Revell Vexplorer Robotics System
Science and technology combine in this robotic revolution. With over 300 parts, four servo motors, a 6-channel radio with 150-foot range and 24 gears, kids can build their own unique radio-controlled robot configurations. Cool add-ons like "the claw" that's strong enough to hold a soda can or the arm that can grab things let kids use their imaginations to do some serious building. A real spycam can be attached to the robot and transmit the images to a TV or computer screen, allowing builders to explore anywhere. Assembly is made easier with the included SolidWorks software disc.

Includes:

• Over 300 parts in all
• 6-channel radio with 150' range
• Four servo motors
• 24 gears
• All-terrain tires
• Tons of coated, heavy metal parts
• Tools, screws, nuts, bolts
• Spycam that submits live transmissions to any TV or computer
• All accessories needed to connect to a TV or computer
• SolidWorks software disc with step-by-step assembly instructions

Computing Unplugged's evaluation
We were surprisingly disappointed with this product. To be fair, when the company sent us the review unit, they sent it already assembled, so we didn't have a chance to see what it was like putting it together. And, when they sent us the review unit, they sent it to us without any documentation whatsoever, so we couldn't see what it'd be like for real consumers to use it. This is not necessarily a failure of the product as much as a failure of the company's PR operation.

That said, although the device comes with a claw, a remote control, and a remote video camera, we found the quality on the camera to be relatively poor. As a platform for learning robotics systems, the LEGO MINDSTORMS product stands head and shoulders above this, if, for no other reason than the LEGO system has a bajillion parts that all will plug into their robotic subsystem.

The one plus for the Vexplorer is that it has a metal base, so it might serve as a foundation for a more robust system. But even though it has an Erector Set feel, it just doesn't perform up to the standards of its similarly-priced LEGO competition. If you're going to buy a robotics kit for yourself or your kid, the MINDSTORMS is the far better choice.

Revell Vexplorer Robotics System, produced by Revell-Monogram, has a retail price of $299.99. We give Revell Vexplorer Robotics System a rating of 3 out of 5.

OUR RATING: 3 of 5

Joe is a ZATZ associate editor. Prior to this job, he was customer support manager for the FileFlex database engine.