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[bhobbes]

He's just an extreme Aibo enthusiast (and this is probably downplaying him from what I have heard) who repairs them etc. as well as re-cells the batteries, and then resells them. I've been in contact with him for a few months now waiting for something to turn up, and he has had a regular flow of various models. 

If you check out aibo-life.org forums there are several threads discussing the price ranges. I researched 210s the most and had a private tutor (hehe) so I don't want to comment much on the general ERS 7 price range, but from what I've seen around it looks to be in the $1500-2000+ range (for reasonable sellers, usually ebay sellers have very high prices). Someone who's more 'up to speed' on that may be able to comment but the price of Aibos depends on several factors.

There is much to learn in the world of Aibo. Independent research (i.e. not information from said tutor) probably cost me hours in the double digit range. Factor in that mixed with my inability to make up my mind and this process has been ongoing since mid-to-end of March (basically, the explosion of Aibo activity here didn't induce this purchase haha). I'm not sure if I'm more relieved to have it "over" or *really* excited for it to arrive and trying to remain calm. Actually, I am sure, it's the latter. Unfortunately, I think this Aibo business is going to become quite the hobby...   

[Crewella]

Kat!!    STEP AWAY FROM THE CREDIT CARD!! 

Wolfbob repairs and sells Aibo and has a great reputation, he also re-cells Aibo batteries and so solves one of the scarier aspects of buying expensive robots that are no longer made or supported.  If anyone is considering an Aibo purchase, you do need to do a fair bit of research to work out the best model and price range to suit your requirements.  Generally, they are a much 'techier' robot pet than Pleo - more robot than just pet, and can cost from around $600-3000 depending on the model and what comes with it.  Good fun, though! 

[bhobbes]

With that said, some sellers struck me as clearly lacking in general technological grace so I don't think anyone should feel too intimidated. Not that I'm trying to spread Aibo fever or anything.

[Crewella]

You're quite right, bhobbes.  You can pretty much run most Aibo as a 'pet' and ignore a lot of the tech capabilities if you want to, and many owners do.  It just needs a bit more research at first when purchasing as there is so much more variety than with Pleo. 

[bhobbes]

A bit is quite the understatement. I feel as though I could write a dissertation and I'm not even a newbie yet as it isn't here yet lol. Well, maybe that's a bit much.

[Crewella]

Oh ...... you just wait until it gets there and the REAL research starts!!   

I know just how excited you must be - I quite envy you that!  I was tracking that parcel like billy-o when Java was on his way! 

[kat]

Time to start saving some pennies and doing a bit of research I think.    Although my OH may just kill me....... 
Will let you know if I do decide to take the plunge.  That's if I survive.

[saratogaspringer]

You're quite right, bhobbes.  You can pretty much run most Aibo as a 'pet' and ignore a lot of the tech capabilities if you want to, and many owners do.  It just needs a bit more research at first when purchasing as there is so much more variety than with Pleo.  

What fun would that be? He he he. I got caught by my hubby a couple of times this weekend tinkering on my computer for my  210, when I actually went to fold laundry, or so he thought. My laundry room is right next to our computer room.  Now, every time I tell him I am going to do laundry, he accuses me of tinkering with my pooch.   . I am not a computer savvy or techy, but I am having fun.  There seem to be some owners that can't get their Sony Clies to hot sync, or can't figure out how to use Stikzap, so I figure I'm not doing too bad!    

Take the plunge, Kat! You only live once!  I didn't tell my OH until the pooch arrived. Once it's in the house and the kids see it, it can't leave!   

[Crewella]

I do agree, Springer.  I got into robot pets in the first place to help me learn and, in spite of the fact that I'm not very techy I'm thoroughly enjoying it all too! 

I've been caught tinkering when I'm s'posed to be working too! 

[Talon]

Well you guys have fun tinkering with your robo-pooches. I need to find a drug that will break me from my fast-developing pleo addiction.
Talon

[saratogaspringer]

I have come to the conclusion that there is no drug that is going to save me. I seem to be addicted to robots. I just find them so fascinating, and the technology is beyond the scope of anything that I could imagine.

[kat]

I like the look of the ers7's and the talking thing has grown on me after seeing your cute videos Latrine.   What is the difference in the software between the mind 1, 2 and 3? 
I know the 3 was the latest version but how is it different to the others?  Keep in mind I really don't know anything about these guys apart from what I have seen here but I am very curious.   
Kat

[Crewella]

The main difference (AFAIK) is that Mind3 is the one that talks! 

[kat]

Ok.    Now I feel a bit silly.   At least I know what to look for if I do decide to buy one.   Thanks Crewella.

[Crewella]

Not silly at all - researching Aibo is a LOT to take in.  Many people upgraded their Mind2 ERS-7s to Mind3, but there were issues with some of the Mind1 models so, as a noobie on a buying spree ( ), you're safer with 2 or 3.  

Most Aibo communicate with a series of musical bleeps, though there was a type of software you could run on the 210s that could talk as well, Recognition.  Watch some videos on Youtube - mh7ah's are great. 

[PleoPet]

> What is the difference in the software between the mind 1, 2 and 3?  
AiboMind 1 is not recommended.

AiboMind1 comes on a 32MB memory stick. It does not support Aibo Entertainment Player. It is the least complicated version.
AiboMind2 comes on a 32MB memory stick. It does support Aibo Entertainment Player (remote control of your AIBO using WiFi). It is more complicated than AiboMind1.
AiboMind3 comes on a 128MB memory stick. It also supports the Aibo Entertainment Player. It is the most complicated personality with more random motions/skits/songs.

The Japanese engineers kept adding more features with new releases. They added so much that they ran out of space on the 32MB stick.

Also all versions have the option of addition custom data (Free addons), but the custom data choices are different for the 3 different versions.
   http://www.aibo-kennel.com/Software_Backups/Custom_Data.html

All versions of AiboMind have human voices built in. AIBO will tell you what to do in English for special command modes (like setting up the robot).
When running the normal personality, you can pick between a talking AIBO or a tonal AIBO (beeps and tones).
You can customize the voice it uses (mostly English, or Japanese)

So if you can find it, the larger 128MB AiboMind3 is the best choice.
(If you can only find a 32MB stick, be sure it is for either AiboMind1 or AiboMind2, you can upgrade it to AiboMind2).

When you buy an ERS-7 AIBO, it should come with at least one stick for AiboMind. The ERS-7 robots were originally sold with one AiboMind stick. The older 2x0/31x AIBOs came with no software in the box.

[Talon]

Good conclusion, PleoPet. If the Aibo was blind-friendly enough and I had the funds I would probably go with mind three, too. I'm playing it safe and sticking to stuff I can afford and fully work with. This is still very interesting information.
Talon

[latrine]

ooh, bhobbes, how exciting.. I almost bought a black one then at he last minute changed my mind and went for the white.  I figured he'd match the jack russells   I can't wait to hear about yours!!!

- Sarah