Makerbot is a great thing though because it makes this affordable, whatever the quality, some manufacturing capability at low quality (resolution, material choices) is better than none at all.
Exactly right. The MakerBot is not a threat to Stratsys, Objet, or any of the other big 3D printer companies, but it does open the door to any school with an engineering bent and the ability to run a profitable bake sale.
It helps teach the principles of 3D printing, give people a good reason to pick up CAD skills, and hopefully will produce a cool product or two.
Makerbot is a great thing though because it makes this affordable, whatever the quality, some manufacturing capability at low quality (resolution, material choices) is better than none at all.