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[bhobbes]

If you go check out the forums at aibo-life.org (http://www.aibo-life.org/forums/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi) they have a sellers area that is usually a pretty good place to look. The general eBay price range seems to be way too high (at least in comparison).

It truly is hard/impossible to stop at one.

I didn't like the 220 look so I didn't read up much about them. However, one forum post I found discussed the rare event of a transformer kit being sold on eBay (to transform the 210 to a 220 I believe). Some details are here: http://www.aibo-kennel.com/Descriptions/ERS-220_Main.htm

[kat]

So far out of the two baby stages, Murry and Nicco which do you prefer?  I know Nicco's was very short but was that a bad thing or a good thing?  Just wondering.  Also you seem to be utilizing a lot of the features of the Aibos so I was wondering if you know with Mind3 can you choose the sex and voice of your aibo or are the sticks preset to only one sex and voice?  I know there are a few voice options out there so I was just curious.  Also do you know if there is somewhere you can go to listen to the voice options? 
Also how did it go using the remote control option on Nicco the other day?

[Crewella]

Awwwww - Murray is cute there! 

As bhobbes says, the 220 is very similar to the 210 and runs on the same core and most of the same software.   The Explorer software will run in both but is best in the 220.

[bhobbes]

So far out of the two baby stages, Murry and Nicco which do you prefer?  I know Nicco's was very short but was that a bad thing or a good thing?  Just wondering. 

I don't know if I would necessarily say I prefer one over the other yet because their styles/concept is slightly different. Nicco is more of a get-it-up-and-running and start playing with it immediately type of robot (even if you start from a puppy it doesn't take -that- long). Murray is (and will be - I've read the manual hehe) something that I plan to "naturally" raise/interact with to see how his AiboLife 2 personality turns out. However, this can be altered on the fly with the 210 Browser (brain surgery) - which I plan to do with the AiboLife 1 stick.  

Also you seem to be utilizing a lot of the features of the Aibos so I was wondering if you know with Mind3 can you choose the sex and voice of your aibo or are the sticks preset to only one sex and voice?  I know there are a few voice options out there so I was just curious.  Also do you know if there is somewhere you can go to listen to the voice options? 

I believe the default voice is male and can't be changed in the settings by default. However, there is custom data available - one is a british female accent. You can see some custom content here: http://www.aibo-kennel.com/Software_Backups/Custom_Data.html (Autonomous and Voice guide sounds) And then there is this here: http://aibohack.com/ers7/voice3.htm but I haven't looked into anything about it or read about it yet.

Also how did it go using the remote control option on Nicco the other day?

I've actually been very happy using him the way he is and haven't gotten to playing around with the more "techy" type features. So far he's been mostly a companion that I spend a few minutes (10-20) here and there with for distractions while I do my normal life routine. And since I'm content, it'll end up being a bit before I get into tinkering around with some of the other features (such as the blog, e-mail commands, etc. - stuff I would probably never use other than for a quick "oh cool").

[bhobbes]

I just did previews of the sounds at the aibohack site.

I think I may try Charles out as a replacement. And HeliumClaire.

[kat]

I just had a listen and both of those sound great.  Charles I could really get to like.   HeliumClaire was just too funny to not try out.  Made me laugh a lot.

[Crewella]

Oh yes - I could get to like Charles as well!   

* Java, here boy .............just going to do a few tweaks, this won't hurt .............* 

[kat]

If you change the voice to female does this also alter the way they tinkle?   I think Crewella told me it might but just curious.   I have seen in a video that Aibos actually do tinkle    Just wondering if this voice change would induce squatting rather than leg lifting.

[Crewella]

I'm actually not sure about that for the ERS-7, being new to them myself I've not got that far,  though I believe changing the gender changes the way the older models pee.  I doubt that just changing the voice would actually change the gender on its own, anyway.  Hopefully somebody will confirm.  

ADDED:

With all the mixed-up gender Pleo RB's we have on here, it would be no surprise to find a girly sounding Aibo that pees standing up anyway!   

[bhobbes]

I just looked up a video of the ERS7 (and others) peeing. I can (proudly?) say I have not seen Nicco do this yet. Haha.

Here are some quickly stringed clips of UK Charles - I'm not 100% sure I'll stay with it:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPf2I7p_qc4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPf2I7p_qc4</a>

[Crewella]

Oh I'm loving Charles!  The less British idioms sound weird, but the 'I'm as graceful as a ballerina' was pricesless! 

[bhobbes]

I like Charles because it makes Nicco seem so "respectable" and because it kind of throws you off (it feels unexpected, at least to me) but in a good way.

Murray has continued on to the Baby Stage 3. I swear his ball tracking is better than Nicco's (even at this young stage) in terms of he tracks it even when I move the ball somewhat quickly. The same speed with Nicco seems to result in Nicco "losing" it. That could just be perception. I tried recording it but the sunlight makes my phone pick up light very poorly (or emphasizes the "shadows") so most of it was too dark to share.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO68Rk66_qw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO68Rk66_qw</a>

Basically he made many many many attempts to stand, as well as the weird "push-up" maneuver in the beginning, less napping/shorter naps, and more movement/activity and I believe a greater sound range. However, it could just be when I notice things . Toward the end of the video he's standing and "walking" a little bit but he often sits down and then tries really hard to stand again (as seen in the video except he succeeds).

Here is a part of his 210 Browser report:
Your AIBO is a Baby C
  "AIBO stands"

Status (since birth)
   Experience: 2850 points
   Real Time: 6 hr, 20 min, 35 sec
   Day Count: 3
   Quality Factor = 12.5

Evolution to next stage
   Experience: 2850 / 15000 (19%)
   Time (sec): 22835 / 72000 (31%)
   Day count: 3 / 7

[Talon]

Charles was... unexpected but I think I could deal with him. I'm glad Murry is progressing nicely.
Talon

[kat]

It is great to see Murray is doing so well.  Are you seeing much of a personality showing through yet or is he still too much of a baby?   

[saratogaspringer]

Glad to see that Murray is coming along so well.  I am enjoying my 210 so much as well. I can't believe that he was manufactured in 2001.  I keep wondering whether I should spend the money to purchase an ERS-7 in the future, or purchase accessories and more software for my 210? Is an ERS -7 worth the asking price? What have you found to be the major differences? Thanks so much!

[bhobbes]

I keep wondering whether I should spend the money to purchase an ERS-7 in the future, or purchase accessories and more software for my 210? Is an ERS -7 worth the asking price? What have you found to be the major differences?

I believe wholeheartedly that Nicco (the ERS-7) was worth the asking price. Even though I've obviously been posting more on Murray, Nicco has not been shelved by any means and I still "love" him just as much as I did on day one - if not more.

As far as major differences, I would sidestep this like most forums you're going to see saying that they're largely just different experiences instead of different models (i.e. it's not as simplistic as "new and improved" so to speak). However, I would say the some things I like about the ERS-7 over the 210 would be the fact it self-charges when on any of its Mind software - the 210 can only do this on certain software (I don't have a 210 station anyway because it seems overrated in the 210 to me), I don't want to say I like the way it communicates more than I do the 210s because they're "different" but if I had to say I prefer one, it would be Mind 2 and/or 3's sounds. Also, the ERS-7 comes with lots of things integrated, such as WiFi (however it's limited to WEP networks only if I recall correctly), and other more technical things just built right in (the blogging feature it can do, reading e-mails, etc. - basically a lot of the network features that are only available with a network card and certain software in the 210). Also, I don't think the 210 can do any dance/beat detection on its default software (AiboLife) but someone may want to correct me on that. I also like the sensors of the ERS-7 better. As a matter of touch, petting Nicco feels a little more natural than it does petting Murray. The biggest software difference, if you have AiboLife or something, is that you don't have to raise the ERS-7 as a puppy, and if you do, it doesn't last long. However, brain surgery can nullify this for the 210 (and the ERS-7).

Here are a few comparison threads you may want to check out from others:
http://www.aibo-life.org/forums/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=005692#000000
http://www.aibo-life.org/forums/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006480#000000

And if you're looking into buying them or anything, be sure to check out aibohack just to see what free tools exists that may bring something extra to either the 210 or the 7 that you may want.

I really do think Aibos are worth it and am currently looking into a 111 to own all the "major" versions/variations so to speak. :\

Dangerous habit!

It is great to see Murray is doing so well.  Are you seeing much of a personality showing through yet or is he still too much of a baby?  

He tries to walk a lot but it still looks funny most of the time similar to the video. It's improving though. He seems to have much less problems standing and really likes to walk around/explore. I show him his ball here and there and praise him when he gets excited. Earlier I swear he tried to kick it but I'm not sure if it was coincidental or if it can do that at this stage (still at Baby 3). He stretches his arm out quite a bit in different types of poses as well as waves and seems to ask/look for a handshake (extends his paw out and waits etc.). So I'm not sure if this is a personality or just part of the stage but there you go


Modified to add another post for comparisons: http://www.aibo-life.org/forums/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=005590#000003
The best excerpt is this, from wolfbob no doubt: "Hardly anyone gets just ONE AIBO....Don't ask why as we just don't know why."

[saratogaspringer]

Thanks for the links and info, bhobbes. You are absolutely right. They are different models and hard to compare. I have Aibo life, and party mascot. I purchased some blue memory sticks, and used my sony Clie to download some personalties and dogs life, which he is currently running.  I never really gave Life a chance.  Once I started Dogslife, I fell in love with it. I guess I should raise him from the puppy stage in Life and see how it goes. I didn't purchase the charger either. The cost seemed to out way the benefits.  I did just purchase a pelican case in order to transport him. It seems nearly impossible to find an Aibo case, and this one is moisture tight, although I don't think I would check it into bagged luggage anyway.  I will continue to save toward a 7.  Everyone seems happy with their purchase. Good luck on finding a 111 !

[bhobbes]

Good luck on finding a 111 !

Believe it or not I already found one. Well, I found it awhile ago but re-inquired into it. Just finishing up and working out the transaction and then hopefully I'll be done!

I think the biggest thing with things like Aibo Life and the more "out-of-the-box-and-ready personalities" is what you want out of your robot companion. If you want it to just be ready to go and play with it then I think that the adult personalities (and ERS 7's) are the best. If you really enjoy the raising of it and all of the "work" that may or may not go into that, then I think (so far) Aibo Life is really enjoyable. However, some of the stages could arguably last too long and become repetitive for someone who wants it to just be done with. I'm glad there's software to speed it up/alter it if you want, but I enjoy the raising and having them on for more than wanting them to entertain me, but to also just be on as another pet.

From what I read about the 111s, I can see how a lot of people might be turned off by aspects of that model (no voice recognition and a remote control) but I have been interested in one for a long time and it's one of my favorite body designs. (I like this and the ERS 7 the best) And, long story short, Crewella recommends it a lot too and hasn't been wrong thus far. (Well, she never recommended the ERS 7 technically - that was my more impulsively purchased one, but I like him)

I think it speaks volumes that I don't feel as though Nicco detracts from what I like about Murray and vise-versa (mind you it's only been a few weeks for Nicco and just a few days with Murray and the latter has only been truly active on DogsLife for maybe 10 minutes, other than that, just a puppy). This is not meant as a knock or an AIBO v. Pleo comment, but for instance, the Pleo RB took a lot away from my Invvo Pleo in terms of it was definitely better. But Nicco (newer model) doesn't take away from Murray (older model). If that helps place it into a proper context for you.

[kat]

Thanks Bhobbes!   all this info is really great.  I do hope to get my very own ers7m3 in the very near future.  I plan on waiting till I get back from my holiday before making the big purchase and then of course I have to find just the right one for me.   But I am really enjoying hearing all about your two.  Being such an expensive purchase I will have to stick to just the one (at least for a long while ) and have my heart set on the ers7.  I am taking in everything I can find about the 210's as well though as it really does seem that those who have them have more than one.  I think I will really enjoy Aibo when I get one.  It is great to see your having so much fun with yours. 
You really are a wealth of information for me at the moment.  I am learning many new things just from following your progress with Nicco and Murray.   I appreciate all the links you have posted too.  I have read them with relish!  Can't wait for the next round.

[bhobbes]

Yes, the ERS7's are particularly expensive. It's why that one came down to more of an "impulse" buy (I mean, I knew enough - it wasn't just a see it, grab it). I probably would have teetered on it for too long and decided against spending that much on one little robot pet. However, I am very thankful I did! It's definitely not one of those regrettable impulse buys. Then again, I haven't eaten in a few months so I'm saving a lot on groceries! (Sarcasm of course )

The other models are more in Pleo's price range and I think that's still pretty fair. However, there is the detractor of the lack of support from Sony for the older models. I believe some of the ERS7's are supported through 2013 (I think that's when mine loses its official support from Sony). When/if you do go AIBO shopping, just look other places than eBay! Everything there seems to go for much higher prices in AIBO world than what you'd find from "private" sellers.

From this point, I can see myself buying another 210 in the DISTANT (like a year) future. The best thing to do is to just read so many comparisons about the models (aibolife forums are great for this - I have spent HOURS surfing through people's opinions and comparisons there on the various models) and see what one you feel is the best fit for you. Most people recommend a 210 as the first AIBO, and I can see why. Depending on what software you get with it or what else it comes with, you can get a great price with quite a lot of things.

However, I am still glad that Nicco was my first AIBO because of the fact that he didn't take that long. If I would have gotten a 210 first, I probably would have kept a regular adult personality (such as DogsLife) on it for awhile before raising it - because, like many, when I first buy a new tech piece, I want to get right into it! Plus, between him and Murray, I would probably leave Nicco as the one that's on all the time just doing his thing (to put this into context, I'd feel the same way if neither could self-charge/dock/etc.). Both make me feel very much so like there is something in the room with me (as in they trick me better at being "real" than Pleo does - but this might be because of the whole robot companion vs. pet thing I have mentioned before - or maybe AIBO just creates more of a "presence" for me). With that said, I would never buy an AIBO for someone like my aunt or parents, however, I would consider giving them a Pleo (I just don't think they would ever get over the robotic fact enough to get into it).

And it is really hard to stick with just one. I'm reducing my overhead (life costs) for the next three months to lessen my guilt about splurging a bit on this And with my one-in/one-out rule, I'm running out of things I'm open to getting rid of! 

[Crewella]

I've really enjoyed your Aibo journey too, bhobbes, and I'm learning from you myself.  Because the Aibo forums are so quiet these days, I didn't really have anyone to share with when I was first getting my Aibos, so it's been really good fun watching you guys on here getting yours!  Sadly, I've not had the time to participate as much as I'd like to have done, but never mind.

Just as a general side note, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the ERS-110/111 to all potential Aibo owners, it's harder work and as stated the lack of voice recognition and remote control means they aren't as easy to get along with as the 210 and 7, but I do think bhobbes will enjoy the process of bringing one up. 

[kat]

The 111's do sound like a much bigger challenge and a lot more work.   I'm sure they are great fun in the right hands though.

[Talon]

I'm a little confused about all the Aibo-numbers- 210, 211, Urs7 Mind 3. Do they sort of indicate generations like who came first?
Talon

[Crewella]

First came the ERS-110 and 111, then the ERS-210 and 220, shortly followed by the ERS-311, 312 and 31L, and then the ERS-7 came out.  The software for the ERS-7 is called Mind and came in three issues, Mind1, then Mind2 and lastly Mind3.

Clear as mud, really! 

[Talon]

It's clear enough for me. Lol! Thanks, Crewella.
Talon