 
Maximum Lego NXT: Building Robots with Java Brains
Rating:  -
I bought this book specifically to get some information on the NXT and some building ideas. The book has easily met my expectations in these areas. There are some great ideas for building robots and a bunch of good info about building techniques and the effective use of sensors. I don't plan on programming in Java (I prefer C), however the ideas and code in the book are easily transferable to any programming language. There are detailed building instructions and excellent examples that I haven't found in any other resource. For example, the standard building ideas are complemented with advanced material such as mapping, pathfinding, scanning, and speech. I'm glad I bought it.
Rating: -
Although the book sounds otherwise, it is in fact a good start for advanced programmers. A lot of the code does not work right out of the box, but provides a good starting point for advanced programmers to build on. If you are a beginning java programmer, this book probably is not for you because it deals with concepts that are incomplete as described in the book, but an intermediate-to-advanced programmer can take these concepts and modify them as need be and quickly make easy projects more advanced. Overall, I think this is an excellent book but should be used by individuals with experience in programming in contemporary languages.
Rating: -
If you are one of those Java guys, hands on, and a mechanical control lover, this is a book you don't want to miss.
From programming point of view, some very useful topics are Bluetooth setup (both Window and Linux), Serial Communication setup, Vision detection, and Voice Control. You will be amazed of how you can realize those technologies into controlling an NXT.
There are still many other interesting subjects from machanical/control point of view. This includes using GPS receiver(where you can learn NMEA Data format). It also shows you a NXT versioned Rocker-Bogie for rough terrain (I was really amaized how it works once I built a prototype). There is one special section to show you how to build a differencial gear using standard NXT parts. This really comes handy for a new Lego user who do not have an old differencial gear.
This book also includes quite some attractive design like R2me2 (resemble R2D2), Moon Buggy, Beckhambot, Mapping Robot, and number 0.5 (resembles number 5). I do like their 'abstract' concept of the design.
However, there are also negative part about this book.
1. Some photo pictures is not very clear to follow. Either too small or too dark to see the details.
2. Some mechanical design does not make it turn well (like Mapping Robot). But I guess this is due to lack of proper parts (such as differencial gear which was not included in the NXT package).
Rating:  -
Despite the nasty reviews surrounding this book, I strongly dis-agree. I thought this book was extremely helpful. I am a java programmer but my work is in the data integration area. This book really helped me to step out of the box and start programming movement between motors,sensors,etc. I enjoy all of Brian's writings, blogs, books, etc. You won't find a better book about programming NXT bricks with Java. And who expects a 12 year old to pick up this book and understand? It's a book most suitable for experienced java programmers.
Rating:  -
This NXT Java book was useless starting from page 3 on. SEVERAL issues with inaccurate LEJOS directions (installations and even programs). I have a good background in Java (BCIS) and that helps me a ton. Look at variant press and see the errata for this book!!! It is so small that PROVES the author is the only one to blame for this P.O.S. book. You would serve better to simply go to some online sites (.edu) and get the real directions for installing LeJos on your NXT and then look at the sample programs found in the LeJos API documentation (the API sux too but the sample programs are mostly bug free).
And the building instructions are almost illegible due to poor print quality. I have used NXT's for about 3 years and it took me quite a bit of time to figure out what parts this guy was using. At least one of his labs are proof of his inability (think it was later in the book) when he mentions something about the project he is proposing doesnt work but maybe you can get it to.
Brian B. You need to be a weather man, you are about as reliable!
Bottom line...dont waste your money, Id give you mine for free if it werent in the garbage.
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