My Son Loves His Mindstorms NXT

My 12 year old son's Mindstorms NXT kit arrived via UPS last month, and watching him learn about robotics makes me amazingly proud as a parent. I have two other children, ages 7 and 2, and the Mindstorms NXT is build sturdily enough that I expect them both to be able to use it as a fun learning tool during their adolescent years as well. I know the Mindstorms NXT has been out for a few years, but after seeing it used in a classroom environment at my son's middle school, I knew it was a critical learning tool for those who are mechanically minded. Sure, I play with the Mindstorms NXT when my son's at school. I have to know how it operates! I love that the motors double as servos, and the futuristic look of the robots you can build.

My son has been experimenting with the ultrasonic distance sensor, working like sonar on a submarine, to create a race car that is autonomous and doesn't run into walls.

Everything in the Mindstorms NXT kit looks well crafted, tidy, and it all fits together to function perfectly and flawlessly every time. The software is quite nice, and although I fumbled around and removed the default demo program, restoring it was as easy as pushing a button. I have found the original packaging for the Mindstorms NXT to be a great place to store it long-term, as the packaging is rigid, and it is simple to put the kit back into its container. The quick-start guide is extremely helpful, as I've been able to build a quick swinging arm using a motor as a servo. It also makes an appropriate swooshing noise when it swings, something I was able to program by using the software.

The newer software is much easier to navigate than the software my son uses at school. The older Mindstorms NXT software, called LabView, is much more chunky, so it was nice to see that they have significantly improved the interface. Overall, this was one of the best purchases I have ever made, and I consider it an investment in the educational future of my children. It is extremely sturdy, and it supports both Windows and Macintosh, making it what I consider future-proof. I thank Lego for making such a great product, and look forward to purchasing additional add-ons to the Mindstorms NXT for birthday and Christmas presents down the road.

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