Review: QX5 Digital Microscope

Originally designed by Intel as part of a series of "smart" toys for kids, the $99 QX line of microscopes gave unprecedented power to kids. The hardware is excellent, with the ability to zoom in up to 250x on slides and live specimens. Users can choose between lighting from above or below the specimen. The scope works either in its stand or can be hand held. As good as the hardware is, the software supplied is even better: Kids can "look through" the microscope on their computer monitor, or snap pictures, time lapse stills, or even movies. An excellent art program is also included. Using the monitor to see the "hidden world" is much easier than looking through those eyepieces…Keep in mind this is a kids product; scientists worried about obtaining the highest resolution or maintaining a precise field of focus as the lenses are swapped in and out should look to a more professional device. But, this is consistantly one of the most well received products I've ever tested with every child I've shared it with.