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I used to think so too, but you get a lot of value for the price, especially when you consider the variety of projects you can build, the relatively beginner-fr

by patja 8y ago

I used to think so too, but you get a lot of value for the price, especially when you consider the variety of projects you can build, the relatively beginner-friendly programming toolset, and the number of videos, books, and other supporting resources available.

bunderbunder 8y ago
Overpriced is maybe a strong word (I get that Legos are expensive because they're a higher build quality than other interlocking blocks), but Mindstorms is a very expensive option, all the same. At that price point, even though I could afford a set, I don't really consider it an option for trying to get a kid interested in programming or robotics, because I'd feel pretty chapped about hundreds of dollars down the drain if they didn't end up taking to it.
- SteveNuts 8y ago
  FWIW, I had the first generation Mindstorms and I definitely consider it the most important factor in getting me interested in engineering and software. Resale on LEGO is good, so if it works out and gets the kids interested, it's a small price to pay to introduce them to logic and mechanical concepts (make sure you don't lose any pieces). If it doesn't work out, sell them and take a small hit - it's really a win-win in my book.
  - fenwick67 8y ago
    I had basically the same experience. It would be really hard to beat the LEGO Mindstorms experience for ease-of-use and learning through experimentation.
- kel92ndjd 8y ago
  No LEGO is definitely over priced for what you get now My kids new LEGO sets have had multiple bricks brack. We’re using the few I had as a kid that have held up for 30 years, as replacements Their remote control train never worked, after 3 months of receiving the wrong parts, finally getting what we hoped was the right one, the battery box stopped powering on They’ve become a second hand junk shop buy. No more supporting their throwaway this plastic in 6 mos crap
  - rb808 8y ago
    btw you can buy any individual brick https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-a-Brick https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-a-Brick. They're quick to ship.
    - kel92ndjd 8y ago
      Hey yeah thanks for trying to fix things without a request to do so This forum has little interest in opinion and just downvotes anything that runs contrary to its pet things As if LEGO being worth it is objectively proveable Oh well the crowd here may not like it but what’s the point of supporting a company that can’t ship basic electronics that don’t die after 3 months? Oh ok just keep buying parts. They’re using the Gillette method and all you neoliberals think supporting waste will improve the world it seems. Great
- ti_ranger 8y ago
  > I don't really consider it an option for trying to get a kid interested in programming or robotics, because I'd feel pretty chapped about hundreds of dollars down the drain if they didn't end up taking to it. The OP didn't specify who the Mindstorm alternative was for, but for young children, the new Lego Boost is cheaper (~ $160 vs the ~ $350 for Mindstorms EV3) and probably an easier introduction to programming and robotics than the Mindstorms, but seems to also be quite hackable (but I don't think you can install your own linux on it like the EV3). https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/boost/products https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/boost/products

by patja 8y ago

bunderbunder 8y ago

Overpriced is maybe a strong word (I get that Legos are expensive because they're a higher build quality than other interlocking blocks), but Mindstorms is a very expensive option, all the same. At that price point, even though I could afford a set, I don't really consider it an option for trying to get a kid interested in programming or robotics, because I'd feel pretty chapped about hundreds of dollars down the drain if they didn't end up taking to it.

SteveNuts 8y ago
FWIW, I had the first generation Mindstorms and I definitely consider it the most important factor in getting me interested in engineering and software. Resale on LEGO is good, so if it works out and gets the kids interested, it's a small price to pay to introduce them to logic and mechanical concepts (make sure you don't lose any pieces). If it doesn't work out, sell them and take a small hit - it's really a win-win in my book.
- fenwick67 8y ago
  I had basically the same experience. It would be really hard to beat the LEGO Mindstorms experience for ease-of-use and learning through experimentation.
kel92ndjd 8y ago
No LEGO is definitely over priced for what you get now My kids new LEGO sets have had multiple bricks brack. We’re using the few I had as a kid that have held up for 30 years, as replacements Their remote control train never worked, after 3 months of receiving the wrong parts, finally getting what we hoped was the right one, the battery box stopped powering on They’ve become a second hand junk shop buy. No more supporting their throwaway this plastic in 6 mos crap
- rb808 8y ago
  btw you can buy any individual brick https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-a-Brick https://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-a-Brick. They're quick to ship.
  - kel92ndjd 8y ago
    Hey yeah thanks for trying to fix things without a request to do so This forum has little interest in opinion and just downvotes anything that runs contrary to its pet things As if LEGO being worth it is objectively proveable Oh well the crowd here may not like it but what’s the point of supporting a company that can’t ship basic electronics that don’t die after 3 months? Oh ok just keep buying parts. They’re using the Gillette method and all you neoliberals think supporting waste will improve the world it seems. Great
ti_ranger 8y ago
> I don't really consider it an option for trying to get a kid interested in programming or robotics, because I'd feel pretty chapped about hundreds of dollars down the drain if they didn't end up taking to it. The OP didn't specify who the Mindstorm alternative was for, but for young children, the new Lego Boost is cheaper (~ $160 vs the ~ $350 for Mindstorms EV3) and probably an easier introduction to programming and robotics than the Mindstorms, but seems to also be quite hackable (but I don't think you can install your own linux on it like the EV3). https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/boost/products https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/boost/products