The latest incarnation of Lego, the Lego Dacta Control Lab, puts the power of a Mac or Windows computer behind those dumb little bricks. The interface (US$222) does digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion and connects via the serial port. There are worm gears, spur gears, crown gears, racks, pneumatic cylinders, differentials, pulleys, motors, touch sensors, light sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, and a small battery-operated Manual Control Center ($85 by itself) that can store two programs. The spiffy software that comes with the kit ran the first time I tried it. You can write programs as complex as you wish, so long as you can phrase your wishes in Logo (the kids' programming language).
The things you can make are incredible. The enclosed literature suggests a six-legged walking robot. Want a miniature plant-growing room that controls temperature by opening and closing a window? Sure. How about a door that swings open when it detects a toy car approaching? Easy. While designing an exhibit for San Francisco's Exploratorium museum, I used my Lego kit to build a fully working mock-up to demonstrate the concepts.
If you're a parent and your kids are computer literate, they're probably ready. Make 'em read the manuals themselves, insist they touch type if they're to be allowed to use this toy, and get them a book of Rube Goldberg cartoons. This will both boost their IQs and have them ready for college 1.5 years sooner than is otherwise thought possible. And they'll enjoy every minute they can get the kit away from you. Is this the best toy in the known universe or what?
Lego is everything except cheap. The software system is $80, and you will also need an interface cable ($23). A great way to begin is with their grand Control Lab Starter Pack ($599), which includes enough Lego parts so that your first evening will be spent just sorting. The less expensive Control System Starter Pack ($450) is more modest but can get you started, then Lego will nickel-and-dime you to death for the small parts you covet.
Control Lab (Starter Pack): US$599. Lego Dacta: (800) 527 8339, +1 (203) 749 2291.
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