They'd do better concentrating on their core business imo, but hey, for anyone interested:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/13/lego-an...-for-your-teen/

Peter

Edited by Imperialshadows: Hope you don't mind, but I added a poll to this. I can already tell that it will quickly evolve into a "Should LEGO be making things like this" topic (ice tray, anyone?), so I'm just going to make sure it's relevant as one.

The camera looks ok but the walkie talkie does not look good at all. They could be good but they probably wouldn't be as good as most people's camera's. For collecting they could be good as they look ok. I would most likely not buy one but there will probably be more products like this that could interest me.

I'm not intrested myself to be honest, though at work we are thinking of getting new radios so maybe I'll suggest the Lego ones. As for core business it did very in the last period we have numbers for so I shouldn't worry about that.

The random colored look doesn't work well IMO. It might have worked better if they based these off a theme (like Agents or Space Police 3) and used pieces and colors related to that. Of course, the actual hardware is going to be pretty low end at those prices.

As for whether this is good for TLG from a business point of view, probably not. They have tried expanding into other things like this numerous times in the past, and most of the attempts have failed.

sure, why not a poll for this.

I wonder if the camera produces prints with colour consistency issues...

well, TLG must start their history lesson again.

their must focus on bricks, not gadget like this.

Now now, before you go shooting me...

I voted TLG go for it and I would buy it.

now here is a quote from the text... note the bolded...

"Lego's just announced that it's teamed with Digital Blue to bring out a line of digital cameras, PMPs, and walkie talkies for children. As you can see, the products will have the familiar "Lego" look to them"

So,

A) Lego is concentrating on the brick. Lego just lent the Lego brand and look to another company for a quick $ (and in this economy it goes a long way) It also helps with marketing. VERY SMART TLC

B) The camera is aimed at kids. This being an adult site I think few of would buy these for our selves I myself would not. But buy a cool Lego camera for a younger cousin or nephew, perhaps a child? For sure!

Regards, Cpt. PB

Lego needs to stick with Legos.

I think it is a smart way to expand the LEGO community.

Outsourcing in this is a smart thing to do. Let someone else make it, check the quality and cash in on the franchise so they can invest in their core bussiness. This is actually is a common marketing tool.

It can be done for more products as well like the t-shirts. In fact that will probably make it more "normal" to do something with LEGO and I won't have to explain myself three times when I say I still have LEGO for my own.

Only two concerns:

1. Check the quality and products or it will reflect bad on other LEGO products;

2. Keep away from moaning AFOLS who are not the target audience

PS: I hope you got the irony in 2.

Edited January 13, 200916 yr by L-space

Looks ok for kids, but it looks also very unofficial.

While I understand they outsourced it, LEGO branching into other ventures makes me nervous and reminds me of a time when the company was in great danger.

They'd do better concentrating on their core business imo...

well, TLG must start their history lesson again.

their must focus on bricks, not gadget like this.

I'm inclined to agree.

They'd do better concentrating on their core business imo

Yep, that's exactly what I think.

While I understand they outsourced it, LEGO branching into other ventures makes me nervous and reminds me of a time when the company was in great danger.

Agreed. This is a bad move...

Dr. Brick

I like the idea of the camera...

The camera looks ok but the walkie talkie does not look good at all. They could be good but they probably wouldn't be as good as most people's camera's. For collecting they could be good as they look ok. I would most likely not buy one but there will probably be more products like this that could interest me.

Looks ok for kids, but it looks also very unofficial.

As you can see, the products will have the familiar "Lego" look to them (though not constructed out of actual bricks)

You people must not be able to read, which if was the case, you shouldn't be posting on a forum.

I think that this is a smart move, business wise, considering they could be getting more kids who are caught up into the video games and ipods and such, who wouldn't normally play with Lego, introduced to the brand. I really personally think that today's kids are too interested in electronics, and they should do more creative things, like Lego, or art.

Good Idea Lego!

Edited January 13, 200916 yr by darthperson

Well, I don't see how even kids would like the appearance of those items. If I was a kid, I would want them to look like cool gadgets that the Agents would use, not just a random hodgepodge of colored bricks.

As you can see, the products will have the familiar "Lego" look to them (though not constructed out of actual bricks)

I don't know if it can be clearer: THOSE PICTURES ARE NOT OF THE ACTUAL PRODUCTS! The actual things won't even be made of bricks! Jeez...

Hmm I certainly see what you want to do with this but it could use a lot of work. I'd recommend using some basic SNOT to give this more camera-like look. 4/10.

I don't particularly like them, but that's just me. I'm sure they'll sell fine.

I don't know if it can be clearer: THOSE PICTURES ARE NOT OF THE ACTUAL PRODUCTS! The actual things won't even be made of bricks! Jeez...

Apparently you didn't read the whole sentence. They are supposed to have a brick-built appearance, even though actual bricks will not be used.

Of course, these are likely preliminary designs anyway, so things like the color scheme may change by the time the products are available.

Edited January 13, 200916 yr by CP5670