LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547)

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547)
by LEGO

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547)
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Product Summary

Manufacturer: LEGO
Brand: LEGO
Model: 4544091
Product features:
  • The intelligent NXT Lego brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display
  • Three interactive servo motors; four sensors(Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor)
  • Color Sensor has triple functionality: Distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp
  • Easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges
  • There are 612 pieces in this product
  • Batteries not included with this product
  • Building instructions for 4 new amazing robots
  • Four input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link

Toys and Games Reviews of LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547)

Customer Review: A great set for the creative youngster (and for the inventive adult!)
Summary: 5 Stars

SUMMARY:

I think that the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 is a great set for the creative youngster (and for the inventive adult!) This robotics kit can offer hours and hours of fun. While playing with it, you'll (your kid) be able to interact with people all over the world, and you'll have a great start in engineering.

---

At the moment of writing this review, 4 customer reviews have been posted: two 1-star reviews and two 5- star reviews. This gives an average of 3 stars, which is way below what the kit deserves. It deserves 5 stars.

Another customer (D. Perdue) has already posted a great review (5 stars) about the new features in the set, and in this review I'd like to add some more to this. Furthermore, I'd like to respond to the two negative reviews posted so far.

I have been into MINDSTORMS for about 4 years now, and my first robot set was a RIS 2.0 set (the older MINDSTORMS system). I purchased my first NXT set in 2007 and I still have not stopped playing with it. This is what I like about MINDSTORMS: the possibilities are endless. You can not only build and program robots, but you can also design, invent and even interact with the MINDSTORMS community.
By corresponding with others in this community, you'll get to learn new building and programming techniques, and you can share your knowledge and robot inventions with other LEGO - minded people. As a result, you can get in touch with people all over the world. This has been so for all the MINDSTORMS system, and now that the NXT 2.0 is introduced, I expect the community to grow even larger.

When you first open the NXT 2.0 box, you'll find a special bag with building elements called "start here!". With these parts you can start of building your first robot with step by step building instructions.
I have to admit, the next step is a little harder: programming. The drag-and-drop programming software is really easy to use, but the documentation isn't always very clear: there is not a step-by-step guide in the kit which teaches you all the ins and outs about programming (but there is a good reference manual in the software). Fortunately, there are enough sample programs to get you started. Everyone with a little creativity can do the trick.

As you finished playing with the basics of robot programming, you can start building some of the other robot models that appear on the NXT box: an alligator, a ball color sorter and a humanoid: Alpha Rex. I recommend to start with the training vehicle (Shooterbot) first, though. But, having built these four models doesn't end the fun yet!
There are a lot of websites dedicated to MINDSTORMS (NXT 2.0). Some of them offer building instructions so you can build even more robots. Apart from these websites, there are also plenty of MINDSTORMS books, which teach you how to make the best of your NXT set. Also, there are a few books, especially dedicated to NXT 2.0, coming out at the end of the year.

As you gain more MINDSTORMS experience you'll be able to invent your own robotic creations. Then, you can take photos, or even create a 3d model of your robot on your computer, and share it on the MINDSTORMS NXTLOG website.

In the rest of this review, I'd like to respond to the two 1-star reviews posted on Amazon as of now.

- Re: "Buyer beware!" (Customer support issue and technical problems)
I'm sorry to hear about your problems with the NXT 2.0. I know that a lot of MINDSTORMS sets are being returned to LEGO, but sometimes that is because people do not know how to use it. If this is the case, the mistake can often be solved easily (An example problem is an incorrectly placed motor or sensor cable).
In general, I would recommend to post issues on MINDSTORMS forums by the community (just Google for "the NXT step" or "NXTasy"). The people there usually know more about it than the technical support service.
I have to add that the programs on the NXT Intelligent Brick actually did correctly work on my end. These programs are not faulty, and regular programming using the software also worked with no problems.

Of course, when there is really a problem with the hardware in the set, it is good to let LEGO know and to request replacement parts. This turns out to be the case for this reviewer. Hopefully, this problem doesn't occur in too many sets. I've experienced the LEGO customer service to be quite helpful. In the past, I have had two broken electronic LEGO pieces, and I received new, working parts after a call with them.

UPDATE: I've just checked the NXT 2.0 User Guide, and found a small, but important error on page 15: The colored annonations that instruct the user to plug the cables are incorrect. With these cable configurations, the programs do not work indeed. You can follow the building steps in the software instead - these are correct.

- Re: "Better than ever?"
I agree that NXT 2.0 (as apposed to NXT 1.0) was not improved on the hardware side apart form a new Color. I think this is great. Why? All NXT 2.0 sets are still compatible with the NXT 1.0 sets, simply because they use the same intelligent brick. This way, existing users can upgrade without throwing their old system away. Furthermore, all the useful information made up by the community for NXT 1.0, is still just as valuable for NXT 2.0.

SUMMARY:

I think that the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 is a great set for the creative youngster (and for the inventive adult!) This robotics kit can offer hours and hours of fun. While playing with it, you'll (your kid) be able to interact with people all over the world, and you'll have a great start in engineering.

----

Laurens Valk, the Netherlands

Designer of the Manty robot which appears on the back of the NXT 2.0 box,
[...]

Description of LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547)

Pieces: 619

The "NXT" generation of buildable, programmable robots is here!
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT is back and better than ever, with new robot models, even more customizable programming, and all-new technology including a color sensor! MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 combines the unlimited versatility of the LEGO building system with an intelligent microcomputer brick and intuitive drag-and-drop programming software. The new 2.0 toolkit features everything you need to create your first robot in 30 minutes and then tens of thousands of other robotic inventions that do what you want!

  • The intelligent NXT LEGO brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, 4 input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link
  • Three interactive servo motors
  • Four sensors: Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor
  • Color Sensor has triple functionality: distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp
  • Easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges All the LEGO® elements (612 pcs) you need for creating incredible robots Building instructions for 4 new amazing robots
  • Personalize your robots with the Sound and Icon editors
  • Share your project files with your friends with the Pack-N-Go project packager
  • Batteries not included


Take LEGO to the next level with MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system with a microcomputer brick and intuitive programming software, this building kit enables you to construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. Designed for ages 10 and up, the 2.0 robotics tool set features everything you need to create and program your first robot in approximately one hour. After that, you can create an endless lineup of robots that do what you want--if you can dream it, you can build it.

MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0
    Ages: 10 and up

    Pieces: 619

    Requires: 6 "AA"/LR6 batteries (not included)
What We Think

Fun factor:
Durability:
Ease of assembly:
Educational factor:
Novelty factor:

The Good: Brings LEGO to life.

The Challenging: Booklet only includes instructions for one basic robot.

In a Nutshell: Everything you need to build and program robots -- jump starts inventive play.


With MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0, you can construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. View larger.


Use the included software to program your robot and watch it come to life. View larger.
Build, Program, Go
Creating a MINDSTORMS robot is challenging -- but not too difficult -- with an illustrated step-by-step booklet and software showing the way. The booklet gives you instructions for building a basic "Quick Start" robot only, which is an easy introduction to the MINDSTORMS experience. This robot took our two adult testers about 30 minutes to build and 30 minutes to program. After that, they spent a lot of time just playing with their creation and testing its abilities.

Once you master the basics of MINDSTORMS, you'll need to use the included software to get instructions for more advanced creations. You can also use the MINDSTORMS web site to find instructions for many other robots, or you can create robots on your own. No matter what you choose to create, the principles are the same: just build the robot using the LEGO elements in the kit, and program it on your computer using the software. Then watch your robot come alive.

NXT Technology Brings LEGO to Life
MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 features the latest in robotic technology: an advanced programmable microcontroller, Interactive Servo Motors, smart sensors, icon-based drag-and-drop programming software, interactive challenges, and wireless Blue tooth and USB connections -- all the smart technologies you need to create your custom robot.

First, the brain of the MINDSTORMS robot is NXT, an intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO brick that features a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, input and output ports, and a speaker.

Second, three Interactive Servo Motors give you precise control over the robot and ensure that the robot moves with precision -- the built-in rotation sensor can measure one-degree steps.

Third, there are four robotic sensors. The first is the Ultrasonic Sensor, one of two sensors that gives your robot vision. You can use it to make your robot avoid obstacles, sense and measure distance, and detect movement.

And fourth of all, two Touch Sensors give your robot a sense of touch. They detect when they are being pressed or released, and you can use them to make your robot pick up things or act on command. For example, by pressing a Touch Sensor you can make your robot walk, talk, close a door, or turn off your TV.

There's also a Color Sensor that functions three ways: it distinguishes colors -- black and white, as well as a range of bright and pastel colors -- it distinguishes light settings, and it can be used as a color lamp.

And finally, the MINDSTORMS Software lets you program your robot. Use the software to create a program, and then download the program to the NXT by using the USB cable or the wireless Blue tooth connection. Mac- and PC-compatible drag-and-drop software gives you 16 building and programming challenges, from beginner to expert.

Overall, this set scores an excellent rating for its clever design elements. Our testers enjoyed the way the set brought a new level of interaction to their LEGO experience, and appreciated how easy it was to create their first robot. They also loved the way this set encourages inventive play -- all the cool hardware that makes up the set can be used to build any robot you dream up. Finally, our testers liked how this set offers a great balance of learning and fun, and encourages interest in science, computers, and engineering.

    Microsoft Windows Requirements
  • Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or newer
  • Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or newer
  • Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 1 GHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
  • CD-ROM drive
    Apple Macintosh Requirements
  • Apple MacOS X v10.4 or v10.5
  • PowerPC G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum
  • Intel processor (1.3 GHz or better recommended)
  • DVD drive
    General System Requirements
  • 512MB of RAM minimum
  • 700MB of available hard-disk space
  • XGA display (1024x768)
  • 1 available USB port
  • Compatible Blue tooth adapter (optional)
What's in the Box
NXT programmable LEGO Brick, Ultrasonic Sensor, Color Sensor, two Touch Sensors, three Interactive Servo Motors, USB cable, 7x6-wire cables, building instructions for four robots, user guide, software, test pad, and 619 LEGO pieces.


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