A few words on the microscope, since there's nothing here yet. It is quite an interesting toy for children and their dads. For not-too-much money, it offers a microworld view with the possibility of observing directly via computer. Probably a good way to get the kids to do something other than the phone. In addition, there is quite rich additional content (samples, literature. ). So much for a general view of the microscope. But if I break it down a bit... In the box with the microscope, you will find a lot of other things, but you won't find the most basic thing - a pair of slides to squeeze the sample into, possibly for viewing liquids. Practically everything has to be placed on the circular window of the table, which you will only damage (I've probably already done that). Alternatively, you have to make something yourself - I used a hard foil cut-out.
In general, viewing is also not a hit parade, the microscope offers a pair of illuminators (lower and upper), but the illuminator has no function of regulation, the brightness can not be reduced in any way. After a few seconds of looking into the LED spotlight, one will either go blind or at least have sore eyes for hours or days, even with dead batteries - really ideal for a child's eye. The solution would be some kind of tinted glass, but of course you won't find that in the package either, so I either tan the glass above the spark plug, or stick some plastic wrap behind the exhaust of my partner's turbo and step on the gas a bit. You can't do much with the side illumination either - the position of the reflector simply shades this light after focusing, so it's useless. I ended up shining the LED on my phone from the side. Bravo!
Another problem is the woefully inadequate rigidity of the table. This is especially noticeable at maximum magnification, when you refocus and need to go back - the image goes sideways at this point, i.e. unfortunate enough for any kind of play. I honestly can't imagine how this works for microscopes with many times better magnification. The digital camera and the ability to display it on a computer is definitely cool, but looking at the camera body, you can't help but notice the absolutely insane number - 0.35 Mpx - bravo, the first mobile phone cameras are making a comeback! But don't let me blame you, it's enough to view the details and looking at the manufacturer's website one finds that even a slightly better camera costs about the same as the whole microscope and more. I.e. which explains why the worst low-end is included. The field of view of the camera is only a small portion of what the human eye can actually see through the eyepiece, unfortunately I could not find any way to expand the image to a larger area in the software. The camera also suffers from another problem - its insertion into the tube is extremely loose. The moment you place it there and connect the cable, the camera will rotate thanks to the cable and so will the image on the computer monitor. I.e. some subsequent orientation when moving the samples is quite complicated... solved by stretching a simple rubber band, which fixed the camera in the right position. One last tidbit about the camera - the software comes on a CD... really? At a time when many computers and tablets don't have anything like a CD drive, this is quite a laughable oversight of the times. Yes, the SW can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website, but only after you search the website. In summary, if you want to peek into the microworld and give your children a demonstration, this microscope is not completely bad, but rather than a scientist, you will eventually become a blind man and the gift for 3000 CZK will end up on a shelf somewhere - unless you "finish" it yourself. I know, the price isn't high, but when a microscope boasts a "Made in USA" label, you'd expect it to be a little better. This way it feels like everything is kind of half and half. Which is a pity, I wanted to buy a stargazing telescope, but probably not with this brand (or at least not anything at a lower price, because it will probably be a junk like a supermarket). I'm not a pro-scientist (I have only one PhD), but my intuition tells me that I wouldn't play too big a show with this fool. And that's a shame. Note: The aim of the review was not to tear the product down completely, but rather to point out what annoys me personally about it. It's probably naive to think that it would reach the eyes of the manufacturer/dealer, but hopefully someone will at least make up their mind whether to invest in this one, or sacrifice more, or someone else.