Waaayy back when I was in 9th grade, I could never focus a microscope. Immediately, I wished for one that was a lot easier! A few years later, one came out that could be connected to a monitor, but it cost something like $900. I figured I'd wait until the price came down, but eventually, I forgot about it. Only now, when I got the opportunity to get this microscope, did I revisit the idea.

All I can say is FINALLY!!! My thought that it'd be easier to focus something that I wasn't trying to look through with one eye turned out to be exactly right. This is simple to focus! Once I figured out that I'd have to turn the monomer focuser and not just the height of the stand, I was golden. The only negative I can find is that it doesn't go to 1000x magnification. I do also wonder how long the backlight in the stand is going to last, though, because I don't see a way to charge that part up.

As is fairly common for me, I did lose the instructions before I actually got everything set up. However, I had read them, so I knew how to get it connected to the computer via USB cord. I usually have a frustrating time with wireless, so I use cords whenever I can and avoid apps and such. Once it was connected, I watched one of the videos on the listing to pick up some more tips since I still haven't re-found the instructions.

I checked out the ant, pine needle cross-section, and pumpkin stem. They're all quite cool. I noticed that all of the plant samples are stained. Staining makes things much easier to see. I'm sure I'll look up how to do that for any DIY samples I make.

Overall, it's great that technology I've waited over 30 years for has finally gotten out of the lab environment and is now readily available at home-use prices. I love it when something I envisioned years ago becomes a real thing!