Re: An Idea for new Mindstorm

> I'm *very* skeptical about the market for programs.  For starters, you'd have
> to have your programs be adaptable to different robot designs.
>
> It's all very well to say "Buy a Line Follower Program for $10" - but would 
> that
> program work with different motor gearing?  Different sensor placement?
>
> Probably not - robot design is all about the synergy of software and 
> mechanical
> stuff.

The kit must include the program and all elements needed for specific design. It
is important - the program only will not work. Most people will not bother with
searching/buying separate parts. So there is no place for different designs -
only those which are shown in building instructions.

> However, it's easy to test.  If you believe there is such a market, write a 
> bunch
> of programs - stick them up on a web-site and stick a paypal button on 
> it...watch
> the money roll in...or not.

Without plug-and-play program attachment the usage will not reach the level of
simplicity which is needed. It's why such business case can be hardly tested.

> Personally - I think there is ALREADY a business like this - Lego Mindstorms
> books.  There are bunches of them out there - they all have software listings
> and many come with CD's or Floppies with the programs stored right there on
> them.

It was already mentioned (I do not remember who said it), that LEGO building
instructions are very universal - they do not need translations to different
languages. It would be good to bring Mindstorm to this level too.