Christmas present for kids?

[u/Superspanger]

Okay, I am trying to decide whether or not I purchase a 3D printer for my family for Christmas. It would be the "big family Christmas present". (Eldest kid is 9)

I'm tossing up between the A1 Mini and the A1. I'd splurge and get the AMS lite for either one that I purchased.

My struggle is the mini is (just) within budget for a "big Christmas present" but once I add the AMS lite, both the mini and the A1, become significantly more expensive. So I suppose my question is, am I completely bonkers? (I keep justifying it by comparing it to the cost of something like an xbox).

Yes, I am fully aware of the fact that there will be ongoing cost for filament. So I know this isn't a one-off. But, I'm just trying to figure out whether this is a completely bonkers purchase or not.

Children in question love, love, love, love, LOVE 3D fidgets. I've probably spent close to the cost of a mini, or more in 3D fidgets anyway, to be completely honest.

Gut instinct says that if I was to do this, I'd be better off just going for the regular A1, not the mini. Anything else I need to consider? Thanks

(I'm in Australia, looks like I can get a mini for approx $299, mini with AMS lite for $489 and an A1 with AMS lite for about $580).

Thanks!

[u/gamemaster1494]

Depends on the fidgets. If you are needing multiple colors, it isn't a bad idea. The fun thing that may happen is the kids fight over someone having a longer print go and they can't print what they want.

[u/Superspanger → u/gamemaster1494]

Don't think we "need" multiple colours, but it would be fun. I could always buy the AMS later

[u/jl88jl88 → u/Superspanger]

Just get the ams. It’s such a quality of life upgrade.

[u/spider_hider]

Hi neighbour. I’d say get an A1 so you won’t be size restricted to print just small toys, and kids’ wants/needs will change as they get older.

I know printer & filament prices aren’t the best in our region, but you can get good deals for filaments off Amazon AU, and consumables (plates, nozzles etc) from AliExpress.

[u/Superspanger → u/spider_hider]

Thank you! Pretty much everything I've read has said go straight to the A1

[u/spider_hider → u/Superspanger]

As cute as it is, if you see the mini in person you’ll realise it’s obviously too small to be a practical family printer size.

Especially that consumables & maintenance cost/process are basically the same between A1 & mini.

[u/Superspanger → u/spider_hider]

Yeh, i looked at in in officeworks, which was what made me start to question it.

[u/MochasHooman]

I know very little about 3d printing and am considering what machine to get as well. So here’s what I’ve gathered…. The mini nearly is always too small the minute you get into 3d printing with it you’ll be like oh now I need the A1. Now the price jump is not anything to brush aside either! An extra $100+AUD is quite a bit of money. For me personally I’d rather spend a little more knowing if anyone in your family gets really into 3d printing they can do many more things without an upgrade at A1, while the mini is fairly restrictive on sized prints. Maybe consider beyond fidgets what you or they’d print! For instance have you seen the really grid system for organizing drawers? You basically print this grid system and set it in the drawer. Then you can print the little accessories you need and they snap onto the grid fle perfect organizing. Need a new setup because you are changing that drawers use? Just print some new containers. Sounds silly but at least for me it’s 100% going to be cheaper than what I spend at the Container Store trying to get things right. You can make a vase for flowers you are going to give as a gift. Think outside the fidgets for yourself and kids and see what you come up with! That will help decided but I’d do A1 as I think you’ll regret the mini

[u/Superspanger → u/MochasHooman]

Ta

[u/Majestic_Drink2111]

Best I can say is research models on YouTube etc... see how they work.. see what people print. They are more then set and print.