R2-D2 Mobile Entertainment Robot

Wow, I thought my Hasbro R2-D2 was cool, and it is.. but this.. this is something special.. while this has just come out and isn't available in Australia yet (or anywhere?).. it HAS to come out here goddamnit or I'll really cry.
R2 is packed full of entertainment goodness, the center panel pops out to revel an ipod dock! The right hand panel reveals memory card and usb slots. There's a built in DVD/CD player and control panel.. a built in projector !!! (yes, a very cool 800x600 projector pops out and will put your favourite dvd on the wall or ceiling).
The Millennium Falcon remote control is nerdy coolness.
R2 is fully motorized and remote controlled, has built in safety sensors and light and sound effects.

My only wish is that they build an R2 with this level of technology but with more automation - if it could actually perform a cleaning or intelligent function i'd give it 10 points - this is more of a home entertainment system in a cool R2 case.. still.. I want one so badly it hurts.

No mention of price.. I'd be guessing around the $1K mark plus ?!

Now my little prayer.. "dear retail lords.. please bring this R2-D2 robot to our sun-burnt country and I shall find the money.. you do your part and I'll do mine.. amen"

More information on the manufacturers site -> [JUMP] <-

iRobot Create

iRobot has unveiled what its fanbase has long awaited - a fully programmable robot for aspiring roboticists. The iRobot "Create" is basically a trimmed down version of the third generation Roomba.
Where the cleaning system of a Roomba normally sits is a cargo bay - this is where you can use the "command module" and add your own hardware.. I picture a big metal claw with some red eyes.. cooool
The iRobot Create supports all the functions of the Roomba, virtual walls, remote, charging station etc but its up to the young Frankenstein's out there to take it from there.
Hey.. here's an idea, lets start a robot wars sport, based on the iRobot Create?! it gives everyone a level playing field as a starting point.. contestents add their armament.. make a tv show.. a million bucks.. aah.. pfft

A variety of methods and programming languages can be used to program the robot, custom scripts in C or C++ can be downloaded with a terminal program or developed using Microsoft Robotics Studio, a Windows based development toolkit.

I've spotted a price of $130USD, so if it ever makes it out here it'll be around the $200AUD mark. Not bad!

I'm still waiting for the Scooba to come out if anyone is listening? Our floors need you!