NXT...and what is a "brick" anyway?

I get calls this time of year asking about what is what.  I will make a breif summary and then get into the details.

Retail.  Currently the retail model is LEGO item 8547 which is LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0.  Three years ago there was LEGO item 8527 which was LEGO Mindstorms NXT 1.0.  The "hardware" such as the controller or "brain", motors pieces etc are the same.  The KEY difference is the Software which is faster and more robust than 1.0.  And, the light sensor was replaced with a color sensor.  After three years and 7th out of 50 teams, we used the older light sensor.  In short, the hardware is all the same but it is nice to have the NXT 2.0 software.

Where to find them?  Fast but full price, the LEGO store at the Burlington Mall in Massachusetts.  Use Froogle.com.  Or, buy used from eBay or Craigs list.  At risk for used stuff could be, missing important parts like a motor, wires, sensors, original SW disk, USB Cable.  Or, a controller (aka brick, aka brain) that had a battery leak.  I am here to help share my knowledge so ask.  But, I am not suggesting I am an expert.

More info.

If you really get going with LEGO Mindstorms NXT and plan or want to get a FLL team going, I would strongly encourage one to find the Education set, LEGO item 9797.  The big benefit, it comes with a rechargeable battery and charger.  Sure, it might have a few extra pieces but not critical.  It also comes in a sorting tub and tray.  You will have to buy a tackle box with a retail kit as the box it comes in is useless.  My point, you get more for your money even though it costs a little more.

Older NXT bricks are fine.  They can be flashed with the current Firmware from LEGO Education.  The key thing to look out for is a brick that had a battery leak.  :(.

I also learned that if your brick makes sounds but the screen does not display, this is a known problem and I was able to get two of mine replaced with new units from LEGO.

Plastic?  All LEGO should be collected!  But, LEGO Technic pieces are heavily used.  Lastly, something many folks don't realize.  Once you master the software that comes with the NXT, called NXT-G, you can also buy educational software such as RobotC or even full blown LabView and use the controller with far more advanced software.