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LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 - Robotics for the Advanced LEGO Builder

More Useful LEGO Mindstorms if You Can Believe It
The geniuses behind the world's most beloved building block have kicked it up a notch. LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is the newest robotics kit in LEGO's Mindstorms series. Improving on their original NXT set, LEGO has added a new sensor and done away with the old one.
If you really liked the Sound Sensor that came with the first Mindstorms NXT, sorry, you'll just have to buy it separately. Don't worry, they have added something else that is even more useful.
A More Technical LEGO Set
The Mindstorms NXT 2.0 isn't your ordinary LEGO set. First of all, you won't find in any of the standard building bricks that most of you associate with LEGO. In the LEGO Mindstorms kit they've exchanged the studded brick for the more modern Technical pieces instead.
Focusing entirely on stud-less construction, the 2.0 set includes a fair selection of axles, pegs, beams, and two rubber bands. The new set also includes my favorite part-equipment to construct a ball shooter along with twelve brightly colored projectiles!
The Brain of the LEGO Mindstorms Kit
Most important piece in the LEGO Mindstorms set is the 32 bit microprocessor, or the Brain. The 'brain' is about the size of a deck of playing cards. They call it the NXT LEGO brick but I find the Brain far catchier.
The Brain features a large matrix display and is constructed using the latest in robotic technologies. Controlling three Interactive Servo Motors can be programmed to give the operator precise control allowing the robot to move with surprising accuracy.
The Servo Motors built in rotation sensor can measure down to single degree steps. Mindstorms Software makes the Brain fairly easy to program. (Even to a ten year old which is the starting age LEGO recommends for the Mindstorms kit.)
Use the software to create your program and download it to your robot using either the USB port or the NXT's wireless Bluetooth.
3 New Sensors in LEGO Mindstorms NXT
The Brain (NXT Brick) gives your creation life but the Sensors give it purpose! In the upgraded version of the Mindstorms NXT LEGO does away with the sound sensor, but I think you'll be pleased with the new sensors that have seen added.
The Ultrasonic Sensor
The Ultrasonic Sensor is one of two sensors that allow your robot to see. Giving vision to your creation allows it to detect movement, sense and measure distance, and avoid obstacles.
The Color Sensor
The Color Sensor is the other sensor that brings vision to your creation. Your robot can distinguish color (black, white and four additional basic colors), can determine how bright or dim the lights are, and can also be used as a color lamp. (Color sensor illuminates in three colors: red, blue, and green.
2 Touch Sensors
The two Touch Sensors allow your robot to recognize touch by detecting pressure (or lack of pressure) on the sensor area. This lets you program your robot to pick up objects or act on command.
Maybe Not Enough Gears for Some of You
The only real complaint about the LEGO NXT 2.0 is the number of gears included in the kit. While it's plenty to make a fair number of different robotic creations, users may still want to expand their gear collection and open even more possibilities.
LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Well Worth the Experience Gained
All in all, the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is a great away to introduce robotic engineering to the creative child. The LEGO Mindstorms 2.0 allows you to build robots that can see, speak, move, and even feel.
It'll cost ya! The LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 will set you back around $300. Even so it a small price to pay and a wise investment into the engineering and robotic experience that can be gained for the creative youngster or even the inventive adult!
Ready to Buy? Get the best price on the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 and find more Christmas Gift Ideas including the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel.
There's lots more product reviews on Gifts for Her, Gifts for Parents, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends and Gifts for Girls and Boys at http://www.top10christmasgiftssale.com/category/gift-ideas/giftsforboys/
You will also find some great tips on making the best of your Christmas Shopping this Holiday Season.

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