Customer Reviews

Record and Play (4095)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have a ton of LEGOs, including a Mindstorm and a Spybot, so what's different about the Record & Play? The core of this set is the brick with two motors with integrated rotation sensors. Push the red button and push the robot through it's moves (up to 20 seconds). Then hit the green button to play it back. It plays back fairly accurately, although it is a bit jerky (it doesn't play the motors slow, but short bursts of fast). As a bonus, the tail end of the brick has a shaft input that does the same thing as pressing the play button every time the axle turns. This is useful for building something that has the motor block hidden inside, making the buttons hard to reach, or for making the 'bot respond to some stimulus (My next plan is for a passing LEGO train to flip a lever, causing the shaft to turn, which will trigger the playback to lower and then raise the crossing gates). There is an on-off switch on the bottom, and the robot will remember it's programming even when turned off, as well as an auto-shutoff if left alone for 10 minutes to save batteries.
Normal play mode runs through the actions once and stops. Hold down the play button for a couple seconds and it switches to mode 2, which repeatedly plays the commands forwards and backwards. Pretty cool. Do it again to get into mode 3, which repeatedly plays the commands forwards. This is very handy too.
The 192-page book shows how to build five models: a bug that hops along on two wheels and 2 legs, a dog with 3 wheels, a pen plotter, a 4 legged crab with claws, a standing-up walking robot, and a drummer. Much briefer instruction are shown for a dune buggy, a catamaran walking bug thing, tractor, a grabber, a block thrower, and a card dealer (and probably a few more).
The other pieces included in the set are fairly standard, a nice mix between Technic and standard bricks in pleasing tan and greens (lime and forest). The only really new piece is a right angle 1:1 gear box. Two are included in the set.
I like the fact that there is no real programming involved, no computer required, and it is very quick to get the bot moving. The kit has LEGO's usual excellent quality throughout.

This set is a good beginner's set for those interested in the Lego Mindstorms Robot sets. It is easy to build the sets included and introduces the concepts of gears. It can build many gear configurations found on MIT's Constructopedia Site. A good set to introduce motors and gears. My five year old son is interested in the set, but it is too advanced for many young builders.

I just bought this Lego for my 10 year old son. He loves it. He has already made a few different things such as the robot, the car and what I call the bug. He says that it is the "the coolest and best Lego" he has ever had. I would definitely recommend to ages 8+; even though the box says 7+ in age. It would be a little much for any child under 8.

Lego makes great toys for kids of all ages, and this one is really no exception. My son got this for his 7th birthday, and although it may be a little advanced for a 7 year old alone, it's a great way for us to spend a couple of hours together. My only complaint would be for it to have more detailed instructions.

My son loves this toy! The toy performs as well as it was advertised. As a parent I am impressed. The only down fall is it occasionally comes apart while in motion as the dog but this is very minor.

I bought this toy from Amazon because the reviews were great. Most reviewers think that the recommended age of 7+ might be a bit too advanced for a 7 year old kid, and I would agree with it. My son just turned 8 and he has been working with Lego/MegaBloc sets with recommended ages 8+ to 10+ since he was 7. I was counting on this set to be more on the advanced side (compared to other Lego sets where the recommended age is 7+ such as the Racers) when I purchased it. Guess what? I was definitely pleased with it. My son can assemble the Can Robot without any problem on his own. You can build up to 12 different models with the set. The assembly part was quite straight forward. The fun and new part for him was to learn how to "Record" and "Play" (other Lego sets we had was stationary). It's awesome! When I saw how the Robot played back the exact motion my son recorded. My eyes were wide-opened because it's definitely amazing and it was a lot of fun watching it. I am yet to see the remaining 11 models. So far, I am very happy that I chose this set for his birthday. It's one of the best from Lego. Don't miss it!

It is well worth the price at $25. Expected Lego quality. Different construction models will allow the child to break it down and do it over again.

an introductory electronic Lego toys set for all people.
highly recommended.