battery/1971 *** SOFTWARE *** The Lego software allows you to program graphically by using building blocks of functions and/or tasks instead of the traditional line by line, sometimes cryptic commands. The programs are then downloaded to the brain brick via USB or Bluetooth. The base software is included in retail version. Software for the education version is about $80 and includes additional projects, tools, and documents related to teaching robotics and programming. http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/lego_mindstorms_education_nxt_software_2_1/2240 Do you need the software? Probably. Lego has "Open Sourced" the interface information allowing for third parties to create their own software and firmware, but you will need some real programming background to us the third party tools which aren't all free. But if you already have a programming background and some patience for the initial connection configuration adjustments, you can try it on your own without the Lego software.Read full review
I teach robotics, math, and science at a Title I middle school in southern California. I am also the coach for two FIRST LEGO League teams that are part of our after-school robotics club. Our school has purchased over 30 LEGO Mindstorms Education Base Sets for our school and I have purchased a handful on Ebay for my own use. The main difference between the Education Base set and the commercial 8547 and 8527 sets is the addition of a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and the absence of programming software. The sets also have different parts inventories, but for the most part, serviceable robots can be built with either kit. The Education Base set has a serviceable storage container while the commercial kits do not, however a fishing tackle box is an excellent way to store the pieces when not in use. A new Education Base set from legoeducation.com is $279.95 plus shipping and sales tax. The Education NXT software is $79.95. I'm not sure what the commercial kits are going for today, but I think you can find them in the $280 to $320 price range. I've purchased several complete NXT kits as well as partial sets on Ebay over the years. As long as the NXT brick is working, purchasing a used unit can result in a substantial savings. I have yet to see a sensor or motor fail to operate properly. The biggest issue with the NXT brick itself is the tendency for the screen to either fade out partially or completely. I have returned them to legoeducation for replacement without any problems. Then again, we've purchased quite a few units in the past.Read full review
My students love the Mindstorms platform and Lego building experience.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
great... it is still in a very good condition.. my son love this so much
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The screen was not perfect on the brick, but it is usable.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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