Mindstorms
Mindstorms #2
Mindstorms #3
Mindstorms #4
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I have had my Mindstorms set for two days now and I think I have played with the RCX and the
software long enough to give a reasonable overview.
The basic set comprises of an RCX unit (the brain), two motors,
three sensors (two touch, one light), a software package and a variety of LEGO. I'm sure the LEGO
Group spent a lot of time deciding the breakdown of LEGO pieces to include in this set but it
doesn't seem like a good choice. There are far too many solid bricks (2x2, 4x2, 6x2 and 8x2). I
think it would have been better to include more Technic parts such as beams, holed flats and
axles (especially more 4 and 5 unit ones). I quickly had to dip into my Technic spares to build even
the most basic models. The RCX itself seems to work well but you will need more sensors
(including motion sensors) in order to build anything other than a basic 'robot'.
The rest of the set comprises of the Constructopedia which doesn't actually contain any
instructions, just ideas (Come one kids, break free from the TV generation) and the software
which comes on a single CD. I had high hopes for the software but it falls down in
several areas. The software occupies 413MB on the CD but there is very little real content.
It likes to run in 256 colour mode (not so good for hi-color fans) and there are far too many animated sequences,
slowing the process of creating RCX programs.
Although the programming tool is easy to use, I
think it will get annoying after a while (no drag and copy, no re-ordering via drag and drop, etc).
I have included this review in my Technic site even though it is not strictly a Technic
set as I imagine it will appeal to the same group of people.
It has been billed as a great leap forward but I think it is more of a refinement on
the Barcode Truck barcode reader. Thinks will improve when the new sensors
become available and somebody writes a Windows RCX programming tool. If you like building
Technic models from a set of instructions then you are not going to like this. If you like playing
around with LEGO and trying out your own ideas then you may want to consider it.
Box Joke: It's nice to see the warning message that reads 'PC and monitor not included'
for all the stupid people.
Score:
  7/10
Pieces: 727
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