micro:bit Smart Coding Kit

Very good value in comparison to other sites. Durable and easy to use.

This is the perfect tool for kids to learn how to code, provided you have the micro bit to start with. It’s intuitive, you use a computer program to tell the car what to do. Overall it’s good quality and would recommend it, even though it is a bit expensive.

This is not a standalone device, but it works very well and is a good extention to the other parts. As a gift it was very popular.

Firstly, do not buy is you don't have a microbit. It does say that in the text, but just reminding you - it is a key element. Next, "Do buy", if you have a microbit, it is a super extension that enhances the microbit and allow you to create a fun and practical item.

Confusions abound with the Elecfreaks Wearable microbit Extension Board(Wear:bit). At the moment the product heading ends with the words “for Micro:bit Beginners and Student (Without Micro:bit).” While in the product description adds: “TIPS: (1)WITHOUT micro: bit!!! Suitable for ages over 6 years old.” Such phrases left me unclear whether I needed a mico:bit (which, fortunately, I already owned). Looking at other reviews, I see that other reviewers have understandably been caught out. What this actually is, is a watch strap style expansion board for the micro:bit. The expansion board includes a simple, cloth watchstrap. To use this product you have to supply your own micro:bit. The expansion board includes slots for two 2025 batteries, which you also have to supply yourself, thus providing a portable power source. You attach your micro:bit to this expansion board using the rather fiddly screws provided. The battery power allows you to keep the micro:bit powered whilst it is being worn. You can download micro:bit programs or create your own, to exploit the wearability. Typical programs include a step counter, stop watch, rock-paper-scissors, etc. No instructions whatsoever are included with the product, so you are reliant to their online offerings. Sadly, these are shoddy. Seasoned micro:bit users will find adding or customising programs easy. But (and here is one of the key problems I see with this Elecfreaks product) novice users attempting to follow the accompanying on-line Elecfreaks instructions are likely to struggle to understand what to do. I suspect this will be especially so for teachers and pupils attempting to use this product in class. As I write this review, the Elecfreaks accompanying website is littered with confusions, such as screen shots of Scratch code shown in Chinese, and ambiguous, poorly worded instructions such as: “The breakthroughs are: Simplify the installation without using the acrylic back shroud. Maintain a simple style with 3-pin ports canceled” and “When switching on, the cells give power to the micro:bit and the Wear:bit, or the cells do not give power” and “Open Makecode, programme to make micro:bit show heart in a flash way.” What of the expansion board itself? Its okay. The strap holds everything securely to the wrist, and build quality seems adequate. Is it fun? Reasonably. My son quite enjoyed some of the activities, but the novelty quickly wore off. I think one of the problems with this setup is that there is not much to see – no extra flashing lights, actions or activities that you cannot get from the micro:bit by itself. A further problem is the battery power. The cell batteries don’t offer much battery life, so need frequently replenishing. Verdict: it’s okay, but its not the most exciting add-on for the micro:bit. It would probably provide a couple of interesting lessons in a junior computing class, but the poor on-line instructions are likely to prove a barrier for novices and busy teachers.

As someone who knows nothing about Micro bit I was really keen to try this out with my son. Turns out you need extra things and this is just an add on. As others have said it’s partly our fault but also I think it should really be a lot clearer that this is an add on to avoid disappointment. Maybe offer a complete package for beginners? Item arrived in a small plastic case and quality seems good.

I don't think its quite clear from the listing that this kit is NOT complete and it's missing the key Micro:Bit board component to be able to actually use it. This definitely isn't conveyed by the main pictures. If you already have the main SBC board and are a certain kind of person that finds this fun (like me), then this is brill - a proper statement-piece and conversation starter!

This is an accessory for a Mciro:Bit device, it then doesn't work without the £31 board and a couple of batteries Since I wasn't offered the actual device needed to make this product functional - I can't review this as I might almost any other vine product. Worse I don't think this is "add on" to base product is really clear in the product description. I am guilty this time of not reading the full description, sure. But that in itself is an important lesson I can as Vine reviewer pass on.