It's NOT cheaper to buy directly from Variable, the maker of NODE+.
The dual-mode NODE+ sensor platform that is both iOS and Android compatible retails for $149 on the http://www.variableinc.com/products website. The Therma sensor module retails for $75. That's $224 retail – so the 8% off claim stated here is definitely accurate!
This is really a great deal!
NODE+ is a great educational device when teaching science to students as well as a professional tool that already has practical applications. GTI Spindle for instance has already integrated NODE+ with their VibePro app used by the manufacturing sector when conducting vibration analysis. (Read http://bit.ly/1htILBw to learn more!)
Wikipedia also has a list of applications for infrared thermometers that you can read here in case you're wondering what other applications exist for NODE+Therma: http://bit.ly/IAMn5o
If you have an iPhone, it's cheaper to buy it directly from the site and add the module. This version also supports android which is more expensive as it has 16MB onboard storage. I'd like to see a iOS + Therma + Weather bundle here!
Nathaniel_HornblowerI don't see how its cheaper? Its $99 for the iOS only platform, then $75 for the therma module. Thats $175+shipping. Massdrop's lowest price is something like $168+shipping