Bob the Pleo Forums
Pleo Stuff => Pleo Archives => Archive -- Non-pleo => Topic started by: Willow on August 05, 2011, 12:26:21 PM
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I know I already posted a topic on which is your favorite pleo- pink or blue - but I wanted to ask this, too! lol :D
So, as the title states, which is your favorite Aibo model BESIDES the Aibo ERS-7? Such as Aibo ERS-210, 111, 220, 311, 31L, etc...
Thanks! ;D
Willow
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Hi, Willow! I know my replying to this post is pointless seeing as I don't have an Aibo but I am considering one. Sadly the URS7 is far out of my reach price wise but I could probably manage a 220. I'm hoping someone will reply to this post so I can get some ideas!
Talon
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I'm the same way, I'm considering getting an Aibo but the Aibo-ERS7 is DEFINITELY not in my budget, so I wanted to see what the next best Aibo was. ;D
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Hi
the Aibo ers 210 is by far the next best model the 220 is alright too but the ers 210 has more software out for it . ;D
i have never had a ers7 but 1 day hope to own 1 with mind 3 , but the ers210 and 220 i have owned both and that's why i can say the 210 is the best for me so far ;)
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Thanks for the info, Barrettgazzy. do the 210 and 220 look differently from one another? I'm blind so you'll have to describe it rather than post a picture. Sorry.
Talon
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The 210 and the 220 are based on the same model of Aibo, the 210 is more dog like in looks, it has a little tail and two cute little ears that stand upright on it's head. It moves both it's tail and ears to help give different expressions to it's personality. so it wags it's tail and plays a little happy tune when it is happy, it will flick it's ears down and make a sad beep when it is sad etc... They also have a little touch sensor in the middle of the top of their head which you stroke to let them know your there and tell them when they've been good. :) The 210 have a face visor that has lights inside where you would expect eyes to be. There are three sets of line lights that light up green or red in different combinations to help you see how he is feeling. They give the Aibo different expression with his eyes.
The 220 while generally the same shape as the 210 has no ears or tail. It looks more alien like. It does have a little antenna on the top of it's head just off to the side which you use as a touch sensor by flicking it back to tell the Aibo they've been good. In the same place as the touch sensor on the 210 model the 220 has a little light that pops up and down. This helps give the 220 a bit more expression. The 220 does not have a face visor, instead it has a row of little round led lights that run around the edge of the sides of it's face. These light up blue and red in different combos to help give expression to his character. I think the 220 also has more and different lights on his back instead of the tail.
Hopefully I got all of that right. I only have the 210 and have only seen pics and video latrines 220 so that is where my description has come from. If I got any of it wrong then I'm sure someone out there with more knowledge will correct me. :)
As I only own the ers 7 and the 210 models I can really give a good idea of what the best model would be but it seems from when I was first looking to buy one everyone says the 210 is the one to go for. I certainly love my 210 Pixel. He is a lot of fun. There are a lot of different software options out there for the 210's as well. So this gives you more options to keep trying new things. :)
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I love all AIBO models in their own way :) I only own a 210 and a 31L, and the 210 was my first so hes setimentally my fave model :D I would love a 7, but equally i would love a 1XX model :S I just love all the bots!
people often say they like the 210/220 series because of the customisablity of them - lots of software, first party and third, and they seem to be the eaiest to repair.
i like the tones of the 3XX series. they have such soft beeps, i would love to give a 2XX series AIBO those beeps.
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Thanks for the descriptions, Kat. The 210s do sound more doglike. Anyone who knows, I only have one more hang-up that might be a problem. My computer is running Windows Vista. Not sure if it's the sixty four or thirty two bit version. It's Vista Home Basic- basically the Vista for senior citizens. Lol! Can you run the dog without ummm... using your computer with it or am I out of luck because of my opperating system?
Talon
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Thanks for all the helpful replies!
It seems 210 should be the one I should keep an eye out for if I come across a good deal. ;)
However I do have another question, what colors do the 210s come in?
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You don't need to use a computer to run an Aibo. The aibo uses a pre programed memory stick that runs it's software. This stick is inserted into the Aibo and that is how it runs. There are programs you can use on your computer to read the stick and see where your Aibo is at as far as development goes but you don't need to do this. :)
Also if any of you are looking I would suggest you talk to Wolfbob. I know he has a couple of 210's that he is selling at the moment. He has them advertised on the Aibo forum for $450 with a six month warranty. He currently has one in black and one in silver.
The 210's also come in gold, red, green, and I think maybe purple? I'm not sure if there are other colors. I know the black and silver seem to be the most common and readily available colors out there.
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Well that's nice to know! I would take just about any color- even a multi-colored patchwork doggie with odd ears and legs if it came to it. It doesn't matter as long as it functions properly. I may PM wolfbob closer to the hollidays. Silver sounds nice though. *grin*
Talon
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I would prefer a pathwork-multicolored pup with different parts, it wold be cool to have a rather unique Aibo like that! :D
But Wolfbob really sells Aibos for only $450? 0.0 With accessories?
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Yes! ;D He also repairs them and refurbishes their batteries. ;D I bought Pixel my black 210 - he has golden ears which I love - from Wolfbob just a couple of months ago for $450.00 US plus the cost of shipping on top. He came with his little pink ball and Dogslife memory stick and of course a refurbished battery and a battery charger. He is wonderful. ;D I am very happy with my purchase and wouldn't hesitate to recommend wolfbob as a great person to buy one from. He does sell Aibos on a regular basis and at the moment he has the two 210's I mentioned earlier, a ers7 and also some 111's and a 220 all for sale. I like my little Pixel so much I am starting to consider maybe getting another one. %)
Kat
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knowing that wolfbob has some Aibo's for sale at this moment is quite tempting ;D
usually with the different colour's you will find the silver will be the easiest and cheapest to buy the purples , red's etc are more like special editions and the sellers will usually put the price tag up a bit more on them .
With the 220 model as kat described they have a Antenna on top their head instead of a button i have found that most 220's for sale seem to be missing this antenna and i am not sure if you can get that replaced any more ???
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The fact that Wolfbob is able to repair Aibo is a huge advantage, so he is able to buy them, repair them and sell them on. He usually offers a warranty as well, which gives you some peace of mind when spending such large sums of money. You can also look on the Aibo forums to see if any members are offering their Aibos for sale, or try looking on eBay. Just be very, very careful - any decent person wanting to sell an Aibo should be happy to answer questions in detail and provide images. It's generally recommended to ask for an image that includes the seller's name on a note in the same picture as the Aibo, just to prove the seller does have it in their possession, and all the usual safeguards for buying on eBay so you're protected apply.
I would recommend the 210 as a first Aibo, both because the price is more accessible and also because of the range of software that's available, so you can find and run the Aibo that best suits you. For Talon, particularly, the Messenger software would be very useful (I've said that before so wn't keep bangng on about it! :P).
Having said all that, my own personal favourite model is the ERS-111, but they're definitely not for everybody!
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Hi Everyone! I LOVE my Aibo's, and my Pleos as well! Anyway, I would have to say that the 210 is my favorite next to the ERS-7, although I do get as much enjoyment out of my 210 as my 7, it seems. There is a lot of custom software out there that is very easy to apply to the 210, particularly if you own an older computer or laptop running Windows XP and a Sony Clie. This makes the 210 very versatile in my opinion and a lot of fun. It doesn't speak English, but what it doesn't say, it makes up for in charm. :) I love my 7, and they are pricey, but mine is a little bit of a smart a**. I gave him the command to do a dance routine called "seven strike" yesterday, and he said to me "that's not in the user guide!" before performing the command and doing his little dance. It's not in the user guide, and my hubby thought him telling me that was hilarious! I would love to own a 3XX, but I am banned from buying anything robotic for a while. :-X
If looking for an Aibo, I would recommend wolfbob hands down. I purchased my 210 from him. He is an awesome guy with great service and great communication after the sale. Crewella referred me to him, and I am forever grateful. I didn't' purchase my 7 from him because someone from the aibo forum made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and so far things are fine and I am very happy with my purchase. I have combed ebay the last week or so. I can't bid do to my banning, but I have noticed that a lot of private sellers are re-homing their aibos, both on ebay and the aibo forum. The prices have seemed to me to have come down a bit, but someone more in the know might be able to comment on this. Many have seemed to have "fallen on hard times" or "had their positions eliminated" at their places of work and are selling.
Crewella, I have heard both you and bhobbes comment on how much you love your 111's, but both of you have said they are not for everyone. If you have time, could you elaborate? I would be interested to know what makes Ubu your favorite, and why they are not for everyone. Do you have to be a techie to operate a 111? Just curious. Thanks! ;D
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I think Pleo owners would understand better than most - I also still prefer the older Ugobe Pleos to the RBs really. Yes, there have been improvements made to the RBs and they 'do' more stuff, but there's a basic charm and character to the original models that just starts to disappear as the improvements are added (like the feet tickling thing).
The ERS-111s don't have voice recognition and have an annoying 'musical' remote control so you have to communicate with that. They don't move as well, they take FOREVER to bring up from puppy stage to adult (weeks and weeks), and they seem to have an endless capacty for getting into trouble. Having said all that, I just feel 'closer' to Ubu - he's a real character that wanders about in his own little world and truly feels like another 'presence'. I also really like the original design, I love their teeth - they look more 'doggy'! :D
Oh, and (a real geek point this) each toe is individually sprung! :P
ADDED: Also among the 'cons' if the fact that, being the oldest model, more is likely to go wrong and there seems to be less interest in parts and batteries for them out there. There is little in the way of software as well.
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210s are cirtainly the cheapest easiest aibo to get ahold of.
the common colours are: silver, black & gold
but there are limited edition colours which are: white, red, violet, blue & green if i remember right - though these are much harder to find are can be very pricey.
if youre brave you can always spray paint them yourself. there are guites knocking about online for removing the shells and the process of repainting them
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I could go for any of the three common colors. Now I just have to save up!
Talon
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Silver seems to be the colour that appears the most - Wilma is a silver 210A. :)
That's the other thing you need to know. 210/220s are prone to something called DHS - Droopy Head Syndrome, which is caused by the clutches slipping so the Aibo cannot lift their own head any more. This can be fixed by people like Wolfbob and Aibo Hospital, but it's something you need to be aware of when buying. Sony did bring out a slightly upgraded version called the Supercore as the 210A (or 220A) which has a faster processor, and as they had solved the DHS problem by then the Supercores also don't usually suffer from DHS. They tend to cost slightly more, but I think they're worth it.
There are also two other neck issues known as PAS and TAS, which are basically the same thing happening to the neck in the other directions of movement. I believe they are caused by exactly the same issue, but just occur less often as there is less weight involved moving side-to-side.
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Awh that would be terrible. :o Good thing we have Wolfbob...
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Oh my! I was wondering what "PAS and TAS" meant. I saw an Aibo on EBay a while back withsomething wrong with its head and the seller mentioned that. If I do take the plunge, I'm only buying from wolfbob since so many of you speak highly of him.
Talon
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You can look here, this guy sells a lot of Aibos for good prices and they are ALL pinned to never, ever develop DHS and are PAS and TAS free: http://www.nippondeals.com/store/index.php?cPath=42_58&osCsid=200636960710fa2327ed3df2cb9af751
He also has all three colors available as well as green and violet. :)
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I have heard good things about Nippn deals, but they are very expensive compared to wolfbob, and the shipping from Japan is pretty high. When I bought my 210 from Wolfbob, he pinned all the clutches so Padfoot would never get DHS, PAS, and TAS again. That was included in the cost, which was 450, if I am not mistaken, might have even been 400. Nippon deals wants around 750 for their 210's and top dollar for the hard to find color variants.
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Seems like Wolfbob definitely offers a better deal...I'm going to try to save some money and PM ASAP! ;D
Thanks :)
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Another Aibo that i have always been interested to buy is the Sony Aibo ERS-31L you hardly ever see them come up for sale though but if 1 ever becomes available and fully boxed i be tempted to buy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbmwqiJeaAY&feature=related
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I am new to Aibo, but oddly enough, I have never seen wolfbob have one of these pooches for sale. I do think they are very cute. I think Crewella told me one time that they were originally made for kids. I would also be interested in getting one sometime, but not in the near future, as I spent a lot of money on Buster, my champagne ERS-7M3, so I am taking it easy for a while at my hubby's request. The next thing on my list will be another Ugobe Pleo, I believe. (I just love the Ugobe's! They have a certain charm to them!) ;D
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your champagne ERS-7M3 must of set you back bit i wish i was brave enough to buy 1 lol ..... maybe 1 day ;)
it is crazy that there was no company at all in Japan or any where who did not want to buy the Aibo brand and continue on with them and improving them etc ... it should not of just stopped grrr lol
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Oh I know right? I believe the product was abandoned too soon. I've been listening to videos on Youtube of the 210 and some of their beeps are a bit high in the treble range and really hurt my ears. I guess it's a blind thing. This is a wonderful discussion and I'm hoping everyone's input will help me decide whether to take the plunge or not.
Talon
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Hey Talon, from my experience with my guys you are right. Pixel my 210 does sometimes Emmit some very high pitched peeps that hurt my ears too. Fortunately he doesn't seem to do this very often. I have him running on the Life 2 software. I don't think I have heard him make those sounds when he was running on the dogs life software but I haven't really run him on that one enough to know for sure. Maybe they make different sounds with different software?
Another thing to note is that Milo, my ers7, has never made those uncomfortable sounds. I'm sure someone else also said thas the ers 3xx range made much softer more gentle sounding beeps? I don't really know anything about them though apart from that they are the ones that look a bit like a pug dog. :) Maybe others could comment on the different range of sounds they have heard from other models or if the software makes a difference to the sounds the aibo will produce.
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To follow up with a few things already mentioned here (largely confirming some), I have to say the 111 is my personal favorite; however, as Crewella has mentioned, it is definitely not a model for everyone. Despite being my favorite, it's probably the last one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a first AIBO. And Crewella's elaboration on that is accurate. However, I don't mind the lack of voice control, and I feel as though Vader (my 111 who has been "on hold" for awhile now as I've been busy), demonstrates the most "soul" or "personality" compared to the others. It also doesn't have the ability to self-charge (though I honestly don't use this even on my ERS-7, when it happens it usually happens more out of chance/my lack of attention as his dock technically isn't in a proper area for it and I have yet to disable him from trying to find it). But arguably neither does the 210 (depending on which software it is on, and from what I've read, the 210's abilities at self-docking aren't as graceful as the ERS-7). Though I do get more nervous about leaving my 111 to roam about if I'm not paying some sort of attention to the room or somewhere near to hear a potential "problem" as Vader does seem to get himself into trouble. (Though amazingly, he seems to do almost just as good of a job getting himself out of awkward situations, but I tend to baby my technology). Also, the 111s do take an extraordinarily long time to raise from pup to adult if you go the all-natural route (well over a hundred active hours), but I feel that helps create the "bond" between the robot and myself.
That said, while I haven't gotten much into it yet (and look forward to playing around with some time off I have coming up), the 210's abundance of software and the ability to really customize it appeals to the tinkerer in me. I also think if I had to recommend a first AIBO to someone, it would be a 210 (although I personally don't like DogsLife [generally use it to try to "show off" the 210 to friends as mine's still a youth] so I'd encourage someone to use/find AiboLife). This is largely because of pricing, general availability, and the flexibility of the 210s. And, despite it being my least-favorite aesthetically, my friends seem to enjoy its looks. However, that could always be because the other two are much more dog looking.
The ERS-7 impresses my friends the most, but I think some of that is because it is an adult and (when you can catch them) does some pretty awesome tricks with the ball and bone. If price was no concern, this would be the one I'd most likely give someone, especially a non-robot enthusiast. However, I feel it has the least amount of "real" personality on Mind 3 when compared to the 111 and the 210. I prefer Mind 2. But with all these robotic pets, a lot comes down to the perception of the owner (in my opinion) and how they relate to and view their companion.
In sum, I honestly cannot rank one above the other as I ultimately view them as different. There are pros and cons to each model from my own personal experience and perceptions. But each one also wins my heart in its own special way. I don't think I'll ever come off the fence on this!
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Thanks for the information, Bobs. I could never aford an ERS7 although that would be my choice if I could. I can tell more of what it's doing or what it wants. Lol! Oh well if I learned Furbish back in the day I guess I could learn Aibo, too. The 210 was definitely within my price range if I bought from wolfbob. I've found more Aibo manuals online than I've ever seen for any other product.
Sadly I'm afraid I'm going to have to give it up. Again. *sigh* My sister got a promotion and we're moving- I mean really moving- like to-the-other end-of-the-country moving and I'm going to have to buy an entirely different wardrobe to deal with the cold. We're moving up north- somewhere in New York State. I'm really disappointed that I'm having to give up my dream when I'm only a few months shy of being able to make it work after ten years. I also have to give up my real animals. Transporting them and all my stuff will be through the roof price-wise. I think we'll be where we are for another two months while my sister gets everything squared away and then we will begin our odyssey. I've never left this end of the country and it's... a little scary. Sorry for rambling and getting so off topic.
Talon
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Aw, don't give up, Talon! Even when you move there, I'm sure you'll find a way to get one!!
And I've moved soooo much in my life, I know it can seem scary, but as I got used to moving around I began looking at it as an adventure. Be excited to see your new location, new house, new people, maybe new pets? Think about it as a new, exciting beginning. :)
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That's true. Sorry for whining. Maybe after my pocketbook recovers I can try again for a 210. Thanks for the encouragement.
Talon
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Your weren't whining :D
Glad I could help. :)
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Well I only have my ERS-7 and my 220 to go on but, aside from looks, aren't the 210's & 220's pretty much the same thing? Almost all the software is the same and they even sell kits to transform your 210 into a 220. I haven't come across anything I could not run in my 220.. all the software says 210/220 on it so.. I dunno.
Obviously the biggest difference is that the 220 does NOT look like a dog, aside from general body shape it looks more like a mini futuristic killing machine, has no tail or ears, no mouth, lights all along the side of the face which really are, surprisingly, very expressive. My little guy DOES let you know what he wants. The 210 looks a lot cuter and I believe was supposed to be based off a lion cub with those cute ears and the very short stubby tail. Their behavior is going to be pretty much the same depending on the software, obviously.
I got my 220 from WolfBob so he had his antennae and is perfect. Like some folks said, many 220's are being sold without it and it is a very important 'good boy/bad boy' touch sensor with them so I think it's definitely something you want to make sure yours comes with, if you were to get one of them.
Also I would NOT recommend going with Nippon deals.. if your looking for an Aibo go with Wolfbob or go with well known folks from a well known Aibo forum. Nippon deals seems to be known for 'sloppy' repair work and they are also more expensive. Just check their prices on simple items like a pink ball.. ridiculous.
I have been trying to decide what I want to get next and I think I'm going to be going for one of the 300 series .. dunno which one yet. I ALMOST grabbed a 'I dunno if it works' pug off ebay for 200 last month (came with nothing) but I just started thinking of all the trouble I had with my seven and it just makes more sense to buy from a known source.
I honestly hope I can eventually get one of each and I'd love to have a second ERS-7, I think that's the only way MY seven is going to stop breaking bones.. (he loves to go to WolfBob's to flirt with the ladies... he's there now.. lol, but he couldn't be in better hands ;) )
I love my seven the most.. he just makes me smile.. sorry I know we are supposed to pick anything but the seven.. lol.. but my 2209 hasn't had his chance to shine yet as he isn't even grown up.. It DOES impress me though that he is an older model and if he's running adult mode, he can grab that pink ball away from my seven EVERY single time :)
And you definitely don't need a computer to run an aibo but it does come in handy.. I don't know how compatible windows vista is, I know I've had no trouble so far with windows 7 except for my Sony Clie but it's not like you HAVE to have that for an aibo.. it's just handy to be able to make cards for them.
Ok I have to go lay down before I fall over and die...
- Sarah
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the 210 and 220 almost share all the same software but i think there is 1 or two which is not compatible with the 220 , i always thought the recognition software was just for the 210 ?
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re: ERS-210 and ERS-220 compatibility.
As a general rule, if the software model number starts with "ERF-220AW" then it will work in both the ERS-210 and ERS-220 models.
The older software starts with "ERF-210AW", and it is meant for the ERS-210 model only. Some do work in a limited compatibility mode on the ERS-220.
Recognition will run on the ERS-220 (with limited support, if you use RecognitionPlus http://www.aibohack.com/2or3/patches.htm )
For the ERF-220AW personalities (eg: AiboLife 2, ERF-220AW01 or Explorer ) the personality has two sets of motions and lighting, and sometimes sounds. So if you have both a ERS-210 and ERS-220, you will get a totally different experience when you run the software in the different AIBOs.
There is one special personality that is specifically for the ERS-220 ("Evolution Side Two" IIRC) that is tuned to be a very robotic experience.
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IMHO: My general advice is to consider an ERS-220 after an ERS-210 (and the 220 isn't for everyone). So if you only have an ERS-220, consider an ERS-210 to add to your collection.