LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System Now Shipping (fwd)

From: Captain Napalm <spc_at_armigeron.com>
Date: Fri Sep 18 22:38:36 1998

  With all the talk recently about kids, robots and computers, I have to
pass this along (sorry about the length):

It was thus said that the Great LEGO MINDSTORMS News once stated:
>
> Retailers Brace for Overwhelming Consumer Demand for
> LEGO(reg) MINDSTORMS(tm) Robotics Invention System(tm)
>
> The very first units of the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System
> arrived on U.S. retail store shelves in limited quantities during the first
> week of September. Since the Robotics Invention System previewed at the
> American International Toy Fair, the Nurnberg International Toy Fair, and
> the British International Toy & Hobby Fair last February, the buzz over the
> first consumer robotics product that can actually react to its environment
> has been gaining more momentum than even the LEGO Company expected.
>
> To date LEGO MINDSTORMS has received over 100,000 inquiries about its new
> Robotics Invention System, half of those from enthusiastic LEGO fans who
> registered online for a chance to be one of only 200 product beta testers.
> With just 12,000 units made available for the initial shipment, and only
> 75,000 additional units to be shipped through the end of the year, LEGO
> MINDSTORMS is anticipating a run on the Robotics Invention System that will
> quickly empty store shelves. It is expected to be one of the hottest
> products of the holiday buying season.
>
> "LEGO MINDSTORMS has packaged high-tech, creativity and fun into a new form
> that represents a whole new direction for toys," commented Terri Bartlett,
> Communications Director for Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc., the
> industry association. "I don't expect to see any LEGO MINDSTORMS sets left
> on retail shelves after the holidays."
>
> "The clamor for our new LEGO MINDSTORMS robots is far beyond even our
> expectations. Thousands of LEGO lovers of all ages have sent us requests to
> be the first to own the Robotics Invention System. We are already
> redoubling our efforts to produce enough product to handle the demand,"
> added Linda Dalton, Director, LEGO MINDSTORMS.
>
>
> PRODUCT AVAILABILITY:
>
> In 1998, LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available for sale in the United States,
> Canada, and the United Kingdom.
>
>
> United States: LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available on or before October 1 at
> the following retail stores: select Discovery Channel Stores, FAO Schwarz,
> Fry's, Learningsmith, LEGO Imagination Centers (at Mall of America and
> Downtown Disney), Media Play, select Noodle Kidoodle, select Target (from
> November 1), Toys "R" Us, and Zany Brainy. Some stores have reported that
> they are already sold out of initial inventories.
>
> It is also available in the following catalogs: TigerDirect, Hammacher
> Schlemmer, FAO Schwarz, and The Robot Store Catalog. LEGO MINDSTORMS can
> also be purchased through LEGO Shop at Home at (800) 453-4652 and (800)
> 835-4386.
>
>
> Canada: In Canada, LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available at Toys "R" Us and
> through the Sears catalog. Product should be available at retail by October
> 6.
>
>
> United Kingdom: To find out more about your local UK stockist, please call
> our UK information line on 0845 606 2043.
>
>
> Other English-speaking Countries: In 1999 the English versions of LEGO
> MINDSTORMS products will be launched in the following countries: Australia,
> Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Taiwan.
>
>
> Other language versions: In late 1999 we hope to launch localized versions
> in the following languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch,
> Swedish, Danish, Finnish and Norwegian.
>
>
> Internet Sales: We are working on providing Internet sales. Further
> details to come.
>
>
>
> Thank you for your interest.
>
> The LEGO MINDSTORMS team
>
Received on Fri Sep 18 1998 - 22:38:36 BST