For my birthday, Justin gave me an odd little thing called Neocube. Essentially, it's just an assortment of a bunch of tiny, powerful magnets. No fancy mechanical inner workings, no batteries - just a bunch of magnets.
They're fantastic.
There are a ton of different combinations you can make - many symmetrical and full of patterns. It took me a while to successfully build the cube (above), and it's equally fun just pulling at the magnets. They're all pretty powerful, and when you tug at them, the magnets almost react a bit like string - they peel apart, slowly.
Ever since I got these, they've been on my desk at work. I end up handing them over to people who visit me to talk about projects and such, and invariably people just get drawn to this guy and get sucked in. Anymore, and this is in all seriousness... I'm barely making eye contact with folks, as they just get all absorbed in playing around with these magnets. There have been at least three or four people who have said "Wow, I need to get some of these."
I found an Amazon link for Neocube
Here's an example video of some of the things you can "make" with the magnets:
// Post-publishing Note: I replaced the video above. In a puzzling move, the original NeoCube video on YouTube was removed due to some copyright issue. This likely means the BB video also doesn't work. Why on earth would a company make this kind of a move? It's tantamount to saying "Please, stop advertising my product for free all over the web." Absolutely ridiculous.
In an interesting kind of a twist, I also came across something called BuckyBalls (via swissmiss). Same product, but with a slightly different name and marketing approach.
Similar to how the Slanket was first to market, but the Snuggie has seemingly won the brand war... I'm curious to see whether this toy really takes off, and which product ends up becoming the recognized name. Neocube made it to BoingBoing Gadgets, which hits a decently sized audience. But man, the Neocube site needs some serious help.
IMO BuckyBalls have a better website and teaser video (and a better name). Check it out:
Regardless of where you get them, they're definitely a lot of fun. And an odd stress-reliever to boot. Tons of folks in my office can vouch for this, and if you don't believe me... swing on by my desk, and see for yourself.
That toy looks so cool and addictive. Bucky balls (the real ones) are actually a scientific discovery that were a hot topic in the 90s. So, this product is obviously a play on that. They're named after Buckminster Fuller (geodesic dome guy, cue "LOST" theme music) because they are perfect spheres made of carbon atoms. I don't understand it all, but it has to do with physics and carbon nanotubes and graphene... this is the type of stuff the scientists I work with talk about all day...
Ah, thanks for the reminder Layla! I remembered the reference to Buckminsterfullerene, but forgot to mention it in the original post.
Thinking more about it... BuckyBalls has a better sounding name, IMO. I think they're gonna win.
I've had a NeoCube for almost a year now. It's really addictive, I love it. Be careful leaving it at the office, someone's bound to "borrow" it.
I checked their youtube, looks like all their videos are still up. Was the original one you posted from their account or was it someone's repost?
I wouldn't buy from buckeyball. Stealing someone's product shouldn't win you any points. I met the guy who invented The NeoCube (the set up at a local mall over Christmas). He's a really cool guy.
Yeah, plus you get more for less with the neocube.
Adam - The original video was the one from BB Gadgets. Even if it was a repost, I can't imagine wanting to discourage that kind of behavior. If their business was selling how-to videos, then I could see it... but the more videos that are reposted, the more people learn about the product: NeoCube.
I have to say though - thanks for sharing your comments/thoughts regarding the whole NeoCube v. BuckyBalls thing. I know little as to which one came first, but it's nice hearing from someone who feels strongly about the original. Maybe it'll help sway anyone who comes across this post, when they consider where to make their purchase...
This is just a cool product. I did go to the actual site that you mentioned and linked to, but found that it was not $13 there, but $30....did I find the right thing? Where did you find it for 13 bucks?
Ah, my fault on that. I was looking at the "mini" version, which goes for $13.
On closer inspection, I think that the regular size one is the one I have (the one that goes for $30).
I got three sets of Buckyballs from ThinkGeek - the magnetism is nowhere near as strong as Neocube, and one of the three sets is a different size to the other two (slightly larger balls).
so im guessing youve played with both the buckyballs and the neocubes, and so neocubes has better magnetism and better quality i guess?
the neocube is pretty fun but i want to try buckyballs to see if the buckyballs are better...
Actually, I've just played with the NeoCube. I suspect they're both pretty similar in nature, and can't imagine that the magnetism is better in one versus the other.
so no regrets with the neocube?
None so far! I honestly don't play with it a lot, but I keep it near my desk at work. Whenever anyone stops in to chat and sits down, they invariably pick it up and play with it.
I've got several coworkers who have no regrets whatsoever...
After hours of searching for the lowest price on magnets spheres, I was led to eBay where I found "zen magnets". Their balls are stronger, and bigger (3/16in neocube vs 5mm zen magnets). And ...Cheaper. These guys suck hard at marketing, but their product is definitely superior.
Coupon code nootropic will have a full set shipped to you for less than $23 on their website (zenmagnets.com)
Does anybody know what the diameter of buckyballs are?
I recently hunted online for which company to buy from. I reviewed Buckyballs which seem to put most of their money in marketing, Neocube which does appear to be the original and ended up buying from Zen Magnets.
There is one comparison I can make with Neocube though. When I line my Zen Magnets set up into 'squares' the very ends buckle out, though the centers stay in line. This may though actually be due to a stronger magnetic field. They are strong enough that I can place three above and three below my finger, and they will stick to either other through me. They also make the quickest fake earrings ever (careful, they pinch!)
I work a desk job and found myself with the problem of fidgiting. These have provided me endless amusement and tactile elation. Be careful, if you play with them too much, you might find your fingers hurting from trying to pry individual magnets apart!
Zen Magnets also come with six spares, which I appreciate, as they are quite small! The "Mini" 4x4x4 is by far too small to properly enjoy. The 6x6x6 216 is just right. :) I find myself already wishing I had a larger set though!
Oh, snap... I just recieved my BuckyBalls, and they aren't as good as my Zen Magnets.
They come with no spares.
The balls aren't all the same size! Slightly different.
And they're slightly smaller.
Also, they're not as strong.
So I'm very pleased with my Zen Magnets... but not really with my BuckyBalls...
Wired Magazine's December issue recommended Buckyballs as a gift idea. I am glad I stumbled upon this website, though, for this wonderful discussion of Neocube, Buckyballs and Zenmagnets. And thanks to JeffJ for the coupon code for ZenMagnets.com (nootropic). I just purchased 2 sets and am giving one away for our office Secret Santa exchange. I really like the Zenmagnet site. Can't wait to receive them.
So I guess the best ones to get would be Zenmagnets? Although I do like the balls to be a little smaller, though...
The original (and best) magnets are called Buckyballs. Buckyballs were voted "Toy of The Year" by Rolling Stone Magazine and are now available exclusively in the UK at http://www.buckyballs.co.uk
Buckyballs are better than the neocube for many reasons 1. neocube is a cheap knockoff of buckyballs 2. have you seen the websites buckyablls have a more creative website the neocube website tries to make you buy from them with a dancing chick i mean really that just kinda spells out DESPERATE. 3.Buckyballs were the original. 4. there is no difference in magnetism or number of balls you get. 5 neocubes ware out quicker than bucky balls so if your going to buy a pair buy bucky balls. NOTE im saying anything about zen magnets cause i dont know much about them
Everything I've read points to Neocube being the original, not Buckyballs. Even the Neocube website says they are the original and have a patent pending in the U.S, whereas the Buckyballs site claims no such thing. However, when it comes to quality, I cannot comment, for I haven't tried any of them. I decided to go with Zenmagnets. Mine are in the mail right now! From what I've read, they are of the highest quality. And if you want a large quantity, they regularly auction of massive amounts of them on ebay for cheaper than they sell them for on their website. Oh, and there's also a brand called Cybercube. Don't know much about them either.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.158756
hey peeps!.. anyone from S'pore? maybe we can do a mass purchase (nego for better costing)... do mail me at shizhen.jace@gmail.com... we'll see what can be worked out..
Neocubes were out first. Buckyballs were 2nd or 3rd. the reason the neocube site isn't that great is because the kid that invented neocubes is not a pro and he probably only has 10 people working for him. I believe bucky balls have a thin layer of coating. Bottom line: Neocube=little guy,first,better? Buckyballs=big buisness, later, not a nock off.
Also there is another thing called a cybercube it is a huge knockoff.
Just Got my Zenmagnets, really nice, im going to vote Zenmagnets.com. First night we lost 2 balls. found them today under the table, not sure what happend.
I started with Buckyballs and then tried Zen Magnets since several internet sources claimed they were better. Their website claims they use a higher grade of magnet.
They are not better. They are clearly weaker and harder to build things out of.
just so everyone knows zen magnets are 100 times better than buckeyballs and neocube. there a little bit cheaper and they have a sweet name. also the teaser video on there website looks awsome and doesnt look like it was filmed in some smokey bar with bad lighting
Maybe I'm a bit cynical, but it looks like there's a lot of marketing people from zenmagnets here. For a cheaper Chinese version, I'd be surprised if they were better, plus smaller seems a better option for this kind of thing. But what really spells it out for me is the sheer quantity and enthusiasm of the posts for zen here - just doesn't seem likely given their market share vs neocube and buckyballs. Just my 2c...
i am very confused. some people say neocubes are better, then others say zenmagnets, buckyballs, and cybercubes are better. all i want is a straight out answer with details to support your ideas.
jm - I doubt you're going to get a satisfying answer from anyone on which one is better. From my point of view, they're all pretty much the same. It's like asking which is better soft drink, Coke or Pepsi? It ultimately comes down to personal preference and some pretty minute details.
avoision is right
i personally own buckyballs, but when it comes down to it, it's three different companies selling nearly the same product, and let's face it, no matter what company, this thing rocks
here's a good comparison of all the brands, although its probably biased because the guys from zen magnets did it.
http://www.zenmagnets.com/index.php?p=1_9_Oversize-Sale
and anyway, zen magnets are about 5 bucks cheaper for the same number of magnets. so why not.
irrelevant, but the girl that appears when you open the neocubes site is really ugly and her dance is ridiculous... immediately turned me off XD
Nanodots are by far the best magnetic constructor. The king of magnetic creations (Szakii from YouTube) uses them elusively. That says a lot.
You guys haven't really mentioned Nanodots which is crazy. Especially since Buckyballs is just copying them.
I'm all about bang for buck myself, just like how I build my computers. That just leaves Nanodots.... unless you're one of those people that buys no-name Lego.
Aight, so I'm fairly broke... so I decided to look through the internet for a really cheap form of the Neocube/Buckyballs/Nanodots/Neodymium/ etc.... and so i found this website: http://www.alawoo.com/catalogsearch/result/?frontend=a44753829349e92e1cb3f7cf778c1a31&q=bucky&x=15&y=13
The cubes there are $13 for the full 216 balls (shipping not included) and they give you an option to choose the color/coating you would like for free. I'm anxiously awaiting my set, and hopefully I'll get back to you on how trustworthy they are... being as that they are based in China I will have to wait some time for the order to process and ship to the U.S.
That's Right,,,a month ago i ordered 2 sets 6mm Buckyballs gold on Alawoo.com and only paid $46.72 including freight fee,i received them a few days ago and that's right,but ship to the U.S. is a little slowly, They are from China.
I live near Chicago so they shipped it fairly quickly. I'm supposed to get them by Tuesday X)
I'm finding it hard to wait for them, so I'm "borrowing" my friend's set for now haha XD
And yes the site is trustworthy... as long as you're patient lol
Aug 31, 2010 Woot.com is selling them right now. A two pack with a total of 216 balls for $27.99. Use the coupon code TAXSUCKS so you don't have to pay that $5 shipping charge.