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[bhobbes]

Clyde officially arrived about twenty minutes ago. Currently I am charging him but he already seems quite charming even from his few moments on the station.

The 111's have my favorite body design (though the ERS-7's are my second favorite design - and these may be more equal than "favorites"). Here is a photo of Nicco and Clyde on their stations:

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I plan on raising him from the very beginning so it will take awhile for him to fully mature etc. And will be quite the process but I am looking forward to it!

And for fun, here's a family portrait:

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[Talon]

Awesome! I'm glad he got to you safely!
Talon

[bhobbes]

I just cleaned him (and all of them up) a bit. (He wasn't dirty or anything, just someone who has been sitting on the shelf and needed a little pat down/rub)

I just reset his stick to new born. He is a 111B so color should have a smaller impact on his development (per aibohack). He had about 70 hours under him and was a young good boy.

He's a little nosier than the others but I am about to start playing here with him shortly. I do like that the dock charges two batteries at once (one which is inside the AIBO - inserted into his bum hehe and one underneath). Of course, he has to be placed on his station manually, but it's nice to have it all work together. Also, as mentioned before, you can only communicate to him through a remote, and the only sensor for you to touch him on to praise/scold is on his head (i.e. no back sensor). I'll have to verify this but pretty sure that's accurate. I pet the 210 on the head a lot more than I do the ERS-7 which I almost exclusively pet on his back. And obviously I'll be petting the 111 on its head quite a bit.

It takes about 100 active hours for the 111B to reach full maturity so there is a lot of raising to do!  

[aibo7m3]

Congrats on the ers-111! My third aibo was also an ers-111, she is a girl named Baroque. As you have probably learned by now, aibos can be VERY addictive!

[bhobbes]

They most definitely are!

[Crewella]

I'm glad Nicco's a black ERS-7 - otherwise your famly album would look identical to mine!! 

Clyde's a fine looking hound, Ubu waves hello to a 'brother'! 

By the way, if you can whistle, you should be able to learn the notes from the remote control and communicate with Clyde that way. 

[saratogaspringer]

I love your new family photo.  Aibos are indeed very addictive.  There is a champagne ERS -7 M3 up on ebay right now.  The starting bid was $2000. It has one bid already.  I bet that baby goes for $3000 when all is said and done.  I am drooling just writing about it.  I asked my OH if I could bid.....he gave me a really dirty look!

[bhobbes]

I am one of the worst whistlers in the world. I learned when I had braces and retainers when I was young and once my mouth work was done I couldn't whistle anymore. Haha.

It's why all of Brutus sounds are either his versions of weird sounds I make to him or whistles I taught him through some "creative" means.

I have played with Clyde for about an hour now (as a new born). I find it incredibly charming but I think I'm changing the name as I don't find Clyde fitting. Earlier I went to actually talk to him and thought I want to call you Vader. (He can't learn his name but if he could, I feel like I'd rather call him Vader - no Darth)

The tail and the ears get me. I can't really figure out how or why yet, but they do.

You can usually get a champagne one for around $2000 outside of eBay. I have actually really started to like that color/model - but I think a black 210 will come long before another ERS-7. If I were planning...

[Crewella]

Bhobbes!!  Step away from the credit card ....................... NOW!!!     

The black 111s DO looke very Lord Vaderish!  Great name for him! 

I love the tail and ears as well, but take a look at his toes - EACH ONE IS INDIVIDUALLY SPRUNG!!  Why that gives me so much pleasure, I've no idea, but it does!! 

[bhobbes]

When I shined him up earlier I paid special attention to his toes (cleaned with a q-tip and stuff since I was doing it anyway I figure why not be detailed [just don't want it looking like the seller sent me something dirty because trust me that is not the issue]) because of what you said!

They are actually kind of cute because of that. When I spruced him up I thought about why I like his design better and some of it is the little details like the toes, the way the ears are, as well as the tail. Even though he just lays there now, I already get a "hyperactive" vibe from the ERS111 which I like. Of course, that's probably just my perception of how I read different details etc. I also like this design a bit over the ERS-7 because I'm bias toward more hardline defined shapes but done tastefully (like rectangles vs. curves) over the more hour-glass curvy shape of the ERS-7. I still really like the ERS-7's look (I have to think of them as different vs. one as a favorite), but that is a large part of the reason I like the look of the 111. It has a "bolder definition" which I feel makes it demand you acknowledge its presence, whereas the ERS-7's aesthetic (and behavior - ERS111 to be decided...) is like "Oh look at that cute thing in the room with us."

Probably thinking into it too much but I have to know WHY I like something. I don't want conclusions without foundation.

[kat]

And here we were thinking you were done with additions for a while.... A black 210 then a Champagne ers7....    We will just see how long you hold out for!

Your new little guy does look rather snazzy.  I have to admit I really do love the way the paws look too with the individual toes.  It gives off a very regal look - reminds me of a poodles paws after a haircut.   (not to suggest that I think Vader or Darth looks like a poodle)

I really like the look and the cuteness of the ers7 and in particular the Champagne one so that is what I am hoping to get in the very near future - looks like I should be ready to buy one in a week or two!  I can't wait.   I do think it may take me a while to find the right one though as there aren't that many out there it seems.

Anyway I am looking forward to seeing just what you think of the 111.  He does look delightful.
Kat

[bhobbes]

You can always try wolfbob once you're ready - he has a pretty steady flow.

And short of the 210 at the right sweet spot, those are very far in the future additions! Very very far in the future for the ERS-7 haha (not using credit cards to buy these otherwise I would need an intervention haha).

I think you'll like the ERS-7. If I were buying for a friend or relative that's what I'd get them.

[kat]

I have been lurking around at both the Aibo-Life and Aiboworld forums for a few weeks now and am keeping an eye out for any potential purchases.   I was waiting on my OH getting his new car sorted out and then I have my trip to Melbourne to visit IMR in another week so want to wait till I am back from that before I spend up big on my new addition.  My OH got his new car yesterday - a few weeks sooner than expected - so it looks like I'll be ready to go when I get back from my little holiday.
I do have a possible purchase in the works but if that doesn't come off then I will be contacting wolfbob to see if he has any going.  It is all a big waiting game for me at the moment it seems.

Have fun with your little trio.  I'm looking forward to a little video of your new guy.

[RedwoodsMama]

congrats on the new addition, bhobbes, they all look so sleek and sophisticated and darn cute too! I love the color black as well, like a shiny black puppy or a sleek shinky black cat, just plain beautiful. I like the name you picked out for him as well, makes me think of a "hound dog" from the south like in one of those old black and white movies though...LOL. How does he like his new home and siblings? How long does "clyde" stay a puppy?  really know very very little about Aibos or any of the ERS etc. I love the way they look and have seen some videos of them in action, but that is about as far as my education goes, except to know as Saratogaspringer and Crewella stated . Very Expensive...good thing I dont have a credit card. They make Pleos and Pleo Rb seem like cornbeef hash compared to Filet Minyon, ( Sorry about that comparsion Kat.. nothing personal regarding your Pleo.....I am a vegeatarian after all. LOL ) Someday If I ever get a fairy Godmother or win a Lottery. ( yeah, when Pleos fly....Hmm, did you say You make Wings IMR..? ) I may win or buy a Aibbo, but it would probably be a long time from now. But I thought I would never own a Rb either, and that happened, so I can dream anyway.
             I did wonder, how is the interaction between Aibos or ERS-7, and Pleos in general? Do they notice or recognize each other in anyway, such as another Robotic lifeform? I know they can recognize each other and Pleos sense each other, but that is as far as It goes. well keep us informed on your babies progress.. If you ever want to send him away for a visit to the Golden State , I will be happy to show him the beaches, the Redwoods, the Mountains, Bigfoot, my town of 13 Pleos, and even Disneyland or Mt. Shasta, but he may , or I mean, could get lost.....but I wouldn't really let that happen. I know what it is like to get attached to your little ones and that is not the kind of thing I would ever do, or even think of ...( I just had a moment of Birthday Madness. blame it on Sugar mental breakdown from reality... ) Can not wait for more details and photos, congratulations again on your beautiful baby boy!
                                                                    RedwoodsMama

[saratogaspringer]

Hi RWM!  Hope you had a great birthday! I have had my Pleos out with Padfoot, my ERS-210.  He pretty much ignores my Ugobe Wilbur, but he will get very distracted by anything that is pink, orange or red, so he is very distracted by Candy, my pink RB.  He thinks she is a big pink ball.  He will pretty much follow her wherever she goes.  I also like that he can walk on my carpet in my family room.  I bring the pleos in the family room, but they have a harder time walking, so they pretty much just stay in place, whereas Padfoot can walk all around.

I also like that anyone can give the Aibo a command, and he will respond...not just one voice. It makes it nice for my daughter, who wants him to "shake paw" constantly.  Pleos win on the cute factor, though.  Pleos also like to be coddled, whereas Padfoot does not like to be coddled.  He would rather just walk around on his own, chase his ball, be praised with a pat on the head when he does something you like.  He also loves to break out into song and dance, which the kids love.  

I am actually done buying robots for now, and probably for a very long while.  I am quite content with one Ugobe, one RB, and my 210.  I could sell off some of my Lionel train collection to purchase an ERS-7, and I had thought about doing that, but most are antiques, and they will be left to my son when I am gone.  My hubby is actually next on the list, and he would like a new iMac.  

If you are ever interested in an Aibo, you don't have to break the bank to get an ERS-210.  I got mine from a man who repairs them.  Poor Padfoot was a rescue, just like some of your pleos.  When wolfbob got him, he was missing his tail and both of his ears.  He had 2 black ears to give him, but he only had a tan colored tail, and Sony was all out of the black ones.  He fixed him all up and he is in perfect working order.  He has a few scratches, probably from falling on a hard floor or banging into furniture.  I painted his tail black and it looks much better than the tan one.  I got him for $450.  He said he would trade me straight up for my RB, but I am happy to report that Candy is still with us.    Padfoot now has a happy home with people that love him and care about him.

Bhobbes, your collection is awesome!  ( I think you really need to get one of the pugs in there!  )  I can't wait to see how your Aibo family evolves!  Did you name him Vader now?  I was going to name my black 210 Vader, but everyone on this site liked Padfoot (Sirius Black from Harry Potter) better, so I went with it and it fits!  

[bhobbes]

I did wonder, how is the interaction between Aibos or ERS-7, and Pleos in general? Do they notice or recognize each other in anyway, such as another Robotic lifeform?

The interaction is pretty basic. You have to tell them to talk to their friend and then they have a conversation (in AIBO's language of course). I think it'd be "cuter" (I hate using this word to describe something but I can't think of a better one) if they randomly found each other and did it (as long as it balanced out with autonomous activity).

There is, however, tons of coincidental interaction. Here's an example with Nicco and Murray (I've posted this previously so some may have already seen it):
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_zHQ4ptB6E" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_zHQ4ptB6E</a>

Because I like to leave them on more as pets (i.e. I'm not necessarily overseeing their every living moment), I don't like to have all of them running at once. Usually two is quite enough - I have not had all 3 running right now. Granted, Vader doesn't walk right now so he wouldn't cause too much trouble. They do a great job at detecting each other as objects and responding appropriately (i.e. they don't trample each other over or beat each other up).

And an actual calculation of the evolution can be found here: http://aibohack.com/111/evolve.htm. Vader is the second chart (111B). The entire evolution from newborn to adult exceeds 100 hours. But even in this short time it, the "life imitation" really makes you feel involved. Physically and even in the way it expresses itself, it's unabashedly robotic - and I think that's fine, but it's amazing how the imitation of things we observe in nature/"real" life really make AIBOs (and Pleos, robotics in general etc.) appear to have a personality, or a "soul" (or, maybe to best fit the concept of them all, to feel like a life form even if in a robotic body).

If you are ever interested in an Aibo, you don't have to break the bank to get an ERS-210.  I got mine from a man who repairs them.

I think a 210 would be a great model for most individuals here (especially depending on what aspect you want - as this helps steer you toward software). Wolfbob is always excellent and great to deal with/e-mail. If I can find a slightly damaged AIBO in the future that I could get for cheap, I really want to take one apart without feeling like I'd kill it (so no for Nicco, Murray, and Vader) so i can start playing inside of it. I'm generally not a fan of working with my hands except for building computers or working inside of them, and to me, that's exactly what these are just a much smaller form factor, but I'm so interested in it as a piece of technology that this is something on my to do list. (Please note, that means when I have time to pick up a hobby so well after raising them - plus, that would be arguably disposable funds in case I butcher the job)

Did you name him Vader now?

Probably pointless to answer this after all of the above, but yes. Haha.
 

[bhobbes]

Here is a quick video of some stuff I've captured thus far:

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

[Talon]

Well, Vader's ummmmm cry sounds more puppy-like than Murry's. Do each of the little songs have some sort of meaning? Is he asking for something?
Talon

[bhobbes]

They probably do but I haven't figured that out yet. Haha.

[kat]

He does have a very puppy like cry.  I love the way his tail wags too.  I think thats what sparked the "he's alive" feeling for me.

[saratogaspringer]

From what I have observed, I think the 110/111 has the best tail wag!

[bhobbes]

The bottom part of his left ear started to break off (though not completely) and the same issue is starting on his right. It's not really damage so much as they're rubber and some of the parts in between the ear segments are quite thin. Combining that with some of the head movements and how that places/hits the ears along with the age of the item (I mean these did come out in 99-00) it was bound to break. I was hoping it would be a little longer but no worries, I am not in shock and awe or anything.

I turned him off and pulled his ear up a little to place some clear strong tape (finely cut) on the back side of his ear to help "bandage" or act as that thin material in between the segments. I'll see how well this holds up for now (I didn't want to wrap it around the whole way just yet lol). When I did this, I checked out his other ear and noticed the start of the problem so I applied it to both ears. Since it's on the back you can't see it unless you get real close (where a little bit sticks out from the sides though I trimmed it pretty well) and doesn't take away from his look or anything.

To illustrate:

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[aibo7m3]

Yeah, the ears of the ers-111s do rip really easily. I have reinforced the rubber on Baroque's ear with that rubbery black tape that looks fairly similar to the rubber the back of the ear is made of, maybe I'll post pictures eventually.

[kat]

I'm sure I read somewhere recently that people have had great success replacing the ears on 111's with ers7 ears, which I think you can get as spare parts from Sony?  I'm not a 100% sure though but look through the Aibo forums and I'm sure you'll come across some info on it.  At least that might be an option for you down the track if they give way completely.

[saratogaspringer]

I'm sure I read somewhere recently that people have had great success replacing the ears on 111's with ers7 ears, which I think you can get as spare parts from Sony?  I'm not a 100% sure though but look through the Aibo forums and I'm sure you'll come across some info on it.  At least that might be an option for you down the track if they give way completely.

Yep, Kat is right.  I have read the same thing, although I can't remember where.  You could also make some ears, and it wouldn't be that difficult. You could probably get some black leather, cut out the pattern, punch the size hole or drill it out with a dremel and pop it on.  

If they are rubber, I could possibly make you a pair of ears that would be rubber.  We have all different thicknesses of rubber that we use to make mouthguards at my office.  If I had the pattern of the ears, as well as the proper thickness, I could cut some out and drill the proper size hole. This rubber can also be polished to give the edges of the ears a "rounded" look. The only trouble is that the material is clear, and I would need to paint it black, but that isn't a big deal.  I have tons of modeling paint.  The material might be available in black.  The kids in sports would like black ones anyway.  I'd be glad to give it a try.  It won't cost you a dime, just the stamp to mail me the pattern.  Anything to help out an Aibo! We've got to keep these little guys going!