Not NXT 2.0... NXT-G 2.0

There have been some discussions on various forums concerning a recent web posting showing "NXT 2.0" - the rumors have started flying and some new NXT buyers are concerned that their recent purchase should have been held off...

First, it is NXT-G 2.0, not NXT 2.0. I was recently given a look at the new software and told that LEGO Education will be making it available for purchase in Nov 2008. It has built-in datalogging features, including graphs and the ability to export your data to spreadsheet applications and text files. It offers color options for the variables that are monitored, too... there's a new NXT-G block made specfically for it and the new projects are built into Robot Educator (along the right edge of the software).

That's about all I have... it is NOT an upgrade to your existing software, but is a completely new product and I have no information on pricing or licensing. If anyone is out there telling you that the MCP are sitting on NXT 2.0, please inform them that MCP 3.0 hasn't even been tasked yet with any jobs.

And if you've just purchased an NXT (retail or education version), relax... your kit isn't being phased out.

Comments

Joshua Heinzl said…
I got a first look at NXT-G 2.0 back in April. Check out my post here on nxtasy.org http://nxtasy.org/2008/04/04/nxt-g-20-update/

So they are introducing data logging, but the sampling rate is pretty disappointing. Stick with RoboLab ;)

Josh
Brian Davis said…
Hmm... I'm not sure what the state of NXT-G 2.0 might be, but I suspect a couple of things. First, that things could have changed in the last 4+ months... or may change more in the next 5. Second, it doesn't sound like you looked at it, as much as talked with somebody about it - correct? I too will be curious to see what is (or isn't) in the new version. But I'm not sure a single conversation several months ago is enough information for me to make an informed decision.
I'm certain there have been changes/improvements based on feedback from test users - rather than peg it as "disappointing" why don't we wait and see what it provides? Your post indicates you talked to LEGO, so you may not have all the information that's current. I didn't get to see a working version, but the screen captures of the datalogging portion were definitely polished and interesting to see.

The key question will be does it do what teachers need it to do in the classroom - hobbyists are not LEGO Ed's primary audience.
Anonymous said…
It wasn't a great post Joshua. Your reviews of the Lego ipod speaker contained more information and that's not saying much. Stick to writing reviews of minifigs for nxtasy and let nxtstep handle the real reviews.

<<- D.T. ->>
Joshua Heinzl said…
D.T., the post was just meant to make the community aware of the newest NXT-G Version and what is has to offer.

Brian - I saw a live demo. I'll see if I can get back in contact and get some updated info.

I understand that excellent data logging frequency isn't required for all purposes, I'm just curious why LEGO Education doesn't promote RoboLab more (and why it is promoting NXT-G over it). It is an excellent, well developed product that is easy to learn and at the same time very powerful.

Josh
Anonymous said…
I know my post was rude and I'm sorry. But I know you from other websites and have met you and sometime you can be real arrogant making comments like you know everything. Do what Brian and Jim say and wait for the final release before posting negative comments.

<<- D.T. ->>
Robolab 2.9 said…
Josh,

I'm on your side... but it seems as Robolab isn't being further developed (officially? Not sure... but that's what the advertisements say), I'm guessing LEGO Education is attempting to un-promote it.

Richard
Joshua Heinzl said…
That was the plan for a short time, but they have changed their minds and will continue to support it. LEGO realized there is no substitute :)

Josh
Anonymous said…
Where are you getting your information? I find it hard to believe Lego Ed is giving you this information and no one else.
Anonymous said…
And I call baloney on Lego Education investing any more time and money in Robolab.
Brian Davis said…
Folks, perhaps we should simply let this discussion die down for a while. It's beginning to sound more like personal axes to grind than a reasoned discussion... and this is a blog about the NXT and things Mindstorms, not "my SW is better than your SW". In the end, we have two choices: accept (& wait for) what LEGO develops, -or- make our own. LEGO has given us the 2nd option for several years now, so let's not forget where some of the "product development" sits... inches from our fingertips, just waiting for us to grab it :).

But for now, let's cool the "Holy War" & name-calling aspects of this. OK?
Anonymous said…
Brian, while I don't agree with the discussion between DT and Josh, I sure would like to know about Josh's source of information too. A rep for Lego Education told me that Robolab is being phased out and that nxt-g is where it is focusing its money and time. Obviously Josh is a fan of Robolab but making blanket statements such as the one he just made for Robolab require confirmation. I posted what I believe and that is that Josh is misinformed. As for my team of students, they're not big fans of Robolab and find it clunky. We all call baloney to the statement that Lego realized there is no substitute. Nxtstep needs to find out the answers.
Wow, I'm away for half a day and come back to this... yikes.

I'm going to call upon my ADMIN BENEVOLENCE TRAINING and request that this discussion come down a few notches in aggressiveness, okay? I don't want to start deleting comments so let's all play nice.

Anon, I'll look into this... I've got someone I'll ask but there's no guarantee that I'll get an answer or that I'll even be able to share it. LEGO and LEGO Ed are businesses and they have reasons for doing the things they do - we don't always agree with them or even know what they are!

DT, be nice to Josh - even though he works for the competition, we still let him occasionally come in and share info ;)

Josh, be nice to NXT-G - it's opened MANY a door to kids and adults who didn't take to programming so easily...

And everybody else - be NICE!

Jim

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