Recommended Sellers FOR AUSSIE BUYERS!

​If you have some advice on where to buy this stuff, let me know. These are my latest suggestions for buying Robotic gear in Australia. Watch this space as it evolves.

eBay?

Before you run with any of my recommended sellers I would check on eBay first. But remember, sometimes eBay sellers can be unreliable. Check their rating and feedback before purchasing. Also, occasionally items on eBay are factory seconds. I once bought a set of Lego Boost from eBay at a much better price than from a store, but two smaller pieces were missing. It didn't really matter, to me but it's something to think about. 
eBay is where I sometimes buy spare parts and batteries. I've also found some good spare parts on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.

Cubelets

The first thing you'll notice about buying Cubelets is that they are expensive. All good stuff is! Cubelets have actually been around for a while, now, so if buying second-hand make sure they aren't out-dated!

There are smaller kits available if you have a limited budget.

I get most of my Cubelets from Little Bird Electronics, but they are popping up with other sellers so it's worth comparing prices. Sometimes I even get them straight from Modular Robotics is the USA. But be aware their prices are in US dollars., and they charge about $90 to deliver to Australia. 

If you are considering using a device to remote control and/or even code your cubelets, then avoid the older style Bluetooth Cubelet because they are more difficult to connect. The newer Bluetooth hat is way more user-friendly. Just hold your device nearby, and you are connected to the closest hat. 

Lego BOOST

Recommended Retail price is $AU249. I have bought mine on eBay. I have recently seen retailers such as BIG W sell lego Boost sets for $AU199. But they are getting harder to find for some reason! 
Remember, each set needs its own additional tablet. That's why they are pretty cheap; because most of  the technology (even the sounds) are from the tablet. 
Warning: It takes a good two-three hours to build one of the five robots. I really like the free app, though. It's jam packed with clear instructions and a progressive tutorial where you need to unlock levels to proceed. The coding is simple but versatile. 
However; connecting several kits via bluetooth is difficult, unless you do them one at a time. 
​I can't imagine having a lot of these in one classroom. Connectivity would be too tricky. 

Lego MindStorms

The pictured kits are  'educational core sets' as opposed to the retail version you might buy from a toy store. The toy store version will be cheaper but it won't come with the lithium rechargeable battery which is work about $130. The retail version has a remote control and infrared sensor, but you really don't need these, as you can control robots with the free app on your laptop, phone or tablet. 

Lego Mindstorms Ev3 was released in 2014. It is still the preferred kit for many hardened robotics nerds, however there are many likable features of the new Spike Prime set released in early 2020. 
Typically Spike Prime is pitched at Grade 5-8 students where EV3 is still the weapon of choice for older students.

I get mine from Moreed Educational . One kit can be pricey, (EV3:$AU670, SPIKE PRIME: $AU500) but the more you buy, the bigger the discount. It's always worth comparing these guys to ​Modern Teaching Aides.  EV3 and Lego Spike Prime Expansion packs are good value at about $AU150-180

Dash and CuE

It's hard to find a place that sells these awesome robots cheaply in Australia. The place I recommend in Modern Teaching Aides, because they offer significant discounts for bulk orders. 
If you're trying to decide between Dash and Cue. I think Dash is great for grades Prep-6. Where-as I think Cue suits grades 5-8. Dash seems way more popular (than Cue) in Australian schools.  

​

BEE BOTS anD BLUEBOTS

Beebots are very popular in Australian schools. They really only suit kids up to grade 2, but I guess it depends on how creative you are with the tasks you set. A bluebot can do everything a beebot can, but can be remotely controlled via a phone or tablet. I really don't think bluebots are worth the investment considering they cost about the same as an entire Lego Boost kit ($AU200). Bulk orders are for beebots are the way to go, and I recommend ​Modern Teaching Aides,
Make sure you get the ones with built in rechargeable batteries, or you'll be buying lots of AA batteries! 

LEGO spare parts?

I discovered BRICK OWL and it changed my life. It's a fact... some bits are more precious and rarer than others. Find every individual lego bit you are looking for here! 

Resources Home