MakerBot Replicator Mini is the 3D printer you want, but it's not cheap

3D printing has not turned into the consumer revolution everyone expected. If you need proof, just look at standard-bearer MakerBot, a company conceived to bring 3D printing to the masses that is now narrowing its focus considerably to business and education. 

One of the reasons it never quite took off is because 3D printing is more complicated, frustrating and messier than most of us were led to believe. It’s slow, confusing and how many oddball, rough-hewn tchotchkies does anyone need anyway?

Worse yet, so-called affordable 3D printers have not made the process any easier. Last year, I tried out a $399 Mod-T. While gorgeously designed, the wireless setup was a bust and, even when connected to a computer, it failed to properly print a single model. It was an utter failure. Read more...