QX5 Microscope
© 2008 Digital Blue
Turn your computer screen into a giant microscope viewfinder, with the latest edition of Digital Blue's computer microscope. The QX5 Computer Microscope ($150, www.digiblue.com) looks and operates exactly like previous versions, that date back to 1999, but offers more power and features. You first install the setup software from the included CD, and then plug the computer into your USB port, which provides power for the LED lighting, so no batteries are required. When in the stand, the moving stage makes it easy to operate as a traditional microscope. You can take the microscope off the stand, for handheld exploring, and capture still images or-- creepier still -- thrill-cam video of such things as moving bugs. The editing software is easy to use, and comes on the included disk. The image sensor has been upgraded to 1.3 megapixels, from the original 320 x 240 resolution, and it is easy to toggle between 10x, 100x or 200x magnification. The kit includes specimen jars, an eye dropper and slides. The only thing missing from the kit are a Windows computer and a child's innate curiosity.
$150, Mac OSX, Windows XP
Teaches: science, observation