Planet Toys Planet Earth Digital Microscope Kit

It's actually good, FOR THE PRICE. All the criticism or not so enthusiastic comments that follow should be viewed while keeping in mind that you don't pay a lot for this kit. If you would like to test your kid(s) scientific leanings or you just want to encourage or stimulate their curiosity, this is one inexpensive way to do it.As happens to be the case with some of these entry-level offerings, the goal is to give you what appears to be 'a lot' for not so much money. This specific kit has, besides the microscope and its 'must have' accessories (slides) also a pair of tweezers, a CD-ROM with some moderately-useful software and, of course, the camera.The microscope itself can magnify things up to about 1000 times. This sounds good but the kids do need to put some work into slide preparation if they are to see anything that looks remotely interesting. A good microscope should be able to do 2000 times magnifications [please see the 'comments' section for a discussion on what is reasonable to expect from a good microscope - note added on Dec. 7] but, remember, this is an entry-level unit and it's inexpensive so it's good for what you are paying.The camera can be attached to the microscope and lets you shoot some low-res pictures of what the microscope sees. It connects to the computer through a USB port. I was not impressed by it and I see it as a gimmick because it could have been easily integrated into the microscope's body. The fact that it could be used as a web camera is more of a distraction from the microscope than a true enhancement. I wish the resolution was a bit higher. The way it is, it can be a little frustrating and makes you wish you had something better.The book and the CD-ROM are okay, not great but okay. My expectation was to see the kids actually looking at things themselves rather than reading about what you could see if you really had some expensive tools and you really knew what you were doing. The software on the CD-ROM should help my kid with a science project, should he choose to do one on a topic that requires magnification.In 'real-life', my kids played with it for one hour or two after we opened the box than they came back to it a couple more times and we worked together on preparing some interesting slides. It's not as easy as it appears on TV. They agree that they would consider the microscope next time they need to do a science project.Given that I paid less than I would for the typical PS3 or Xbox game, I do not regret this purchase.P.S. - You will need 3 AA batteries.P.P.S. - I am now ordering a second kit for one of their friends' birthday.

This is a great little product that kids and adults will enjoy! Both my husband and self had microscopes as kids - the little kit with a mirror - but both wished this had been around back then. FAR superior and a great price.First of all, this is a sturdy little unit built with kids in mind. The chrome base is solid and keeps everything steady. The microscope itself is a plastic but solid and perfect for young hands [also easy to keep clean as budding scientists are likely to get icky stuff involved]. The slides are either clear [to make your own preparations] or have titles - plus they are not sharp [although caution is still advised]. There is a built in light [no mirrors!] that provides decent illumination. Power is sufficient to get a good look. As you might expect, this is not a professional scope so don't expect an image like that of an electron microscope - but on the other hand, it certainly provides a decent view of the world around us.The book provides some great - easy to read age appropriate suggestions on more activities for kids that are old enough to go it alone. The box and entire kit are attractive and if you haven't bought the video set it is a wonderful way to get kids excited about what they see on the series [wonderful series].Where this REALLY excels is the handheld camera. Just plug it in and go. I've not used this enough to put a full review because the software requires online access and the computer we had in that room doesn't connect to the internet [we keep that one in another area].All in all - an EXCELLENT product, great for homeschoolers or those that want to share the excitement of life with kids.

This microscope is good for beginners, but has a few draw backs. The light is very small and has no dimmer control. This causes problems with objects that are not the perfect thickness. If it's too thick the light will not get through and if it's too thin, well all you see is light. The pre-made slides that it comes with are entertaining and work well. There is also only one control for zooming instead of having two one for slow zooming. Overall though it is a good toy but not a good scientific tool.

I used the product on a windows based computer about 4 years ago. My grandkids loved it. Only issue was it was difficult to get a good image on the screen. Otherwise it was perfect. I want to introduce my 5 year old to the microscope. Only issue i am having now is that the software does not support APPLE operating systems. Would love to know if there is an update. Apple users beware

I bought this microscope for my kid's pre-K school. The instruction is very poorly written. Teacher couldn't figure out what it means. I took it back and spent more than an hour and finally figured it out. The visual quality is not very good and the frame is too small. Teacher ended up giving up showing kids the slides she intended to show them and went for a cheap version of the magnifying view instrument.