Older Mindstorms?

[Simarilius]

Just looking on Ebay, and theres a fair few NXT 2 sets at reasonable prices, just wondering if its worth picking one up as a starting point to play with as I dont really want to blow the money on an EV3, or if theres enough of a difference to hold out and save up for the newer one?

[DrJB]

I'd go for the NXT ... not much of a difference in my opinion ... unless you want the latest/newest ... but that all depends on how good a deal you're getting.

Now, RCX vs. NXT, there is a big difference .. but EV3 vs NXT, not in my opinion. You can even use the EV3 software to program the NXT.

Also, and before you take the jump, you need to decide whether you'll be happy with the basic sensors (motors are essentially the same, between NXT and EV3, just slightly different shape/packaging) or plan on going into fancy such as Gyro and so on ... though choice either way, but whichever set u get, u'll enjoy it.

[Nalyd997]

The only main difference between nxt an ev3 id the hardware on the brick, in which case ev3 is better. I have an nxt and I would say go for it

[MajorAlvega]

if your intention is to use it «as it cames» then go for the NXT, it's a good way to start and somewhat less expensive.

But EV3 is much more than just a revised NXT. For me there are 3 novelties in EV3 that make all the difference:

- SD card

- USB port

- full Linux support

This summer I discovered ev3dev (Debian for EV3) and have been trying EV3 with almost every USB gadget I have with great sucess: Wi-Fi, wireless gamepad, 8-relay card, audio card, webcam, LEGOcam, Bluetooth 4.0, Wiimote, 1-wire master... It's like having a Raspberry Pi with a shield for sensors and motors, you can do in EV3 almost everything you can in a Linux laptop or a Raspberry (albit slower).

So for power users, EV3 is the horse to bet.

[BusterHaus]

So for power users, EV3 is the horse to bet.

I think you nailed it.

For someone who wants to play around with Mindstorms, NXT is a very good choice. If you have little or no experience with programming, get the cheaper option. It's still quite powerful and will offer you lots of challenges.

[Simarilius]

Since I just bought an unplanned 42030 (33% off was too good to pass up) I'll keep an eye for a good deal on an NXT as a starter to see if I actually play with it, can always get an EV3 later :)