Have you ever felt a compulsive need to see what a leaf really looks like up close? Ever wanted to see what sugar REALLY looks like just before you scoop and stir it into your morning coffee? Have you ever felt like looking at your own skin under the microscope, but felt too embarrassed to ask an actual scientist to let you do it?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then the Mini Microscope for iPhone 4 is here to satisfy the scientist in you!

The Mini Microscope for iPhone 4 is a pocket-sized accessory that transforms the camera of any iPhone 4 into a microscope with 60x magnification, and thanks to the iPhone’s camera function, you can take pictures of all your discoveries — from the strand of hair you found on your shoulder to the dust bunnies beneath your couch.

It has 3 built-in LEDs (2 white for additional illumination, and 1x note detector) to keep you from missing any of the microscopic action that’s taking place all around you.

The Mini Microscope for iPhone 4 is powered by 3 LR1130 batteries and is available at Genie Gadgets for £29.95 ($48).

Do you remember that movie “Men In Black”? Remember how many times they would walk right past the cat with the galaxy hanging around its neck, but couldn’t see it because it was the size of a marble?

If only they had carried a Pocket Microscope with them!

OK, so we all know that there would be no movie at all if they had found the so-called galaxy so soon in the movie. But you have to admit, having a pocket microscope would probably help YOU enjoy all the little things in life: the microorganisms in a drop of water, the real appearance of your hair, and even the slight imperfections that make collectible postal stamps unique.

The Pocket Microscope is a gadget designed to be extremely lightweight and portable; it weighs only 1.12 oz and is about the size of a lighter.

Despite its size, it’s able to provide a powerful 60-100x magnification, plus it features a built-in LED light that ensures a clear, bright image for both nocturnal nosing or daylight detective work.

The Pocket Microscope includes a rubberized eyepiece for comfortable viewing, uses 3 x SG7 (#392) button cell batteries (included) and is available at ThinkGeek for $12.99.

Get yours today and start enjoying the infinite wonders of the microscopic world that surrounds you.

We’ve seen various microscopes that help us explore the world on a microscopic level, but none as feature-packed and flexible as this device. Called the Video Screen Microscope, it not only lets you view objects at up to 1600x magnification on a high-resolution 3.5-inch LCD (instead of squinting into an eyepiece) – but with a built-in 2-megapixel camera, lets you try your hand at the fascinating art of macro-photography and video recording.

Combining the advanced features of a professional-grade microscope with the simplicity of a point-and-shoot camera, the Video Screen Microscope includes three objective lenses of 4x, 10x or 40x to provide from 40x-400x optical magnification and thanks to its 4x digital zoom, gets extreme close-ups at up to 1600x (see video).

For properly illuminated viewing regardless of subject or lighting conditions, the Video Screen Microscope includes two separate 6-watt LEDs – one at the top for solid objects (like coins or jewelry) and one at the bottom for prepared slides – while a color filter wheel clears things up further by blocking wavelengths of your choosing.

With 128MB of built-in memory that will store up to 120 stills or 40 minutes of video at 1600 x 1200 resolution, the Video Screen Microscope also includes an SD card slot should you want to record organism growth or the multiplication of bacteria over hours or even days.

Including a USB port and cable to download discoveries to your computer running 32-bit versions of Windows XP or Vista, the Video Screen Microscope plugs into AC, includes a carrying case and 5 slides to get you started, measures 13″ high x 6″ wide x 1.5″ deep, weighs 3.25lbs and is available now from Hammacher Schlemmer for $299.95.

Source:
Hammacher Schlemmer

If you’re an inquisitive type who likes to examine the world in the minutest detail, this gadget called the Wireless USB Digital Microscope will get you up close and personal with ease.

Useful for everything from dabbling in forensics, to investigating tiny items like circuitboards and jewelry, or for simply reading the fine print on contracts – the Wireless USB Digital Microscope features adjustable magnification from 20x to 200x, includes 8 white LEDs for illumination and can transmit your magnified images up to two meters away from the base station for viewing on your computer.

Shaped like a chunky marker pen, this USB microscope includes a wireless receiver that plugs into a free USB port on your computer – saving you from getting caught up in cable. The receiver includes 4 channel options in case of any wireless interference and also doubles as a convenient base station for the microscope, charging it over USB when not in use.

Including two focusing rings, a software CD and built-in lithium-ion batteries, the Wireless USB Digital Microscope is compatible with Windows 2000/ME/XP and Vista and is available now for curious masses for $139.99 at ThinkGeek.

Source:
ThinkGeek

The ProScope HR is a powerful handheld microscope, suitable for both serious scientists and curious cats alike. It is one of the highest magnification, high-resolution USB microscopes you can get, short of mounting a camera to a fixed lab unit. Through a variety of lenses you can achieve up to 400x magnification and with full illumination, thanks to the built-in white LEDs on each lens.

Attach a 50x lens and you’ll be able to spot all those stubborn crumbs lodged in your keyboard. Boost it to 400x and you’ll likely see all the little microorganisms growing and multiplying amongst the keys…misophobia, here we come. Hey, we could use this to test those silver-nano anti-bac particles on Samsung’s X360!

The ProScope uses a 1280×1024 pixel CCD to capture your close-up investigative work and sends a live video stream to your computer via USB for easy viewing. The whole unit requires only 400mA to run, which is provided over the USB cable. Imaging software is included to help organize all your snaps, movies and time-lapse magic.

Apparently the ProScope is big with crime scene investigators for lab and onsite forensics work, so it must be fairly durable and flexible. The price is a bit steep though. A base unit with 50 and 400 times lenses will set you back around $600, but there are refurb models available, and there’s always ebay.

Sources:
ProScope HR and Ted Pella