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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