Going from the current information provided by Lego, it's interesting
but I'm still left wondering about a few things:
http://www.lego.com/eng/service/faqs.asp?section=ConsumerService-FAQ-Products&catid=E8D0CD47-16B8-4B2F-900C-8FC40C163598
+ They say they have improved touch and light sensors. Should be
interesting to see what the changes are.
+ They now have ultrasonic and sound sensors! Sounds like the native
software will allow voice commands. I can see kids loving that
feature, as well as adults.
+ 3 *servo* motors. Right on! That's the way to do it.
+ The NXT brick is a dual processor unit and it has more memory. The
stats say 256 Kbytes FLASH, 64 Kbytes RAM for the 32 bit processor and
4 Kbytes FLASH, 512 Byte RAM for the 8 bit processor. So basically
4-5x the memory as before. The sub-1 MB memory is understandable since
they have to manufacture this thing cheap, but still 1 MB would have
been nice. If it can be controlled wirelessly via the PC with
instantaneous reaction times, memory won't be much of a concern.
- Why go bluetooth? It seems like more people would have wireless
802.11 - even .11c would be fine.
- There is only one additional input port. I think they should have
logically doubled what was available in the previous generation to 6
inputs and 6 outputs. This would also help Lego's business model since
people would be inclined to purchase more sensors/motors. It remains
to be seen if the new style jacks will allow an expansion module
similar to a USB hub. The site says:
- 4 input ports, 6 wire digital platform
- 3 output ports, 6 wire digital platform
I can't decipher what they mean by that... can it actually have 6
motors and 6 sensors?
- Battery life - has it been improved? It still uses the same 6-AA
setup as before. This probably relies on how efficient the servo
motors are, since they are the main power eaters.
Overall, looks like it's worth the upgrade but if it can do 6x6 then
this kit might outsell the RIS.
Brian
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