> 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

> 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