FUZE Powered by Raspberry Pi Programming Station with robot arm

Lamb86

Looking to buy something for my children to help with the changes in ICT for the start of school again September and came across this on Groupon:


http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/special/gg-download-buyer-10-55/42486673


Has anyone had any experience with this? I am not very techie so this appeals as seems quite simple, but would welcome any feedback from anyone? OH is keen as it includes the basic programming language which he used back when it was first out!

ninja306

I would say your kids either need to be already with a real interest in computing - and I'm talking about programming here, not just "good with computers" - or very very bright and keen.

In terms of price, look carefully at what you are getting.
The Pi is about £35, the robot arm maybe £30 or so as well? The Fuze part looks like a case with bits and pieces, like keyboard and USB ports which you can pick up separately. I'm guessing about £20 for those but admit I've not looked closely. So possibly you could build the same stuff for well under £150. The Fuze box is £90 on Amazon though so Fuze + Pi + Arm is over £150.

As a price, it looks alright but not an amazing bargain IMHO.

As an item, it's good but would suggested you get your head around if its what your kids need (again, should be thinking about Computing and not just ICT) or want (great hobby to encourage them with).

vuvuzela

I've looked at getting a FUZE but one part of their T&Cs on the website put me off :

http://www.fuze.co.uk/terms/
"In all cases faulty or products not having satisfied CUSTOMER requirements must be returned at CUSTOMERS cost to...;"

YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR FAULTY RETURNS ?

Sui_Generis

It looks very specific - do you know your child will need this? If not I think I'd pass.

Lamb86

They do have an interest in computing and thought it couldn't do any harm in giving them a head start with the new curriculum! One seemed quite keen for it to be a birthday present. Have looked at other packages but quite liked the look of this as seems to include quite a bit and it look sturdy which is always a bonus!!

Sui_Generis

If they're into programming/building? You can't go far wrong with a Raspberry Pi (£25?) and some add on bits as needed.

Here's a couple of project ideas

http://my.safaribooksonline.com/9781783982226
http://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/25-fun-things-to-do-with-a-raspberry-pi/
http://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=15
http://www.instructables.com/id/Raspberry-Pi-Projects/

HTH

JasX

Maybe just start with the £25 Pi and see how they get on, as an incentive if they do well you might treat them to the robotic programmable arm

ninja306

Id say you want to have
- Raspberry Pi model B (I think this is the one with an Ethernet)
- USB powered hub
- keyboard + mouse (wired not Bluetooth/wireless)
- possibly wifi USB adaptor
- micro/mini USB power supply for Pi I think???
- HDMI cable + HDMI tv

I reckon all the above bar the TV are incorporated in a fuse . But part of the fun with this is collecting the bits, and it also has much more of a kit feel to it rather that the all in one boxes that most technology is these days.

Sounds like your kids would benefit one way or the other.

Lumstorm

I would go with ninja306 suggestions though I would maybe go for a model B+ Raspberry Pi as it has 4 usb ports you can maybe skip the USB hub.

One thing the B+ needs a micro SD card rather than the standard SD card used by the model B.

securityguy

Lamb86 wrote: »

OH is keen as it includes the basic programming language which he used back when it was first out!

Older father, presumably: BASIC is celebrating its fiftieth birthday this year.