Despite how long the Lego Mindstorms NXT has been available, I still feel that it's worthwhile to review it today just in case someone is interested in purchasing it for their child, or for themselves. I find it quite entertaining regardless of how old I am. This Lego set will take your imagination to another level. Instead of just building a tank with wheels and power it around yourself; build it with this set, and have it drive around itself while avoiding obstacles!  Not only are you building a model of whatever your mind comes up with, you have another option to give your model power also.

Unboxing Lego Mindstorms:

     I purchased the Mindstorms locally, so the box was in pristine condition.  I didn’t have to worry about how it was shipped, etc.  Unfortunately, I had to practically destroy the box to open it up.

Package Contents:

     I had to rip a part of both sides so I could open up the box (Hinges).  Even though I tried very carefully, I still ripped part of the box.  It just doesn’t look good.  Granted, one might transfer all of the contents to a different box/place but I like to hang onto the box if one needs to exchange, or use it as storage.

      All of the lego bricks were wrapped in cellophane, while the electronics were boxed.  There were 6 cellophane packages, a fold-out Test Pad, The User Guide, the program CD, a few stickers one can place on the bricks/sensors, the Start Here box, the box that houses the Brick (Brain), and the other box that houses the motors and sensors.  Everything was packaged nicely so no parts would be damaged in shipment.

The NXT Brick:

     The NXT Brick is the 'Brains' of the model.  Here you can program directly, or by uploading your program from your computer to the brick.  The brick is operated by 6 "AA" batteries.  I have used a regular set of batteries for some time now, which I am very happy with.  There is a limited amount of memory on-board, but what I am doing is keeping the programs on my laptop, and when I want to run a program, I send it to the brick.  Some of these programs can take up quite a bit of room!  You can download additional sounds to use in your projects.  I would strongly suggest you purchasing rechargable batteries if you plan on using it alot.  This brick is so powerful, it has the capability of connecting via Bluetooth to your computer, or use a couple of bricks in tandem!  You can make 1 brick the remote control, and send the information to the other brick which could drive your tank around!  The possibilities are endless!!

Owner’s Manual/Quick Start Guide:

     The User Guide was very through in explaining the basics of the different sensors, the brick, and the program itself.   It covered the basics very well, and I was up and running in no time.  I could see that a child might have an issue connecting up the different sensors, and even programming the brick.   I will go into greater detail in programming the brick in the next section.

Creating your first vehicle:

     I opened up with the Start Here box, which I was greeted with a few packages of legos, and a instruction manual.  It said you can build your first vehicle within 30 minutes.  They were right for me; it took less than 30 minutes (Your mileage may vary).  You use this simple vehicle to build other examples that are included with the program.

Mindstorms NXT program:

     I found the program to be a little confusing at first.  Once you start the program there is so much information littered that it is very difficult to get a grasp and find out what to do first.  Once I was over that hurdle, I found that the program is very easy to use, and powerful.  The modules are drag-and-drop, which is very easy to follow.  When you get into the more complex programs, it gets very confusing.  As far as it being powerful, one can easily grab the information from any of the sensors, and manipulate that information any way they want.

      A feature I really like is the NXTLog, where one can share their creation, and have the option of sharing their program.  Also, the program can walk you through in building the specified item.  You can also download the LDD (Lego Digital Designer), which you can use to show other people how you created your invention.

Video of crane:

Pro’s:

Ø  It’s legos.  What more do I need to say?

Ø  The NXT Brick lasts a while on a set of batteries.

Ø  The program modules are drag-and-drop.

Ø  The NXT Brick is constructed very well.

Ø  The legos stand up to harsh play.

Con’s:

Ø  You can only hook up 4 sensors and 3 motors at a time.  You can’t add any additional motors or sensors.

Ø  One has to pretty much destroy the box to open it up. I would think Lego could have come up with a better design.

Overall Rating:

     I truly enjoy working with the Lego Mindstorms NXT.  It brings ordinary lego building to the next level.  It is easy enough for a beginner to create programs to run, and allow experts to program on it also.  If you enjoyed playing with legos when you were a child, I strongly suggest you purchase the NXT 8527, regardless of your age.  Lego made the NXT so the adults have an ‘excuse’ to still play with the legos.