Please use this tag only for general Mindstorms questions and compatibility. If the question refers specifically to the EV3, NXT, or RCX, then use those tags instead.
Please use this tag only for general Mindstorms questions and compatibility. Use the ev3, nxt or rcx tag to mark questions depending on the system used.
In 1984 the LEGO Group partnered with the Media Laboratory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which among others led to the development and release of the technic Computer Control system in 1986 and Mindstorms in 1998.
Mindstorms Robotics Invention System versions 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0, released in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively, came with an rcx brick that had ports to connect 3 motors and 3 sensors using the 9V connector cables and a 2x2x2/3 brick with metal in the studs.
Communication with the RCX brick is via infrared, either a Serial/USB "Tower" or a remote control.
Communication with the NXT brick is via either a direct USB connection or Bluetooth.
Communication with the EV3 brick is via either a direct USB connection, Bluetooth, or wifi.
Is there any other way to program the Lego Mindstorms NXT other than the provided software?
As of November 2011, should I buy the NXT 2.0 now, or wait and buy the NXT 3.0 later?