42100 - Still a toy?

[Jockos]

To answer the main question: 42100 is a big toy for big kids.

[Bartybum]

38 minutes ago, suffocation said:

Exactly, all they need to do is transition from "batteries not included" to "smartphone not included". Standard fare, innit?

I'm not sure what point you're trying to get across

[dr_spock]

10 hours ago, Bartybum said:

@dr_spock Anyone who buys this set and is surprised they can't control it because they don't have a phone deserves it tbh.

The challenge may be having the correct level phone or smart device to use.   Grandparents could be buying the set for grandkid who has a smartphone and they did not double-check the IOS or Android OS level that the app runs on.  Funny thing,  I tried out the Powered UP app on my Android 5.0 device before buying the Batmobile.  It was working and I was able to play the train engine sounds for the Powered UP trains.  After I bought the Batmobile, the app auto updated and it stopped working. It would start and then crash out after the orange yellow Powered UP screen.  Information on the Google Play Store says Android 5.0 originally.  Later it seems to suggest Android 5.1.  With the latest update, it works again.  I gotta remember to turn auto-updates off...

3 hours ago, suffocation said:

Is it stated clearly and unequivocally on the box that a smartphone is required to control the model?

They do have it printed on the box like for the app controlled Batmobile.

[suffocation]

4 minutes ago, dr_spock said:

They do have it printed on the box like for the app controlled Batmobile.

Great. There's still a problem, though, which at least some smartphones have - what if I want to command more than two independent motors at the same time? My dumbphone can only handle two touches at a time (which also gives me problems with the BuWizz app, by the way). So do I have to invest in a smartphone that handles more than two touches, do I have to use multiple phones at the same time, or is there a cheaper, more convenient work-around?

[allanp]

I seem to remember Motorola was working on a small touchscreen device for Lego. My Blu-ray player can connect to the internet via WiFi and many devices that are not smart phones have touch screens and Bluetooth. So all the tech exists for them to create a non smart phone separately available alternative. Ide be very happy with that. But you guys know how I like to push things into the realm of coolbutnotinamillionyearsson! So now imagine this. You have this touch screen Bluetooth and WiFi enabled control+ central control module with touch screen in a Technic format, onto which you can connect other input modules (also available separately). These could be push buttons, proportional control sticks or whatever. This means you can build whatever controller you like with as many physical inputs you want in as many combinations and orientations you can imagine. You want a control stick to go from being up/down to left/right, just detach the module, rotate and reattach. This will work for when you want to download the control+ presets for future set releases (or create your own custom presets on the computer using a free control+ preset designer program) for as long as the internet can be delivered to a device via WiFi. 

 

 

[Bartybum]

6 hours ago, suffocation said:

Great. There's still a problem, though, which at least some smartphones have - what if I want to command more than two independent motors at the same time? My dumbphone can only handle two touches at a time (which also gives me problems with the BuWizz app, by the way). So do I have to invest in a smartphone that handles more than two touches, do I have to use multiple phones at the same time, or is there a cheaper, more convenient work-around?

I didn’t know you had more than two thumbs :^)

[suffocation]

1 hour ago, Bartybum said:

I didn’t know you had more than two thumbs :^)

I didn't know you had your other eight fingers bitten off by a rabid 'roo.

[Bartybum]

1 hour ago, suffocation said:

I didn't know you had your other eight fingers bitten off by a rabid 'roo.

Mmm touché 

[suffocation]

12 minutes ago, Bartybum said:

Mmm touché 

Anyway I hope there's an option for joystick-like controllers - I just find them more comfortable. Must be old age. I got my first set of false teeth when the Dead Sea was still ailing.

[Johnny1360]

11 hours ago, allanp said:

I seem to remember Motorola was working on a small touchscreen device for Lego. My Blu-ray player can connect to the internet via WiFi and many devices that are not smart phones have touch screens and Bluetooth. So all the tech exists for them to create a non smart phone separately available alternative. Ide be very happy with that. But you guys know how I like to push things into the realm of coolbutnotinamillionyearsson! So now imagine this. You have this touch screen Bluetooth and WiFi enabled control+ central control module with touch screen in a Technic format, onto which you can connect other input modules (also available separately). These could be push buttons, proportional control sticks or whatever. This means you can build whatever controller you like with as many physical inputs you want in as many combinations and orientations you can imagine. You want a control stick to go from being up/down to left/right, just detach the module, rotate and reattach. This will work for when you want to download the control+ presets for future set releases (or create your own custom presets on the computer using a free control+ preset designer program) for as long as the internet can be delivered to a device via WiFi. 

 

 

I think this is a great idea and would love for LEGO to actually have this as an option as PU matures. 

[Kumbbl]

On 2/2/2019 at 6:35 PM, Erik Leppen said:

Now this is interesting.

Because it seems to forget the distinction between 42100 as a set, and 42100 as a model.

I would say that the primary idea of Lego is that the build is the play. Playing with Lego, to me, and to many people, is building things with the parts. And if that is the case, then every set is a toy, because every set allows you to build models with the pieces, and there's even a prescribed model with building instructions.

Whether the assembled model, after it is built, is a toy, is another question. That is, if you built the model, did you construct a toy that someone else can play with? Then, you'd have to compare to pre-assembled models of other brands. I mean, there are toy cars whose only functino are rolling wheels. But they are still toys. Now, I agree that the assembled model of 42083 is one of the least playable models ever. But, it can still be rolled around, which is a form of play. So even the 42083 model is a toy. It's just not a very good toy.

But with 7 motorized functions, I'd reckon that 42100 will be one of the more playable models. I mean, is the 42030 model a playable model? I'm quite sure it is :) And I remember from the Jim''s review of 42070 that his nephews had a lot of fun playing with that model.

So in short, I see totally zero reason to think the 42100 model will not be playable.

one of the most sophisticated replys i have seen here....well spoken. And: cleverly constructed and designed (meant in the sense like e.g. N. Kuipers designs and uses parts: which is the best part in a certain situation and always with the goal in mind to make a rigid and suitable construction) i see really no problems to produce a very playable model from a set of about 4000 parts - even more with quite direct drive trains as with the case of 7 motors

some counterexamples like the bugatti doesn't be playable cause of having too many parts or weight but only (and really ONLY) cause of the lack of a proper design...

[Parazels]

I have been able to buy it for €200 several times and skipped these opportunities.

I still can't decide, whether I like this set or not.

Generally speaking, I don't respect RC sets, where a number of functions is equal to a number of motors.

On the other hand this is an undrainable resource of white parts and motors!

Edited November 2, 2020 by Parazels

[1gor]

1 hour ago, Parazels said:

I have been able to buy it for €200 several times and skipped these opportunities.

I still can't decide, whether I like this set or not.

Generally speaking, I don't respect RC sets, where a number of functions is equal to a number of motors.

On the other hand this is an undrainable resource of white parts and motors!

Perhaps you will find super lots of this set ... that could be better?