How to Buy Lego Mindstorms

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (6 Ratings)

Challenge your child while developing his or her ability to analyze and solve problems. Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for 1999, Lego Mindstorms allow a child working with a PC and Legos to build and program a truly interactive invention.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Lego 9V Motors
  • Lego Light Sensors
  • Lego Mindstorms Droid Developer Kits
  • Lego Mindstorms Extreme Creatures
  • Lego Mindstorms RoboSports
  • Lego Mindstorms Robotics Discovery Sets
  • Lego Mindstorms: Robotics Invention System 1.5
  • Lego Remote Controls
  • Lego Robotics Invention System Upgrade Kits
  • Lego Rotation Sensors
  • Lego Temperature Sensors
  • Lego Touch Sensors
  • RCX Programmable Lego Bricks
Step1
Look for Lego Mindstorms products for children 9 and older.
Step2
Consider the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Discovery Set ($150) for first-time users who don't have access to a PC.
Step3
Consider the Lego Mindstorms Droid Developer Kit ($99) for first-time users who do have access to a PC with a CD-ROM drive.
Step4
Get Lego Mindstorms: Robotics Invention System 1.5 ($210) for kids 12 and older who have access to a PC with a CD-ROM drive.
Step5
Find these systems at Discovery Channel stores, FAO Schwarz, Learningsmith, Lego Shop at Home (800) 453-4652, Media Play, Target and Toys R Us.
Step6
Buy online at LegoWorldShop.com and eToys.
Step7
Keep in mind that the sets have many pieces and require batteries.
Step8
Look for expansions such as ExtremeCreatures and RoboSports ($50 each) for even more projects using the Robotics Invention System.

Tips & Warnings

  • Buy extra goodies such as the RCX Programmable Lego brick ($130), Remote Control ($20), Light Sensor ($20), Touch Sensor ($10), Rotation Sensor ($15), Temperature Sensor ($25), or 9V Motor ($20). Except for the 9-volt motor, these products require the Robotics Invention System.
  • Pieces from any other Lego System or Technic set can be used with these kits.
  • Pick up the Robotics Invention System Upgrade Kit ($25) to update a Robotics Invention System 1.0.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Buy Lego Mindstorms

eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Related Ads

Hobbies, Games & Toys

Sentigen
Meet Nate Chang, eHow Expert eHow’s Hobbies, Games & Toys Expert.