Even though an AIBOs are not living creatures, interacting with the extremely sophisticated “artificial intelligence” software makes it easy for most people to think of an AIBO less as a robot and more like a living creature. This one features makes Aibo very attractive pet! (No poop!)
Sony began their robot research project in 1993, it is doubtful even their brightest marketing minds could have suspected how wildly popular their robotic pets would become when they finally put a few thousand of them on the market in 1999. Nor could they have expected that sales of the first AIBO would earn them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Sony’s AIBO is not a kid’s toy; it is far too complex and improper handling can result in extremely costly damage. An AIBO is a computer in a cute case running a sophisticated software program. Drop it or subject it to extreme conditions and it won’t function any more than a laptop subjected to the same abuse.
Owning an AIBO is very much like having a bio pet without the mess but AIBO isn’t a living creature and it does have limitations regardless of its sophisticated hardware and software.
Between 1999 and 2005 four distinctly different series of AIBOs were released and it is safe to say that no one model of AIBO would please every person.
So, you have decided to buy an Aibo on eBay? How do you buy one without being scammed? After all Sony Aibos are quite a large purchase. Follow these steps and you will have done everything in your power to make a safe purchase.
- If an offer looks too good to be true, it is. Be wary.
- Look at their account details, if anything seems out of place, beware.
- Avoid an auctions that dont have a picture of their Aibo or a stock photo copy/pasted off another web site.
- Ask for a photo of their Aibo with a piece of paper that has your details on it. This proves that they actually have an Aibo for sale. If they say they dont have a camera, walk away as if they can afford an Aibo, they can afford a camera.
- Ask if you can pick the Aibo up in person. Again, if they say “no” walk away as they dont have an Aibo and besides would you trust something of that value through the postal system?
- If you are in doubt, ask the opinion of the many Aibo user forums that are on the net
- Ask for the serial number
There are still several sites around the world giving access to Aibo’s, but eBay is still one of the best sources, good luck!
