QX3 Microscope

THE COOLEST NEW PRODUCT OF 1999!

This new product from Intel Play is, hands-down, the coolest new computer tool of the year. This sturdy microscope allows you to look at objects on your computer screen. My own kids have gone absolutely nuts over this microscope.

The Intel Play microscope is surprisingly sturdy. Little hands will be able to hold on to it's 'chunky' barrel, and turn the knobs with ease. Your older kids will not be able to damage the microscope unless they really try. Unlike most microscopes, this one can be used to view slides (with the light from the bottom), or 3-dimensional objects (with the light from the top.) This usually requires two different microscopes! You wil find several slides in your box, but may want to make or purchase others from a science store.

Installation was a breeze, but keep in mind that you will need a USB port to make this one work. Not a good choice for older computers. Within seconds of installation, you are looking at an image on your screen. There are several fun things you can do with these images.

• Take snapshots
• Produce movies
• Create time-lapse images
• Edit your snapshots by adding text, colors, effects etc.
• Export your pictures to reports, or other projects

The microscope comes with three magnifying lenses. You can view things at 10X, 60X, and 200 X. The image takes a second to appear on the screen, so focusing can be a bit tricky. My kids got used to it within a few minutes, however. You simply need to make small changes, and be patient for a second while the image clears on your screen. We found focusing at 200X the most difficult, and avoided this power in most cases. The difficulty at high power was the only drawback we found. To be fair, it is not always easy to focus a regular microscope at higher powers either.

One of the best features, is that the microscope can be removed from it's base. This allows your kids to look at anything in the room (within the reach of the cord). My kids delighted in studying their skin, their eyeballs, and much to my dismay, the insides of their noses! This seemed to be the hit of the day. I suppose the study of what is in your nose counts as science too. The picture you are seeing here is a piece of my daughters fingernail.

I can highly recommend this microscope as a great addition to your home or classroom. Kids will delight in what they can see. We have had three different 'cheap' microscopes, and none have caused as much stir as this one. Your kids will love this!