Parrot AR.Drone 1.0

The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 is the newest installment of the AR Drone line. Like the original AR Drone, this quadcopter...

I've been a big fan of the Parrot AR.Drone since it was first released in early 2010. Although it's not a real drone as we define it (capable of autonomy) since it doesn't have GPS or a navigation function, it is a remarkable piece of engineering and I think of it as the "gateway drug" to real UAVs. I've heard that more than a 100,000 have been sold, and many of those users will catch the bug and want more, bringing them to communities likes this one and the more sophisticated UAVs discussed here.  Parrot has been kind enough to send me review units of both the original AR.Drone and now the new AR.Drone 2.0, which was released last month ($299). The 2.0 version adds: Much improved video (it's now very clear with its new HD camera and almost lag-free) A magnetometer for what we call "simple mode" flying, where you can ignore the orientation of the quadcopter and just fly relative to the compass (so tilting your iPhone/iPad down will fly it north, for example, regardless of what…

We've been excited for the Parrot AR.Drone since we first heard about it early this year. After a few different hands-on opportunities at various conventions, it was hard to not see the amazing potential the device had once you got it outside of the little 10 foot by 10 foot tent that was home to its demonstrations.