@Darkroom If it's the real deal, then expect $2000 and up for options. If it's less than $2000 it will be mediocre at best, and not game worthy. If it's less than $1000 than the technology included will be sufficient for stable hovering and not much more, and the video equipment will be lackluster. You should all save yourselves the wait and time...DIY'ers go here: mikrokopter.de RTF'ers go here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1248238
I think this will turn out to be crap. Sorry, but after messing with the Mikrokopter, Arduino, UAVX, Draganflyer, and other multi-rotor craft for only a year I believe there is no way anyone can deliver "gamer worthy" flight dynamics using current technology for under $2000. It may fly. It may have decent video. And it may react to targets. But for the prices they mention there is no way it will do them all well.
I am happy to be wrong. If I am then I would consider selling off all my expensive and highly technical hardware for this cheaper and simpler solution. But because stuff like that never happens I have a feeling the Parrot IS too good to be true. If it is true, it will be too expensive to survive in the mass market and it will live as a thread on RCGroups forum, started by the niche enthusiasts. Which is probably where it belongs.
Really...they lost my faith when they said you could use it for VR gaming. Foam frame or not...the first time it crashes out of view and those blades come down onto an animal, a person, or a valued possession, there will be a stink. Saying it can be used for gaming, IMHO, disrespects the safety factor required for any rotor- or prop-driven aircraft and decreases the credibility of the product.
Parrot AR.Drone to get official launch, price, street date at E3 2010 (update: Android client video!)
May 25th 2010 6:09PM (Engadget)You should all save yourselves the wait and time...DIY'ers go here: mikrokopter.de RTF'ers go here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1248238
Hands-on: Parrot AR.Drone
Mar 17th 2010 4:52PM (Joystiq)I am happy to be wrong. If I am then I would consider selling off all my expensive and highly technical hardware for this cheaper and simpler solution. But because stuff like that never happens I have a feeling the Parrot IS too good to be true. If it is true, it will be too expensive to survive in the mass market and it will live as a thread on RCGroups forum, started by the niche enthusiasts. Which is probably where it belongs.
Really...they lost my faith when they said you could use it for VR gaming. Foam frame or not...the first time it crashes out of view and those blades come down onto an animal, a person, or a valued possession, there will be a stink. Saying it can be used for gaming, IMHO, disrespects the safety factor required for any rotor- or prop-driven aircraft and decreases the credibility of the product.
Like I said, I hope I'm wrong.