Finally, an option that almost convinced me, was ev3-npm. However, it employs a C-based language, which I like, so I was considering it. What’s with hard-core developers and their inability to put up an inviting, well designed and well documented website? Then there’s RobotC which is another prime example of a terrible first impression and with a not so inviting pricing setup either. There’s Lejos, but it’s Java (and I simply hate Java) and just looking at the site, gives me the creeps. Just like I never saw Scratch anything else than a teaching tool, I don’t see Lego’s EV3 Programming IDE anything else than what it really is - another Scratch, a tool that allows kids and students to pick up programming concepts. IMHO this is in no way development environment.
#ROBOTARY REVIEW SOFTWARE#
On that note however, I have to say that one of the main reasons I have sat on this project of mine more or less idle for the last 2 years, was the software that Lego offers. That being said, there are a few extremely well-written and illustrated books out there that you might find useful, such as the EV3 Idea Book and The Art of EV3 Programming, which I both own and cherish. No prior programming experience is necessary, the software - which is visual and intuitive, be that the retail or education edition - will guide you through everything you need to know. Expansion packs are expensive and frankly, not that useful (I own one of these expansions sets, so I talk from experience). Lego Mindstorms EV3 is even compatible with its older sibling, the NXT should you have any of that in the attic. Any System and Technic Lego will do just fine, no matter how old or new. You do not need to buy any expansion packs. It’s a very exhaustive list of everything you need to know.
On that note, here’s a parts list comparison between the two sets. The education set tends to be better value for money if you ignore Amazon’s 30–40% off occasional offers. Buying just the sensors, the brick, the battery pack and the connector cables individually would cost you more than the set itself, so you could potentially say you’re getting all the Lego building parts for free. You do not need both sets to create robots and/or learn robotics, but the education set does come with a rechargeable battery pack, an extra ultrasonic and a gyro sensor. The retail set however is often at up to 40% off on Amazon. The retail edition and the education set.īefore I go into the actual review, I am going to answer a few questions that many have asked me about these sets, so that I won’t have to ever answer them again: In an attempt to create something awesome and satisfy my own undying love and curiosity for robotics coupled with general tinkering and software development, two years ago I bit the bullet and got myself not one, but two (and a 3rd one this year) Lego Mindstorms sets. A personal Lego Mindstorms project I’ve been sitting on for the last 2 years, in its infancy state …