ALDI Maginon USB Student Microscope

Trouble getting started – I've had significant trouble with setting up. The people on the other end of the after sales number were unable to provide a link to the set up software. I'Ve since been provided with the information by another user whose details I found on the Maginon web site. I don't really understand how it all works yet but so far it's been a bit of a drama. It must improve here! Fingers crossed!

Better than a toy – Good starter to whet a budding scientists mind before going onto something a bit more serious and therefore more expensive. I'm using Windows 10, and feel the installation software is a little clunky, but if you persevere it will finally stop pestering you for info. Tried both u-Lead interface and the CamApp which will appear on your desktop, the latter is fine for younger folk with less options to get lost in.

Images whilst not super clear are good enough to show the detail you cannot see with the eye alone.

All in all value for money.

It's A Great Cheap Starter For The Enquiring Mind And Easy Setup – I've had this for two years now and I've seen it pop up at Aldi at least 3 times. Same kit, same cost. The cool features of this kit is that the microscope can be operated hand held (you remove the barrel from the stand and therefore can view fixed objects that you can't put on a slide), 3 magnify settings (10x, 60x, 200x), a fairly decent light, fairly sturdy (albeit plastic) build and easy to follow software. They also give you 5 prepared slides so that you don't have to go hunt some stuff to get your viewing started.

The minuses:

1. Some reported issues if you're not on Windows.

2. Camera resolution is not that flash.

3. Image capture seems to distort. (All my subjects seem to get narrower!)

4. The tweezers are rubbish - I'm not sure what they were designed to pick up but they're not even good for squeezing out my teabags.

5. The containers for the gum Arabic and stain is less than airtight. My supply dried out within months.

6. The focus mechanism is very rough - while you're trying to focus and view your image it shakes as you twiddle the knobs. Forget fine tuning. You will be yo-yoing for too much and too little and finally give up on your perfect focus.