Nocturnal and RebelTaz; thanks for replies.

About the RoboRemote... I opened up the (PDF) RoboRemote manual that I downloaded (looking at it again right now). There are no specifications for in-remote memory limitations. There are 4 function buttons (arrow buttons U/D/L/R) and a shift button (three shift levels) so you can store 12 sequences in the RoboRemote, but no indication as to how long those sequences can be (how many actions can be stored in a specific 'timeline'). BUT (copied and pasted from the PDF manual):

'NOTE: You can create a control function on the timeline that includes more
than one robot; when playing back the control function using Roboremote, make
sure all the robots used in the control function are on and their IR receivers are facing Roboremote.' (*possibly* implies some length / capacity here)

'NOTE: Once your Roboremote is connected to your computer via USB, it will be powered by your computer instead of its batteries. This helps save on battery usage.' (hmmm.... nah, I'm being silly)

In any case, according to RoboQuad manual (the PDF I downloaded) any programming is lost when you shut it off (or it puts itself to sleep for >= 24 hours); so even with my initial WowWee purchase, I think it would be a good investment. Interesting sequences can be backed up to the hard drive (and archived to CDRom).

About the WowWee store and the 'esend' thing. 'esend is 'kinda new''. Hmmm. Now I am reluctant to use them, especially with that error concerning the RoboBoa.

BUT... I just googled wowwee roboremote, found the 'roboremoteonline' site. 'Where to Buy' sez 'Coming Soon!'. ACK! ack, I say! But 'contact' has a (1-800) phone number listed for inquiries... good. I will call them on monday and ask about the wowwee store, 'esend', roboboa, and if/when I can get a roboremote. Just for good measure I am about to email the wowwee store (esend) again, and ask for a PHONE NUMBER again, a short reference to my first emaikl about the RoboBoa, and explain that now I am also interested in RoboRemote and that I want one.

Hehehe... who SEZ getting old(er) is the pitts? It gives one the RIGHT to be grouchy.

If I get good info on the WowWee store (etc) througout next week, I'll post it here for the good of the community etc.

Gale;

Thanks, I'm sure that news is probably welcomed by the entire Robo Community. I for one appreciate it.

I spoke to someone in Montreal twice today; someone there is working on the RoboBoa -> USA issue, and I will be contacted over the phone or through email. I am advised that tomorrow (TUES 1 July) is Canada Day (similar to the USA Independance Day), and I might not hear anything until Wednsday. Hopefully I will receive news as to how and where to (easily) purchase one.

There is always the PlayAsia site (Hong Kong). There is a notice there to 'check with local customs regulations'. Just in case Montreal doesn't come through for me (and perhaps even if they do, but a RoboBoa has to be sent from Canada), I called the closest customs official to my city (which is now closely associated with the Department of Homeland Security; maybe customs issues used to be easier).

His explanation was complicated. He states that if you order something from ANY other location, be it Hong Kong or even Canada, it MUST clear customs, and that usually means that the customer must physically pick up the item. For me, that would be Dallas - a four hour drive from Abilene Texas.

I explained that I am disabled (I am a disabled military retiree; service connected disability) and that I do not drive. In that case, he says, UPS, FedEx, or whoever could 'act as the customer's agent'. The item would have to be sent (for example) initially to the UPS hub in Memphis Tennesee, where it would clear, and then resume for a direct delivery to my door. He stated that basically I would have to make arrangements with BOTH UPS and the sender to coordinate this. Argh. Or maybe UPS would just do this anyway, as a part of doing business? (I hope?)

Anyway, I'll see what news I get on wednsday, maybe it will be good.