How to Buy Lego Mindstorms

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

1. Look for Lego Mindstorms products for children 9 and older.
2. Consider the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Discovery Set ($150) for first-time users who don't have access to a PC.
3. Consider the Lego Mindstorms Droid Developer Kit ($99) for first-time users who do have access to a PC with a CD-ROM drive.
4. 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.
5. Find these systems at Discovery Channel stores, FAO Schwarz, Learningsmith, Lego Shop at Home [phone], Media Play, Target and Toys R Us.
6. Buy online at LegoWorldShop.com and eToys.
7. Keep in mind that the sets have many pieces and require batteries.
8. 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.