QX7 Digital Computer Microscope

I bought the older Digital Blue QX3 back in 2004, back in the days when the unit was blue instead of gray, and I was very impressed with its operation, but disappointed in the fact that it just couldn't seem to focus at the 10X, 60X and especially not at the 200X level. All the screenshots at that highest level came out slightly fuzzy, no matter how carefully I turned the focus knob, and it also seemed as if the colors were off as well. But it was still impressive for a device that was considered by its creators to be a toy, designed for use by children. Even the User Guide was a dual manual: One side for the kids, and the other side for the parents. Although I bought the QX3 from Amazon, it was shipped from Toys R Us. But shortly after buying the QX3, I bought a newer PC, with a Vista operating system, and the QX3 wouldn't install on it, so I decided to upgrade. I bypassed the QX5, and waited patiently for the QX7 to become available. After all, it promised 1280x1024 image resolution, and "glass optics for crystal clear high resolution images". With all that, how could I possibly go wrong? I got my first clue when they once again touted this unit as a "toy" and a fun plaything for children. What I wanted was a serious plaything for adults.The fact is, I really wanted to get the unit in spite of its being called a "toy" by the Digital Blue people. They pushed back the release date several times till it finally was released in 2012, and I waited patiently to read the reviews here on Amazon. Even after several months of release and sales, the very few reviews posted here were disappointing, indicating, among other disappointments, that the software was not for the QX7, but for the QX5. Further, the QX7 website revealed that the software for the full graphic potential of the unit would not be released for another year or so.But I could wait no longer. In spite of the reviews, I bought it from Amazon, and received it, and eagerly installed the software...or attempted to install it. When the installation process began, an error message popped up indicating that the installation process was being aborted because I needed a version of Windows Media Player equal to or higher than v 9. I have version 11.0 on my hard drive, but I had no way to convince the installation program of this fact. I then downloaded some software pertaining to the QX7 from the Digital Blue website, and attempted to install that software, but I got the same error message. I then sent an email to Digital Blue Support, explaining my problem, and attached a photo of the Digital Blue error message regarding the Windows Media Player. They sent me a form letter acknowledgment two days later, assuring me that a ticket had been assigned, and a response to my problem should be forthcoming within 24 hours. After a couple weeks and two more emails urgently pleading for assistance, I still have not heard from Digital Blue Support for help on fixing my specific problem. Not good, Digital Blue. Very poor Customer Relations.However, I still had my old XP desktop computer in my garage, and in desperation, I attempted to install the QX7 on that machine. To my amazement, it installed flawlessly with the QX5 disk that came in the package. Yes, the program actually worked on my old XP machine, and it was like déjà vu as the software went through its routine of the opening blue "tornado", looking and sounding just like my old QX3, making all those strange sounds every time the cursor landed on an option. (My favorite sound effect is when the cursor lands on the stop sign icon, to exit, and the sound effect says "uh oh"). So it seemed like nothing much had changed since 2004.I must admit here that I really bought this QX7 as well as its QX3 predecessor for the primary purpose of viewing computer cpu chips under the microscope, sort of like a hobby. So when I placed my naked chips under the microscope once again, and turned the microscope's light on, I was really thrilled to see them revealed in whatever detail I could muster from the unit. Unfortunately, no one had told the Digital Blue people that upgrades to machines, especially after a span of eight years, are supposed to IMPROVE the performance of the machine, not keep them at the same level. The screenshots did, as a matter of fact, improve somewhat from the 2004 version, and the color had improved slightly, but there was the old fuzziness, still with us, and the inability to fine-tune the focus, still with us. I found myself still trying to adjust the focus knob just like before, vainly attempting to get that "crystal clear high resolution image" that was promised on their website, and for which I had waited so patiently.So then why am I giving the QX7 four stars after having said all of the above? Well, let's be realistic here. In all fairness, for 100 bucks, we're simply not going to get a high-performance and finely crafted digital microscope with high resolution pictures at a 200X display on our computer monitors. When all things are considered, and when we place all things in perspective, the picture we do get is really quite good. As I have come to realize, FOR THE MONEY WE PAID, the QX7 does its job quite well in allowing us to view nature up close. Furthermore, the unit looks solid and feels very sturdy, and it is certainly far more than an educational toy for children - and this time the User Guide is written only for adults. So if we don't blow the screenshots up too large on our screens to reveal the pixilation, and if we understand that no technology company is perfect, including Digital Blue, then what we really have is a truly functional and inexpensive device for examining nature up close. Lastly, there is the remote possibility that when this improved QX7 software comes out in a year or so, it may actually improve the images. But for right now when this gray device actually works, even if it's on an old XP machine in the garage, we certainly do get our money's worth. And then some.

Bought 5/2015 and have used it several times till now, 6 June 2015. Digital Blue site software downloads not working and evidently have not been for months. As in online reviews, the included software is pretty clunky and not for those who are easily frustrated, especially if you are running XP. My example was discounted as "like new" and it appeared to be unused with the original shrink wrap covering the scope part. However, the scope part had come unmoored from the cardboard packaging, but thankfully with no discernible harm. Better optics and fact that scope adjusts (moves) and not stage makes it a real and worthwhile improvement over the QX3.

Love my new QX7.I had an old QX3.The new glass lens system is much clearer than the old plastic.Lighting is controlled by the switch on the scope. Intensity is controlled the same old way on the screen.I'm very happy. This is exactly what I wanted.This is a very nice, very clear, dissecting style microscope. With lighting from top and/or bottom.Price can't beat at three and four times the price from other dissecting microscopes at any of the top microscope vendors.The QX7 isn't a 1,200 X (plus), digital microscope. It is not a traditional microcope. It is not for making or showing microscopic slides of moving sperms and stained studies of disease microorganisms.The QX7 is for the rest of us ageless kids. The QX7 is a very nice, powerful, clear, lighted, dissecting style microscope that can be used for detailed study of frog and bug innards, and all the other cool stuff that deserves a closer look.Chris

works very good very nice

If using a Mac and want full details: This microscope says it's Mac compatible but it's only sorta true. The included software does not have the QX7 as a selection when opening it for the first time (or anytime). Instead it lists QX3, QX5, something Smithsonian and then you have to select the last one- QuickTime camera. From there you have to select USB 2.0 camera (and not your webcam if using a laptop). Then, the best part is that you NEED to purchase a license ($18 for home/$25 for biz) to use the software without the "Trial Version" text that sits on top of your image. The sad thing is that you have to do these selections each time when opening the software and your session ends in 30 min. so that you must reopen it again... so they can sell you the license. If I spend money on a product- I expect the software to work without further expense. Sell me other features or prepared slides but don't make what I paid for look like something I stole! I was going to try and call Digital Blue and ask them about this shady setup they have but they don't have a public phone number. Sad. Don't buy one. Mine is already on it's way back to the seller.

I bought this as a gift for my grandson. The internet raved about the earlier versions of this microscope and this one had to be better right? It claimed compatibility with Macintosh OS X but the software for doing that is a homemade third party job that was last updated in 2009. Yup you guessed it. Not compatible. Disappointed kid. Disappointed parents. Ticked off grandpa. I hate to be one of these, "it was better in the old days" guys but sometimes the term 'upgrade' means sideways or even backwards. It is worth checking carefully on these specialty items; e.g., will the manufacturer respond to an email? Do they have a customer service phone number ? I must say that when I finally found a PC, the images this gizmo produces are pretty nice. I'm thinking of bringing it into my research lab.

product was well packaged and arrived safely and in working order. we have not used it yet in our kindergarten with the children as our focus is elsewhere - looking to get it out next term! We had the previous version of the digiblue and loved it - so just finally replacing after years of good use.