Which LEGO MINDSTORMS set should I purchase for my child?

Before I do that, I must clarify that Storming Robots is a business partner of  the LEGO MINDSTORMS Center, but not affiliated to the LEGO education division. I am making recommendations in my personal opinion only, and may not reflect LEGO Company's view.  You may also view a detailed comparative table form the LEGO Education website.  If you find any error or would like to make comment to this QnA page, please write us your feedback.

1) The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT (updated in 2007)

This set became available back late 2006. This is a new version of Mindstorms Technology.  The older one is call RIS (with the yellow brick). The RIS is no longer available in stores, but just from LEGO Education online store.  The new set NXT comes in two favor, Retail Version vs. Education Version.

Note: If you decide to purchase from the Education division, you must purchase a programming software, either the NXT-G or Robolab2.9.  Therefore, you should plan to spend at least $292 if you decide to purchase the one from LEGO Education site.

1.a)Education version or Retail Version????

Why would I prefer the LEGO Education division? (updated in 2007)

1. I want the rechargeable battery, lamps, USB Cable and storage bin. These add up to be over $70.  Besides the rechargeable battery is lighter than 6 AA batteries.
2. I know I have to pay additional $42 for the  programming software.  That means I am still saving about $28.  

Why would I prefer the Retail version? 

1. I do not need the lithium battery as I can use other rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, as well as the alkaline ones.
2. I have already had PLENTY OF lego pieces at home including lamps.  Besides, lamps do not provide much functional value. 
3. I do not care to have the storage bin. I have plenty.
4. Therefore, these "extra components" of the LEGO Education version do not justify the higher base price.
5. It comes with a programming software already. I don't want to have to pay additional $42 for the software.
6. I can use other low cost USB 2.0 cable.

1.b) Why would I purchase the Robolab 2.9? 

1. I have already owned a RCX set.
2. I want to interface the RCX with the NXT. Robolab 2.9 will work for both RCX and NXT.
3. Robolab is a much more preferable as the software demonstrate true programming structure. It will help children to make a nice transition to a text-based language like C or C++ .
4. Migration from programming RCX to NXT is almost seamless.
5. Robolab 2.9+ offers fascinating  and more sophisticated features than the NXT-G coming with the Retail version.
6. NXT-G's icon is hugh... taking up multiple pages just to do some relatively simple behavior.

2) Team Challenge Set (with ROBOLAB)

• only available through LEGO education site.
• uses the older RCX Technology. I personally like the older set as it is much more appropriate for teaching students below 6th grade about gear ratio, relationship of the encoder(rotation sensor) and the output shaft.
• make sure you purchase the one with the programming software Robolab 2.9. 

Have I wasted my money as I just bought the RIS 2.0, the older version of Mindstorms?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  The educational value of the older MINDSTORMS does not decay a bit just because there is a more powerful set available.  

Compare some good robotics kits available in the market... (dated Mar 2008)

View the comparison document which I wrote up for myself a while ago.

Will my kid take home some LEGO construction after a workshop or camp?

The final product that your child built in class/workshop is a genuine robotic contraption which contains electronic components, as well as requires programming software in order to keep it functioning in the future.
You child has done the programming on a PC and downloaded it to their robots at the center in order to mobilize them.
In order to let the child take home the robot, the fee to you will also need to not only include the cost of the robot, but also the proper programming software as well. Just the components and the software alone will cost you more than $200. To add that cost to the individual workshop fee to you is simply not sensible.  Instead, we give attendees' parents the option to purchase a brand new set from us.

What make LEGO robotics kit unique from most available in retail for children?

First of all, we are not here to sell the LEGO Robotics System Invention kit (RIS) or other LEGO Robotics sets, but simply point out the reasons for choosing the LEGO Robotics as our learning tool.  It is quite unique from most other "robotic" toys such as the latest Robosapien, or other robotics kits from Owi which is popularly used in workshops.   LEGO Robotics set is an investment for your child's future, but not just a toy that will end up staying inside your child's closet or basement like other LEGO toys.  The LEGO robotics set are different in the following ways:

Robotics is multi-disciplinary!?

Robotics inherently is a multi-disciplinary path that can simultaneously and transparently support:

• The teaching of mathematics in algebra and trigonometry;
• Computer science such as real-time parallel computing, programming, systems design;
• Electronics control concept;
• Physics such as forces and laws of motion, as well as materials and physical processes.
• Last but not least, innovation.

How will my children be benefited from taking robotics courses?

• Build engineering and science intuition.
• Develop their interests in math and scientific technology.
• Strengthen their  research and problem solving skills, as well as reading, writing, presentation skills, and creativity.
• Give your children the advantage of heads-up to their future science studies capabilities.
• Build the ability to think through problems strategically with a focus on logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking. This ability is required not only in critical science fields, but a lot other professional areas as well.
• Prepare your children for the competitive workforce, especially in science technology; which is and will be in great demand.
• Equip your children the skills to be readily applied and transferable to  various industries, not just robotics or science.

One may say, " Why so early!? They can be exposed to these knowledge when they go to high school or college. " 

Children are like fresh sponges.  Their capability of absorbing a great deal of knowledge when they are still young can be amazing. So, why hold them back?  Allowing heads-up exposure is the key.

What is the age group? Are my children too young for this?

While you can get involved at robotics at any age, our enrichment programs are designed  for youngsters aged 8 to 15.   As long as your children have minimum high proficiency level at 3rd grade reading and writing skills, they are not too young to participate in our robotics programs.  We have programs designed for young novice, as well as experienced ones. Our basic courses will cover rudimentary Robotics knowledge.  Our classes are packed with hands-on LEGO Robotics activities to build a good foundation in conceptual engineering concepts for the young crowd.  

Our programs materials range from very simple arithmetic, basic physical science, to basic mechanics, applied physics, such as pneumatic.

Qualification of our staffs?

Please view our Staff Page.

Are LEGO pieces just too childish to be used for Robotics?

No. These LEGO Robotics tools are much more than meets the eye.  While we use these components for our age 8 & up participants,  the same components are used at the college level classes as well.  Check out some of the LEGO robotics projects at colleges: robotics class at the Central Washington Universtiy, May the Torque be with You Contest" held at MIT.   One  of the great advantages of using LEGO Robotics components is that you achieve robotic experience without having to use a welding shop.   We can also build autonomous, i.e. not remotely controlled, LEGO robots which have programs loaded into them and function as programmed on its own.