educational toy review

qx3 computer microscope (now replaced with the digital blue qx5 computer microscope) 

Rating: 

Product Overview
From sparkling cube-shaped grains of salt to the tiny hairs on the leaf of a plant, with this PC-connected microscope, everyday objects become fascinating and detailed worlds to discover. The Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope plugs right into the USB port of a Windows 98 computer. With the well-built microscope unit and the included software, kids can capture and magnify specimens at 10X, 60X, and 200X by placing them on the sample tray, or by using the microscope in handheld mode. All images are viewed onscreen and can be manipulated, stored, printed, or used to create slide shows! The set comes with 2 containment dishes, 2 sample jars, 3 prepared slides, plastic tweezers, and an eyedropper — all of the basic tools needed to transform children into little scientists.

How does this computer microscope improve upon a traditional one? Plenty! For one, magnifications are viewed on the computer screen so that groups of children (whether at home or in the classroom) won't have to take turns peering into an eyepiece. As well, the included software allows children to capture their images in the form of time-lapse movies or videos complete with musical soundtracks. Images can be altered with the software's paint tools, saved, printed, and even emailed. The microscope detaches from its stand so that kids can magnify things that can't quite fit on the tray (like a toy or even body part). In short, the Intel Play QX3 adds some spunk and creativity to science discoveries.

What it's missing are clips to hold the specimens in place. Kids had a hard time keeping their specimens steady at the highest magnification level. As well, there is a slight delay before an image appears on the screen, making it a little difficult for kids to adjust the focus.

Paint tools allow kids to "paint" or distort portions of their image, add stamps, and insert text (which can be scientific — "a spider at 60X magnification" — or just plain fun). Special effects include Distort, Atomic Glow, Fly's Eye, and Kaleidoscope. Kids can print out their images as posters and even stickers.

Our testers had an unusually good time with this product. Left on their own with the set, they came up with all sorts of ideas for specimens. Granted, a fair amount of time was spent capturing images of their Pokémon toys and creating movies, but they also engaged in some more traditional microscopy. They examined pieces of hair, a feather, a bug, and (ugh) toe jam. Testers gathered snow in a sample cup and viewed its magnified image as it melted, creating a time-lapse movie out of the process (in this case, a very short one!). They even captured an image of their cat's eye (everything was entirely humane — the handheld mode makes these kinds of things quick and easy), and then used the paint tools to turn the eye image into an island. The result was odd, but entirely creative. Parents were delighted watching their kids selecting the perfect soundtrack for their slide shows, and creating stickers from "yucky" images was a thrill for our 9-year-old tester.

An activity book is included, containing important information as well as suggestions for use. Though part of the fun is allowing children to come up with their own ideas for objects to magnify, the suggestions in this booklet can help jumpstart their imaginations.

This set succeeds at capturing children's interest as well as their imagination — it's a delight to watch as kids try to figure out what they'll do next with the set. As with many "toys", the novelty might wear off a little after a few days. In the long term, however, we expect that families will get more use out of this computer microscope than they would a traditional one. This might justify the rather steep $99 price tag.

While many traditional microscopes on the market offer higher magnification levels, those offered with this set are more than adequate for children's explorations. Note that kids at the lower end of the suggested age group will need some help getting started

Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Windows 98, Pentium or Celeron processor 200 MHz or faster, 32 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, video and sound compatible with DirectX, and at least 75 MB of hard drive space.

Skills Covered
science, creativity.

Educational Value
This set will capture the interest of most children - whether they are scientifically inclined or not - simply because it is so much fun. It encourages kids to discover the world around them by examining objects up-close. What's more, they have the chance to play with the images they capture, encouraging creativity.

Entertainment Value
With the ability to not only capture magnified objects in the form of images on the computer screen, but also manipulate, organize, and display these images in a variety of ways, this set one-ups traditional microscope discoveries.

Design
This computer microscope is easy to install and use. The microscope itself is durable and the handheld mode is innovative, opening up a whole new world of subjects to investigate. The software's interface is straightforward, making it easy for children to use and enjoy the tools offered.

Replayability
This product will likely receive immediate attention and intensive use for some time. Because it hooks up to the computer almost effortlessly, families will more readily return to it.

Dollar Value
The suggested retail price for this package is $99 US.

Update 2005: Note: The QX3 version has been discontinued. However, a new and improved product is available, and functions for Windows XP: QX5 Computer Microscope. This is an improved product with higher resolution and better lighting -- the images are higher quality overall.

Click on the image below for more information and/or to buy the QX5 Computer Microscope:

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