| |
In lugnet.technic, Thomas Garrison writes:
> On Tue, 19 Feb 2002, Dave Johann wrote:
> 1) A current problem with Technic (which even I can see just poking around
> looking for Castle stuff) is that there are very few <$30 Technic sets
> that are not some kind of Tech Play. If people have to shell out over
> $100 to get started in a theme, I don't think they will....................
>
> 2) I don't think most kids are going to save up >$100 for a small toy like
> Lego. .................. There's a big psychological
> difference between spending $100 on ten sets over six months and spending
> $100 on one set all at once.
>
> [1] Mindstorms seems to be an exception. On the other hand, RIS sets seem
> to be a lot more flexible than the current mainline Technic offerings.
>
> [2] Trains has this problem as well. . .
Regarding the $100 barrier. It IS there and it is a big one. I'm in the
center of "affluent suburbia" - not at all typical of the rest of the world
(or even the US). Despite the ridiculous amounts I've seen parents spend on
kids, there is a resistance to "Legos" at over $100. I've seen this on a
few occasions with Mindstorms where parents have spent more on other items
worth far less. I have actually "intervened" for some of my students to
show and explain just what a RIS set can do. Still, with a current class,
there was intense interest in the Discovery set because it was $100. I know
one 5th grader who had his parents buy one on eBay and a few others have
asked how to find one (since Lego stopped making them). Cost was the reason.
In the case of Mindstorms I think the price reaction is partly due to Lego's
failure to build real "Brand Awareness" for Mindstorms - keying more on the
MIT development, FIRST competitions, and even the many collegiate courses
using these components. So, while the compatability with Lego bricks is
there, there is too close an identification with "Toys." Again, selling
these through Big Box toy stores like TRU - where the staff doesn't have a
clue what they are and Computer Stores like CompUSA where there are of
peripheral interest at best doesn't work. They are "toys" or "computer
add-ons" in these contexts NOT robotics. Again, the influence of exposure
through DACTA in school, science camp, wherever should NOT be underestimated.
In contrast, it seems that Rokenbok - which does far less - seems to have
achieved remarkable visibility and success (attested to by a large layout in
my attic - and the fact that far more kids seem have and to be aware of
these sets - at least around here). But then Rokenbok first showed up in
small toy stores WITH sample layouts and staff to explain it all. Only
later did they show up in TRU but STILL with layouts to try out.
Ironically, I think Mindstorms are a far better value. Perhaps a composite
version using a remote control unit would bridge the Technic/robot gap.
Maybe this is what Spybots are???? But again, it works ONLY if you have
cross platform compatability. Frankly though, the price points may not work
on this. There should be a remote control "Technic" set in the $50-$100
range (better yet a single unit at a cheaper price instead of pairs at a
higher price) with a Scout-like unit in the $100-150 range and the high end
robotics in the $150-250 range.
This may have been the original intent with micro-scouts at $100, Scouts at
$150 and RCX's at $225 but the price points made no sense. The microscouts
were priced too high - a situation only made worse when the Droid sets were
cut to $39 and the RDS sets cut to $100 - leaving the Dark Side sets way
overpriced in comparison at $99. The Manas remote control sets are in a
good price zone but the functionality and design are a bit limited.
Connector points are awkward, the IR port is not in a great spot for other
designs and the on/off is awkward. Its hard to tell with Spybots but they
may be a big improvement in that sense BUT they - again - seem to be full of
"new" technic pieces.
regarding studded beams - In thinking about all of this, I expect that the
new smooth beams are easier to mold - 2 piece molds with no inserts. In
comparison, the old studded beams must be a 3 piece or use inserts for the
holes. So, it would seem that cost is a factor here - but at a huge cost in
product line compatability. Is it worth it?
|
|
Message has 1 Reply:
Message is in Reply To:
73 Messages in This Thread:
  
 
- Entire Thread on One Page:
- Nested:
All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:
All | Brief | Compact
This Message and its Replies on One Page:
- Nested:
All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:
All | Brief | Compact
|
|
|
|
