Lego Mindstorms Invention System Comparison

If you are absolutely sure you want to get the Lego Mindstorms, and just want the best deal, then click here.

If you need more info on what kind of robot kit to get, then read on:

Which is better the Talrik Jr. Pro OR the Lego Mindtorms Invention System?

Decide for yourself!

Feature: Talrik Jr. Pro Lego Mindstorms

Powerful On board Microcomputer Assembled & Tested? YES YES

Works With Interactive C? (Freeware & Commercial) YES NO

I.C. Example Programs Available? YES NO

System Software YES YES

Prefabricated Body Kit? YES NO

Rebuildable body YES YES

Building blocks for different looking robots NO YES

I.C. Drivers Included? YES NO

C Language Example Code Available? YES NO

Works with a full ansi C compiler? YES NO

Freeware LOGO Mindstorms Available? YES YES (Lego version)

Comes with Free Example Collision Avoidance Program? YES NO

Freeware sBASIC, tinyFORTH, and Assembly Language Available? YES NO

Motor drivers? / How many? YES / 5 YES / 3

Inputs? / How many? YES / 12 YES / 3

LCD Display? Optional / $15 YES

2 Drive Motors? YES YES

Sensors for short/medium distance Measurement? YES* Optional*

Uses Standard Serial Port YES NO (Requires USB)

Wireless IR Optional YES

Wireless RF Optional NO

System Software Requirements DOS or Windows or (Mac Optional) Windows Only

Contact (touch) Sensors? 4 2

Infra Red Sensors? 2 1

Sensors for long range measurement? Optional Optional

Wires and electronics protected? YES NO

Speaker/Microphone? Optional YES

Easy Access to switches/ports? YES NO

Fully Assembled & Tested? Optional NO

Manual IR Remote Control? Optional NO

Low Bounce Wheels YES Optional

Upgradeable? YES YES

Available Platforms? PC, Mac, Linuix PC Only

Built-in rechargeable circuitry? YES NO

The comparison we made was with:

A. One complete Talrik Jr. Pro kit with the communications module included. (TJPRO-PA + MB2325 + C2325= $225.89 total cost including shipping).

B. One complete Lego Mindstorms kit (202.94 total cost including shipping)

This is a hard comparison to make. The TJ Pro is a more serious and flexible robot system with a main focus on programming. The Lego Mindstorms however does allow those who like building different types of robot bodies the ability to do that with some examples projects given. (You can buy the TJ Pros on-board computer and sensors for about $135, which leaves $65 to buy construction bricks to build different bodies. The TJ Pro software will work with this set-up).

To buy the Lego Mindstorms kit or for more info Lego products, software & books, click here.

To buy the TJ Pro kit or for more info on TJ Pro products, software & books, click here.

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Copyright 2003 MrRobot ^TM

Feature:	Talrik Jr. Pro	Lego Mindstorms
Powerful On board Microcomputer Assembled & Tested?	YES	YES
Works With Interactive C? (Freeware & Commercial)	YES	NO
I.C. Example Programs Available?	YES	NO
System Software	YES	YES
Prefabricated Body Kit?	YES	NO
Rebuildable body	YES	YES
Building blocks for different looking robots	NO	YES
I.C. Drivers Included?	YES	NO
C Language Example Code Available?	YES	NO
Works with a full ansi C compiler?	YES	NO
Freeware LOGO Mindstorms Available?	YES	YES (Lego version)
Comes with Free Example Collision Avoidance Program?	YES	NO
Freeware sBASIC, tinyFORTH, and Assembly Language Available?	YES	NO
Motor drivers? / How many?	YES / 5	YES / 3
Inputs? / How many?	YES / 12	YES / 3
LCD Display?	Optional / $15	YES
2 Drive Motors?	YES	YES
Sensors for short/medium distance Measurement?	YES*	Optional*
Uses Standard Serial Port	YES	NO (Requires USB)
Wireless IR	Optional	YES
Wireless RF	Optional	NO
System Software Requirements	DOS or Windows or (Mac Optional)	Windows Only
Contact (touch) Sensors?	4	2
Infra Red Sensors?	2	1
Sensors for long range measurement?	Optional	Optional
Wires and electronics protected?	YES	NO
Speaker/Microphone?	Optional	YES
Easy Access to switches/ports?	YES	NO
Fully Assembled & Tested?	Optional	NO
Manual IR Remote Control?	Optional	NO
Low Bounce Wheels	YES	Optional
Upgradeable?	YES	YES
Available Platforms?	PC, Mac, Linuix	PC Only
Built-in rechargeable circuitry?	YES	NO

If you are absolutely sure you want to get the Lego Mindstorms, and just want the best deal, then click here. If you need more info on what kind of robot kit to get, then read on: Which is better the Talrik Jr. Pro OR the Lego Mindtorms Invention System?

Decide for yourself!

If you are absolutely sure you want to get the Lego Mindstorms, and just want the best deal, then click here.

If you need more info on what kind of robot kit to get, then read on:

Which is better the Talrik Jr. Pro OR the Lego Mindtorms Invention System?