Couldn't agree more. I had a Parrot 1.0 and it was of low overall quality. I have a Phantom (v1.1) and it's fantastic; a friend just bought the v2 which is even greater.
Among the differences: the Phantom has an actual radio, with ranges of over 500m (it would be very surprising if Wifi covered the advertised 300m of this new Parrot); you can change cameras as you wish (or, after a crash), it can fly really high and really fast, etc.
You can get a Phantom 1 for under $350 these days (without a gimbal), or a 2+ (camera and gimbal included) for around $1000. I would recommend buying the 2 without gimbal ($550) and the Zenmuse gimbal ($150-$200) -- and if you already have a GoPro you're all set.
Alternatively, you can buy a Hubsan H107D FPV which comes with a radio with a screen, for under $150! I don't own that one, but I have the Hubsan X4 which is a lot of fun (and completely safe to fly indoors).
Can I control the Phantom from Android? All their site seems to be talking about ipads.
Re:Parrot Bebop
by dirktheman on Monday June 02, 2014 @06:04AM
(#7832685)
If it is possible, you would be severely limited by the WiFi signal radius. I'd highly recommmend a normal 2.4 Ghz TX since they're designed for this stuff. The phantom comes with TX, but if you go the DIY route I can really recommend the Turnigy 9X from HobbyKing. It's only $60, has 9 channels, comes with receiver and people won't laugh at you because you're holding an iPad or a toy-like transmitter.
I'm fairly sure I've seen ways to interface the Turnigy 9X with phones via a headphone jack.
Re:Parrot Bebop
by newaccountfool on Monday June 02, 2014 @04:57AM
(#7832515)
You might be able to but I would recommend it, using a good old 2.4ghz transmitter. You'll get more control and more range on that.
If you're a tinkerer you can build your own for a lot less, but be prepared for a LOT of fiddling to get it right (and the crashes that come with the fiddling). I fly a DIY F330 (same dimensions as the Phantom, only 'naked' frame) with an Arduino-based flight controller (APM2.6). It has some advantages over the DJI system, such as unlimited waypoints for autonomous flight. It can carry a gopro, and replacement parts/batteries are a lot cheaper if you get them from China. I don't get anywhere near the battery duration of the DJI, though. So: if you're looking for a new hobby: build your own. If you just want to fly: get the DJI.