Newbie -- where to start?

[q6o0]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting Lego Mindstorm for my 9 and 12 year old boys for Christmas. They both (and so do I) love to build with lego and I am a programmer, so think I can handle it.

It just seems like there is lots of information on many different versions and kits, but I'm just not certain where to start. If someone has a beginner guide or can recommend going with certain versions over others I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks!

[inxt-generation]

Hi, inxt-generation here.

The easiest way to start (and this sounds like the best option for what you want) is to get the standard NXT 2.0 kit. Along with that I would get NXT 2.0 Discover Book or the Unofficial NXT 2.0 Inventors Guide. Or both.

[jwiger]

I agree with inxt-generation. Grab yourself the NXT 2.0 kit, It comes with instructions for four different bots which you can build fast and the kids will enjoy playing with (my kids loved the robo-gator). After getting that the idea books are an excellent idea, you can sometimes find them at Barn's and Noble book stores if you would like to thumb through one. Enjoy! and welcome to the boards. Play well.

[q6o0]

I know you both say 2.0, but what are the major differences? I found these 2 used sets and am thinking of getting one.

http://saintjohn.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-se ... Z416188804
http://pei.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-ele ... Z415624398

What are you're thoughts of these?

Thanks!

[jwiger]

The differences in the intelligence brick is old firmware that can be updated. The older set comes with different style of tires (off road balloon style vs, street style) and also has minor differences in the sensors it comes with. If you can get a good deal on them there is nothing wrong with getting them. Most people end up buying some kind of new sensor to have more fun with the NXT anyway.

[mattallen37]

The only difference that can't be made up for in software, is the parts selection. NXT 1.0 and 2.0 have a different set of building parts, and some sensors are different. The NXT HW is the same (for all functional purposes), and the 2.0 software can be downloaded from Lego's website. - Ninja'd by jwiger

If you are going to buy used, I suggest you check eBay.

[tabbycatrobots]

Here are 2 more NXT sets that offer a different variety of parts. Set 9797 comes with a rechargeable
battery and charger, but no software. And set 991308 comes with software and a rechargeable
battery and charger. These are available from <http://www.legoeducation.us/>. And the sets from
Lego Education come with a different set of sensors. The NXT brain, wires, and motors are
the same. If your sons or you remained enthused for more than a couple months, then a rechargeable
battery is almost a must. I've purchased both a set from Lego Education, and the retail set 8547, and
the differences are the misc. parts, as has been said in previous posts. Along with the NXT set, and
as mentioned above, I would also recommend a book of ideas of robots to build, such as The Lego
Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Discovery Book by Laurens Valk. Maybe even sneak this book into the house before
Christmas. It has some ideas that may help make your choice easier. And if you want to build a robot
requiring different parts than are in the set you've purchased, there's always Bricklink, Lego.com,
and http://www.legoeducation.us/.

[littletim979]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned NXT Programs http://nxtprograms.com/. It's a website full of building instructions fro NXT 1.0, 2.0, and the education set. It's also has programs with all of the robots. Check it out. Also I would suggest not getting the education set endless you have lots of other Lego Technic part or plan on buying the resource kit - the education set doesn't have many parts.