<story><title>Makerbot announces new 3D printer: Replicator 2</title><url>http://makerbot.com/</url></story><parent_chain><item><author>kiba</author><text>I do not know why makerbots keep getting more expensive than the next. I thought with advances in tech, they would get cheaper and eventually I would be able to afford one.&lt;p&gt;What the heck are they thinking?</text></item></parent_chain><comment><author>ajross</author><text>With Cupcake -&amp;#62; Replicator -&amp;#62; Replicator 2 the devices are getting physically larger and more capable.  Larger machines are more expensive to manufacture and assemble, and this is still a small-volume, mostly hand-assembled (in Manhattan! &lt;i&gt;{edit: sorry, Brooklyn.  I misremembered.}&lt;/i&gt;) industry.&lt;p&gt;If you want a 3D printer and cash is an issue, look to building your own Reprap.  Assuming you get it right the first time and don&apos;t need to buy tools, a total cost of under $500 for a Prusa Mendel is achievable.  Obviously you have to build it, but given the target market that&apos;s often not a problem.  Most people who want to build 3D printed stuff are generally happy to assemble robots too.</text></comment>
<story><title>Makerbot announces new 3D printer: Replicator 2</title><url>http://makerbot.com/</url></story><parent_chain><item><author>kiba</author><text>I do not know why makerbots keep getting more expensive than the next. I thought with advances in tech, they would get cheaper and eventually I would be able to afford one.&lt;p&gt;What the heck are they thinking?</text></item></parent_chain><comment><author>libraryatnight</author><text>When I saw this announcement my instant hope was, &quot;Maybe it&apos;s one in my price range!&quot; My excitement was sapped fairly quickly.&lt;p&gt;I think it&apos;s neat they&apos;re offering more advanced machines, but I&apos;d also like to see them release a budget model.</text></comment>