Boost Creative Toolbox

For kids who love robotics, coding and LEGO, it doesn't get much better than this, particularly for younger kids. The level of sophistication is an ideal balance of technology and fun so kids will be excited to see what their creations can do. The LEGO folks clearly have a sense of humor, too, because there's a lot of intriguing stuff they can do that will be primarily entertaining to a 7-10 -year old. Some of it is legitimately funny, and conveys a real understanding of what kids will find amusing. more less

How to: Run on Kindle Fire HD 8 Kids Edition I bought a brand new 7th generation - 2017 release, just to run the Lego Boost. (All-New Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet, 8" HD Display, 32 GB, Kid-Proof Case) Lego Boost, How to set it up & Works great! Step 1. Register and update all Kindle Patches to latest (takes a few reboots) Step 2. Sideload Google Play Store (search how on google, no hacking required) Step 3. Download official Lego Boost App from Google Play Step 4. (Optional) Lock down the tablet with password protection, so the kids can't accidentally purchase from GP Store. Step 5. enable bluetooth to work with Lego finished! more less

I really like the final build, created with the combination of the Boost Creative Toolkit and the Arctic Scout Truck. The themes share similar colour palettes, and mixing them together seems to work well, from a design perspective. The vehicle is quite functional, and the app offers several different ways to interact with it. The sound effects added to the movement command blocks add a degree of realism to the model, and gave me a good chuckle the first time I made the truck drive backwards. The programming challenges encountered while building the model break up the build, but do delay completion significantly. I quite like some of the ‘equipment builds': especially the new (stickered up) computer. The orca and squid were a little peculiar however. [Editor's note: This review is for the official combined 60194 / 17101 model.] more less

I'm somehow undecided. On one hand, the set is really big fun. There are a lot of parts for a reasonable price, nice and different models to build, and on top discovering the behavior of a model at certain command codes. But on the other hand, there are so many small parts, that it's hard to keep them together and have them ready to build if necessary. And the need of an up-to-date tablet - to run not up-to-date building instructions. Besides that, i really enjoyed playing around with this set. Building was simple but effective and the code sometimes surprising. Good package. more less

It is somewhat difficult for me to assess BOOST objectively – my children have been playing with LEGO bricks since before they could walk. We have hundreds of thousands of extra bricks lying around so they are both pre-disposed to sitting down for hours on end to play with these bricks. They also have the backup supply to both replace missing parts and stretch the platform with their own creations. Those two unique aspects give BOOST a much higher chance of success in my home than in one where it may be part of a smaller collection. That said, the quality of the electronic components, the intuitive play mat and lean-as-you-build approach all serve to make LEGO BOOST a product that I can recommend. more less

Great product. I like how you can rebuild a variety of different things with one set and it is time consuming. I think the design is very convenient for younger children and the app is also easy to use. I would make sure you have a device that is compatible with the app. I did have a bit of trouble however connecting the set to Bluetooth because it kept turnng off after a while which I found was frustrating. Other then that I really enjoyed this set. more less

In terms of individual sets, I would say LEGO BOOST 10171 Creative Toolbox is a terrific one to have in any collection. That's especially true for those who are interested in programming but nervous about getting started with something like EV3. It may have its quirks as far as the block icons not being clear descriptors, but the parts alone give it a great range of possibilities. LEGO Ninjago 70652 Stormbringer is also a really fun set. I would suggest it especially as something to pair with BOOST. more less

I believe that the incompatibility between the BOOST and EV3 MINDSTORMS motors and sensors is a major shortcoming for this set. I can foresee children learning how to code using BOOST and graduating up to MINDSTORMS EV3 (or future versions) as they got older and more experienced. Ideally, as children make that transition they could use their BOOST components with the MINDSTORMS EV3 Complete Brick. As the BOOST components stand now, though, that's simply not likely. All that aside, the BOOST Creative Toolbox offers an excellent opportunity to introduce children to engineering and computer programming. LEGO's multiple distinct models for this kit provides many hours of learning and entertainment for children. (My daughter has made it clear that she wants to build Guitar 4000 next.) more less

So, what's it good for? Well, as a robotic kit for kids it looks to be excellent. It successfully combines activities in the app, organised like a game, with physical building and interaction. It should therefore appeal to kids who are glued to their digital devices and, perhaps more importantly, to parents who want get them to do something else other than play on a screen. more less