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Ravensburger Science X Smartscope











This seemed like a really good idea.  A kid friendly microscope type tool that incorporates their phone or tablet for display purposes.   I got it this afternoon and couldn't wait to put it together to see which one of my grandchildren  would find it the most enjoyable.  I now know none of them would.   You need to hunt through the instructions to find the english language version.  Then there is a separate sheet that should say read me first and might in one of the other languages that accompany it.  The separate sheet tells you how to install the magnifying lens into the holder, kind of tells you.  They tell you to install the two lens in the holes but then they tell you to use the hole on the right and then the diagram seems to show putting two lens into the hole on the right.   I'll never know as the lens are significantly smaller than contact lens and when trying to insert both of them in one hole, one lens went flying.  I spent as much time searching the room for the missing lens as I did reading the instructions.  I now have one lens, I have decided this is no fun and I don't want to subject any of my grandkids to a do it yourself magnifier.   This might be a good idea and looking at the rest of the instructions if the manufacturer would have installed the lens, the frustration factor would be minimal.  As is, with one lens, who knows if this will work.
from the vendor:
·                        Explore the amazing world of microscopic with Smart scope
·                        Take pictures of magnified objects to share with your friends or stream them to your big screen TV
·                        No app download or in app purchases
·                        Features: 2 magnification levels, removable light source and travel pouch
·                        Smartphone or tablet required (not included!)

If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

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