Makeblock is an awesome option. They are Arduino powered (and you can stack a Raspberry Pi on top of that if you want). Most importantly, it's all Creative Co

Makeblock is an awesome option. They are Arduino powered (and you can stack a Raspberry Pi on top of that if you want). Most importantly, it's all Creative Commons open source licensed, hardware and all. No buying into someone's patented system. Most of the other kits out there seem like a disassembled toy you're to screw together. The Makeblock kits are actually extensible and you can make anything... they even have a plans for a 3D printer from the same parts. The beams are designed to connect to Technic parts, as well. If you go to your Radio Shack (yes, many Radio Shacks are still open and continuing on) you can find these kits deeply discounted (like 25% of their original price). http://www.makeblock.cc/ http://www.makeblock.cc/