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?
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.