Poll: Do you own an Aibo? [Archive]

Freg3000

Aug 28, 2003, 12:48 AM

I think I'd rather make a couple of deals with Apple where I give them money and they give me really cool stuff. :)

$1300 bucks?

Wow. I'd list everything else I'd buy at the Apple Store, but I don't want to screw up this thread this early.

So, never seen one, and don't really care to either. :)

tazo

Aug 28, 2003, 12:52 AM

I'd rather own a daschund for 300 then an aibo for 2 grand ;)

Powerbook G5

Aug 28, 2003, 01:01 AM

I prefer my Yorkie.

Nermal

Aug 28, 2003, 01:17 AM

I've heard of them but never seen one in person. They're the sort of thing I wouldn't even consider buying.

MrMacMan

Aug 28, 2003, 01:26 AM

:blinks:

I know its late for the east coast but...

i'm still on 'macrumors.com' right?

Aibo?

That metal Dog thing?

Mac Website?

:rolleyes:

No, i don't have one and haven't seen one have heard about it.

copperpipe

Aug 28, 2003, 01:32 AM

I'd rather have R2-D2. I'd rather have the Swamp Thing pinball machine. I'd rather have roller skates with an engine strapped to them. I'd rather have an underground tunnel system. yeah. awesome.

DreaminDirector

Aug 28, 2003, 01:47 AM

man, I'd rather have a lot of other things than that. I mean come on, it's a robot dog for 1300 bucks? I'd play with it for a good week or two, then I'd probably throw it in the closet.

I guess the only good thing is it doesn't leave little poo presents on the floor.

well, at any rate, count me out.

vannote

Aug 28, 2003, 01:58 AM

Originally posted by MrMacman
:blinks:

I know its late for the east coast but...

i'm still on 'macrumors.com' right?

Aibo?

That metal Dog thing?

Mac Website?

:rolleyes:

No, i don't have one and haven't seen one have heard about it.

I suspect that arn is looking to buy one and is looking for feedback. :D

Actually, I think it's pretty cool, but I am still in sticker shock.

This thing better need paper laid out for it at 1300 USD... My wife would need paper laid out if I bought one of these at 1300...

I'll stick with real dogs until the price comes down, or the robot dogs start coming armed so they can attempt to protect the homestead...

Nermal

Aug 28, 2003, 02:16 AM

Originally posted by copperpipe
I'd rather have R2-D2. I'd rather have the Swamp Thing pinball machine. I'd rather have roller skates with an engine strapped to them. I'd rather have an underground tunnel system. yeah. awesome.

So, copperpipe, would this underground tunnel system happen to be made from copper pipes? :p

Besides, you want some sort of link between the powered roller skates and the tunnels, "tracks" for them to go on if you will, so that you can transport yourself around the city/country without having to steer :)

mim

Aug 28, 2003, 03:14 AM

Originally posted by MrMacman
:blinks:

I know its late for the east coast but...

i'm still on 'macrumors.com' right?

Aibo?

That metal Dog thing?

Mac Website?

:rolleyes:

No, i don't have one and haven't seen one have heard about it.

Welcome to the Digital Hub!

Take your AiBO for a walk via your apple-scripted bluetooth phone, watch him sync & dance to your iTunes playlists, give him a good meal of FireWire juice, and make sure you give him a good scrub every now and then with your...ahhh.... USB toothbrush (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/akiba/hotline/20030222/image/tooth1.jpg) :p

deejemon

Aug 28, 2003, 03:17 AM

Sony clearly has too much time and money on their hands to spend on the R&D for this thing.

Ge4-ce

Aug 28, 2003, 03:22 AM

I've seen one in person, and even had a rare chance to play with it.. (we are a sony authorised dealer, that's why we had that chance..)

Well.. why do they cost that much? It's because basically, every new model of Aibo that comes out is a prototype. It's like the "prototype cars" all brands make. And every time they put in all the newest technologie they have to see how far they can go! And intelligent! yes, they are.. Even in a crowd full of people talking, if you yell AIBO! he responds first by turning his head towards you !! and then by coming to you! You can put it in any pose, and it will always get back on it's feet.. only his eyes are covered with about 8 sensors for every eye! It's not "just" a robot..

But I also would never buy it.. It's an awesome toy, but I would probably buy another Mac or something instead.

these are the things you buy when you ordered your Ferrari today, and you're planning to buy an airplane tomorrow.. i.o.w. when you can miss the money..

theipodgod16

Aug 28, 2003, 03:25 AM

Nope, and dont intend to ever buy one. Why would you? I'm shocked that apparently 9 people own these things that for the price, could get you a 30 gig ipod with lotsa downloads from ITMS...at least the ipod would serve more use....

agentmouthwash

Aug 28, 2003, 06:12 AM

does this mean the new powerbooks are coming soon??

bbarnhart

Aug 28, 2003, 06:44 AM

I'll trade my german short hair in for one.

scem0

Aug 28, 2003, 06:45 AM

If I was rich I would buy one......

But, no, I don't have one.

scem0

Centris 650

Aug 28, 2003, 06:54 AM

Before this poll I didn't care to know what an "Aibo" was. Now I just don't care. ;)

Jerry Spoon

Aug 28, 2003, 06:56 AM

Might get one if I win the lottery...but then I'd have to start buying tickets for that to happen.

Aeolius

Aug 28, 2003, 07:04 AM

Another factor to consider. Sony's software kit, that enables an AIBO owner to program their AIBO, is not Mac compatible.

deejemon

Aug 28, 2003, 08:47 AM

I wouldn't get one. Having to use a pooper-scooper to clean up the chunks of silicon wafer it leaves, and finding spots around the house where it peed lubricant.

Not to mention humping your leg with its power cord, and the racket of "moof" all night long coming from its audio output.

I really don't have the time or patience to house-train an iDog.

Sonofhaig

Aug 28, 2003, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by Aeolius
Another factor to consider. Sony's software kit, that enables an AIBO owner to program their AIBO, is not Mac compatible.

This is so cool! Not compatible with Mac, figures.
The only cool things that are compatible are made by Apple.
Have Apple make something like this... it'll be much better,
but probably even more expensive. ;)

Sonofhaig

Aug 28, 2003, 08:53 AM

Who knew that the Woody Allen's movie "Sleeper" would have been so prophetic. Remember Rags? "Woof Woof Woof, hello I'm Rags"

If you've never seen it, it's worth the rental.

scem0

Aug 28, 2003, 09:43 AM

I want one of those refurbished $699 AIBO's.

I've wanted a dog for a while now. Until this morning I wanted a dalmation........

:D

scem0

FriarTuck

Aug 28, 2003, 09:59 AM

Is it just me, or is the way the dog recharges itself just a bit... suggestive?

Look in the lower right quadrant. (http://www.us.aibo.com/)

kylos

Aug 28, 2003, 09:59 AM

Aibo. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid....
:shakehead:

noverflow

Aug 28, 2003, 10:28 AM

My brother purchased one in san fran when we where their for the keynote that they released 9.1 ( i know because i got a 9.1 cd the same time)

there is a sony style store right next door to macworld

WORST PURCHASE EVER!!!
the thing never did anything.
it walked a mile a year, and could not find the ball over like 3 feet away.

He sold it on ebay after buying more software and having it still do nothing.

And yes, we did give it time to learn.

copperpipe

Aug 28, 2003, 10:29 AM

that's what Sony should be developing, gigantic underground systems where we can all go around in gas powered roller skates! It will change the way cities are made!

Boy, I wonder what the dog population thinks of this. Are they worried? Should they hire a PR firm to rework their appeal for the 21st century?

MacManDan

Aug 28, 2003, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by copperpipe
Boy, I wonder what the dog population thinks of this. Are they worried? Should they hire a PR firm to rework their appeal for the 21st century?

If I was a dog I wouldn't worry a bit .. Aibo's have been around for years and they don't even come close to replacing a furry friend. I saw one in Epcott Center in Disney World .. and it was neat, but I'd rather have the real thing that will actually become my friend

wdlove

Aug 28, 2003, 11:18 AM

I remember seeing the Aibo somewhere. No, I don't want one. The money would be better spent toward a G5! I much prefer a real dog, they bring such great companionship!

Timothy

Aug 28, 2003, 12:13 PM

True Story...

When Aibo was first released, Sony only made a few thousand. To be eligible to buy one, you had to enter a lottery, from which they drew names. If your name was drawn, you could purchase an Aibo.

Well...I decided that anything such as this would certainly draw a premium on eBay. So, I entered my name in the lottery. Lucky me, my name was drawn. Back then, the Aibo cost $2500. I sent in my order, and simultaneously listed my coming Aibo on eBay.

Long-story short...I made a cool $2500 on the transaction. I doubled my money.

What did I do with the proceeds? I bought a real pet. I bought an African Grey parrot. "DaVinci" is now a loved member of our family 4 years later.

I love Aibo! ;-)

Ge4-ce

Aug 28, 2003, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by copperpipe

Boy, I wonder what the dog population thinks of this. Are they worried? Should they hire a PR firm to rework their appeal for the 21st century?

You know there are movies about that when it happens to humans.. Terminator, ...

I think this thing scares the living daylight out of dogs :D they think Aibo is gonna take over their world!

If an Aibo does not work, it'll be probably sabotage from real dogs.. like in "Cat's and Dogs.."

on the other hand... any one seen "Cherry 2000" ?? :D :D

Doctor Q

Aug 28, 2003, 02:37 PM

Sure, I'd like an Aibo. I had its picture on my desktop when they first came out. But I'd be bored after an hour, a day, or a week tops. More of a conversation piece that an ongoing companion.

What I want for my Digital Hub is a way to control the real family dog! But I guess he's not digital, is he?

I liked Rags from Sleeper. Wasn't there a robot dog scurrying around the floor in one of the Star Wars movies?

G4scott

Aug 28, 2003, 03:25 PM

I think these are the robotic dogs that the CS department at my university used in that robot soccer tournament thing... It's funny, because I was just in the CS building and I saw the room where they do that stuff...

Eniregnat

Aug 28, 2003, 03:26 PM

The biggest detraction to the Aibo, aside from its cost, is the software. The best decoding and recoding software was pulled as it was developed by somebody that wasn’t Sony. The guy that did it wasn’t even selling the software.

It is strange that one would want to alter a pet’s behavior at the “code” level. According to one of my volunteers, a person that works with AI, the Aibo can generate unusual behaviors that were never intended to happen. A kind of fuzzy logic works with its limited view of the world and the conditions it runs into. For instance the Aibo like pink. It is programmed to seek a pink ball. Through time an Aibo associated the pink ball with contact from the owner. (Another programmed behavior.) As the story was relayed, he took to putting the ball in his shoes when he was done playing with Aibo. The Aibo associated the shoes, or the orange badge on the back, with the ball and contact. Eventually, the Aibo found that it got contact with the owner if it pushed the shoes under the bed or hid them, ball or not. This eventually led to the shoes being pushed to odd hidden places and the fun was over for the Aibo- RESET. According to Sony, this behavior could not of self generated. According to Aibo owners, it can and does.

I want one, but I would like it to work in conjunction with my Mac.
I live in a small studio and would love a pet that I could turn off when I was away.

Gymnut

Aug 28, 2003, 04:11 PM

To my understanding, Michael Jackson owns 10 of them. What the hell would you need 10 for is beyond me. I guess money does allow you to indulge in all of your idiosynchrosies.

cb911

Aug 28, 2003, 04:37 PM

gotta love Sony!! :D

i'd like an Aibo if i could afford it. i'd probably have it as an 'indoor' dog, then a giant, slobbering mut outside that you could have as a guard dog. :D

I wonder what would happen if you had 10 Aibo in the same room together? :eek: :p :)

scem0

Aug 28, 2003, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by FriarTuck
Is it just me, or is the way the dog recharges itself just a bit... suggestive?

Look in the lower right quadrant. (http://www.us.aibo.com/)

sigh.......

why does everything have to lead to sex?

But, yes, It is slightly suggestive :).

scem0

themadchemist

Aug 28, 2003, 05:09 PM

skip the aibo, put the cash toward a g5.

mstecker

Aug 28, 2003, 05:36 PM

I got one as a christmas present for myself about a year-and-a-half ago. His name was Edison.

It was a fantastic toy to play with on christmas day - probably the most fun I've had opening presents since I was a kid (I'm 34 now).

It was also a big hit at work, although it did bring into question the proposition that I might be overpaid.

Still, after just a couple of weeks, I felt like I had run the thing through all of its tricks, and I was left with a very expensive toy.

I sold it on eBay for MORE than I had paid for it in the first place.

Sorry Edison old boy - hope the new owners are taking good care of you!

Phil Of Mac

Aug 28, 2003, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by Doctor Q
I liked Rags from Sleeper. Wasn't there a robot dog scurrying around the floor in one of the Star Wars movies?

I don't think so. The closest thing I know to it was the little brick-shaped droid that rolled around on the floor and ran away after Chewbacca growled at it.

Battlestar Galactica had a robot dog (or something...)

Originally posted by Eniregnat
It is strange that one would want to alter a pet’s behavior at the “code” level. According to one of my volunteers, a person that works with AI, the Aibo can generate unusual behaviors that were never intended to happen. A kind of fuzzy logic works with its limited view of the world and the conditions it runs into. For instance the Aibo like pink. It is programmed to seek a pink ball. Through time an Aibo associated the pink ball with contact from the owner. (Another programmed behavior.) As the story was relayed, he took to putting the ball in his shoes when he was done playing with Aibo. The Aibo associated the shoes, or the orange badge on the back, with the ball and contact. Eventually, the Aibo found that it got contact with the owner if it pushed the shoes under the bed or hid them, ball or not. This eventually led to the shoes being pushed to odd hidden places and the fun was over for the Aibo- RESET. According to Sony, this behavior could not of self generated. According to Aibo owners, it can and does.

That is kind of scary...

There's also a robot dog in the Animatrix, in The Second Renaissance, Part 1

Eniregnat

Aug 29, 2003, 10:28 AM

Re: Battle Star Galactica dog= Muffet, and in that world he was a dagget not a dog. (I havn't owned a TV for 5 years. I lived on one 24/7 when I was a kid. Lets hope I can undo the damage.)

Yes it is scary. What is scarier is that my AI specialist doesn’t have a problem editing the code of something that has the potential of "organic" learning. From her standpoint, it's not alive. From mine, if you think of it as a pet, then it is. Most people wouldn't alter the neurons of their pet, so I wouldn’t alter the code of my robot dog.

wdlove

Aug 29, 2003, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by scem0
sigh.......

why does everything have to lead to sex?

But, yes, It is slightly suggestive :).

scem0

From what I view of the self charging setup, it doesn't look all that suggestive to me. Abio just stands on the recharging plate, don't see any other way!