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Radio Shack. — Parallax Forums

Radio Shack.

John Raplee, JrJohn Raplee, Jr Posts: 32
edited 2005-10-27 06:15 in General Discussion
I was in Radio Shack today, looking at some of the Parallax stuff there, when an associate came up to me and asked if I was "into" robotics, etc.. I said "yeap, just lookin at some of the Parallax stuff, do you have an adapter to fit into the Board of Education?"... That's when all hell broke loose...· He tells me why go with Parallax, as I proceed to tell him why, he shows me another robotics set, and says it's much easier to build, and requires very little coding.· Just as I started to say no thanks... He opens up the box, and says that I will want this if I see it.. Well he opened it, and the Book, CD, and their version of the Board of Education was mission from the box.. Bear in mind this was sealed...·

Just another fine story that put's Parallax at the top of the heap!· burger.gif

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Comments

  • John R.John R. Posts: 1,376
    edited 2005-10-26 15:26
    On one hand, I can certainly understand the disireabilty of associating with Radio Shack, and the potential exposure to a broader audiance (and increase in sales).

    Your story shows the "other side" of that equation. Lack of knowledgeable sales staff (I believe the sole requirement is that you leave moisture on a mirror placed in front of your breathing orifices). Varying degrees of field support and sales efforts, etc. This guy probably thinks robots are "cool" as long as all you want is something to do a simple trick, and not have to think about anything. Fit's right in with the preassembled radio control toys.

    "Easier to assembly and program", seems to imply less education, less flexibility and defeats the purpose...

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    John R.

    8 + 8 = 10
  • T&E EngineerT&E Engineer Posts: 1,396
    edited 2005-10-26 21:32
    The same thing happened to me when I bought my BOE-BOT from them. However, they did not have the "other" $300+ robot set available to show me. I am so happy with the Board of Education rev C as the other one would require me to program in C or C++ and buy the $100+ programming kit for it. Over all, for Engineers like myself Parallax is the way to go!burger.gif
  • Clock LoopClock Loop Posts: 2,069
    edited 2005-10-27 06:15
    The support on the main website with the nuts and volts, and the stampworks, and of coarse the fact that the actual employees of the company post here, is why I would not go with any other microcontroller maker.

    Also I am overwhelmed at the fact that ALL text from every project kit is available on-line. Talk about awesome support.

    Sure you can buy something, but if no one is there to help you make it work, its useless.
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