How Do Lego Mindstorms NXT and EV3 Compare?

Robotics
How Do Lego Mindstorms NXT and EV3 Compare?
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Curious how the new Mindstorms EV3 will compare with the still awesome NXT? Laurens Valk compares the two systems in a very thorough blog post.

The EV3 brick features a more powerful processor, 4 motor ports (instead of 3), a micro SD card slot, a USB host port and a Linux operating system. In addition, it has a slightly larger screen, more buttons, and it is possible to control the EV3 brick using both iOS and Android devices, as opposed to Android only for the NXT. (…)

Although the general user will not notice on the outside, the brick runs a Linux based operating system. Basically, this means that your robot almost resembles a full computer, a bit like the Raspberry Pi! This means that you can add other devices to the USB port on the brick, such as a WiFi dongle for wireless connectivity, a USB keyboard for extra input, or a USB webcam for object detection.

14 thoughts on “How Do Lego Mindstorms NXT and EV3 Compare?

  1. Michael Overstreet says:

    The EV3 looks like a improvement on the NXT but I will stick with my Bioloid STEM kit as I feel it is a better kit for the same price. Plus the expansion kit just came out and it adds a lot more capabilities and robot options to the Bioloid STEM!

  2. Bryan Bonahoom says:

    Both the devices are TOYS designed for kids. Any real comparison needs to be done from that perspective, not from the perspective of what an adult “hacker” might find useful. Where the step from the RCX to the NXT was a revolution, the step from NXT to EV3 is just evolution.

    1. Michael Overstreet says:

      Bryan you do know that this is a post to the Make blog right? So this part of your comment makes no sense.

      “Both the devices are TOYS designed for kids.Any real comparison needs to be done from that perspective, not from the perspective of what an adult “hacker” might find useful.”

      1. Adam Tolley (@AdamTolley) says:

        I think he means that the real value of these is as toys ( really cool educational toys ) and that the newest features add little to that functionality. They are more hackable, and all other things equal, cooler, but to what end? If hacking is your goal, then a raspi or arduino may be a better and cheaper option.

        On the other hand, if you are into Lego, like the build and rebuild possibilities afforded by the mindstorms kits, then whats not to like about the new ones, especially if you want to transition your little makers to little hackers.

        1. Michael Overstreet says:

          That is an interesting idea. You make it sound like makers are not interested in making robots or are you saying that makers are not interested in robot kits?

          I am just trying to understand because I like making robots and I like playing around with and building robot kits, plus I am a Maker.

  3. stex auer says:

    L’ha ribloggato su Stex Auer Toys Projecte ha commentato:
    Add your thoughts here… (optional)

  4. Matt says:

    What’s the point of this post exactly? The title suggests I’d be able to compare the differences between the NXT and EV3 generations of Mindstorms. Basically John, this post gave me an unwanted (as in not want I’m looking for and unrelated to your post title) video that wastes my time, some copy that also wastes my time, and a link that MIGHT not – hopefully. Please stop being a part of the SEO problem, stop making makezine lie about its contents, and instead try writing something with a little inherent value.

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My interests include writing, electronics, RPGs, scifi, hackers & hackerspaces, 3D printing, building sets & toys. @johnbaichtal nerdage.net

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