Voice-Activated R2-D2 talking, dancing companion
posted Nov 28th 2005 5:30PM
Normally we try to keep our coverage of gimmicky Star Wars gear to a minimum, but the Voice-Activated R2-D2 by
Hammacher Schlemmer seems like it could actually provide a modicum of fun. Standing 15-inches tall, miniature R2 is
fully mobile and able to either track or avoid obstacles thanks to his infrared sensor. Of course no R2 replica would
be complete without the swiveling dome, blinking lights, and indecipherable beeps and boops, and the HS model delivers
on all counts. Along with guiding R2 around and watching him dance to the classic cantina music, you can even coax him
out of an occasional bad mood by commanding "R2, behave yourself!" Even though we've yet to see this little droid in
action, the fact that he requires a boombox-like eight batteries to function (more power=more fun, right?) makes us
sure that he's worth the $120 pricetag.
[Via MobileMag]
Isn't this the R2D2 toy from a few years ago?
Hasbro makes these and we picked one up about three years ago for my son at Christmas for $99 at WalMart. Really; it's for him, I swear! Needless to say, we have a blast playing "hide and seek" with R2. He also makes a great room alarm with his IR radar and sonar. He does eat batteries faster than a Bantha eats Sand-People and he doesn't work well on carpets at all. Keep him happy and he listens well, but don't piss him off: he can get tempermental!
Yeah, this seems to be a reference to the old R2 toy released a few years ago. My brother has one and it's pretty damn cool. It's pretty good at understanding you and can manage a lot of activities.
Is it something I would shell out the cash for? No. But for Star Wars fans, I would imagine they would really enjoy it.
They are actually quite fun, and they do quite a bit for a toy
I got that for Christmas 2 or 3 years ago. Comes with a pop-out cup holder for drinking servering too, woot! Pretty fun little droid really. It even plays the "help me Obi-wan..." message, sans the hologram though.
Our R2 unit seems to be in a bad mood most of the time though, but a light bop on the dome gets him back in line (seriously, it was in the instruction booklet).
It *IS* the same robot from a few years ago. They re-released it. If you want to save a few hard-earned dollars, this is available at CostCo for $69.00.
R2 has easter eggs too - you can make him sing the Imperial March by asking him about Darth Vader, then Anakin...
Great way to freak out your dog is put it in follow me mood and have him chase your dog - it's too bad he isn't speedier tho... :P
Yeah, I got one of these a few years ago for around $50 on a special sale at KBToys or something. It totally rocks! http://www.hasbro.com/r2droidfactory/
R2D2 looks like a lot of fun... Early Christmas present, here I come!
My Dad has had one of these for a couple months now, and it's pretty cool! You forgot to mention one all-important feature: a cup-holder! Yes, on the front of 'lil old R2 is a little compartment that has a fold-out extension perfect for holding soda cans! Pretty nifty when you want to transport a Mt. Dew from one side of the room to the other without actually moving your legs.
Great to hear all these positive comments, I just purchased one of these for my son from santa
Great news for the environnement, it requires four AA batteries and four D batteries, hello?!
Two years ago at Christmas, I worked for K*B Toys--my then-three-year-old was obsessed with "Ah-TOO!" and I found it at a K*B Outlet store for under $50 (before my employee discount). The older version is a great toy and for sheer amusement value would've been worth it at the current full retail price.
R2D2 is very cool, plus im sure that all of my slug monkeys and penguins will enjoy it this Christmas!
#11 Heard of rechargeable batteries?
What? No holographic projections of Princess Leia?
My son prefers this over his Robosapian. It really is fun.
My Robosapien could own This R2 any time, any day.
#14, If this robot is so intelligent, I think it should have a recharging dock, like the roomba Vacuum cleaning system... more expensive.
Any idea where I can get an R2D2? Costco and Hammacher Schlemmer are out of stock! Thanks!
Hello there
I live in the UK but cannot find one of these R2D2's anywhere. Does anyone know where i can but one from and would be prepared to ship to the UK?
Many Thanks
Wayne