Agfa SnapScan e50 - Flatbed scanner - 8.5 in x 11.7 in - 1200 dpi x 2400 dpi

Product Description

Agfa introduces SnapScan, the newest model in its line of personal flatbed color scanners. Aggressively priced, the Agfa SnapScan is positioned to appeal to today's personal computer user. Its exceptional speed and quality provide users with capabilities needed for a wide variety of home office applications.As a leader in image capture technology, Agfa expressed its interest in the growing home market. Agfa understands the true demands of image capture; this is especially important for home or office applications where consumers want quality that's uncomplicated. SnapScan isn't just another 'low-end' scanner; it's a versatile tool with a range of features that lets users adjust to their level of experience. Home users get simplicity, functionality, and exceptional quality - all at a very attractive price.

Average customer rating:

I like it!!!
Can not be beat for the price

Agfa SnapScan e50 Scanner

Manufacturer: Agfa
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Flatbed | Scanners | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics

Flatbed Scanners | Printers & Scanners | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

Printers & Scanners | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Agfa | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Product Features:

1,200 x 2,400 dpi resolution, 9,600 x 9,600 dpi with software interpolation
42-bit color sampling, 14-bit color depth
One-touch scanning buttons
Scanning module for slides included
Includes professional image-editing software for PC and Macintosh

ASIN: B00004TV8U

Product Description

Design of SnapScan e50 is so sleek that you'd never guess it has a built-in scanning module for 35 mm slides and films (negative / positive), on top of the A4 scanbed for reflectives. It leads the field in quality and scanning speed: 1200 x 2400 ppi true optical resolution, 42-bit color sampling and USB connection for rapid transfer speeds and hot-swapping between computers. It's also a good looker: one-touch scanning buttons are neatly housed under a hinged cover that matches the color of the scanbed handle. Agfa even supplies three sets of alternative covers and handles in tasty translucent colors (blue, graphite and orange), to harmonize with your other equipment!

Amazon.com Product Description

Agfa's stylish SnapScan e50 provides film scanning in addition to all the usual scanning capabilities any home or small business expects. A one-pass desktop model with an A4 color CCD and one-touch ease of operation, the e50 produces crisp, professional, and fast scans at high 1,200 x 2,400 dpi true optical resolution with 42-bit color depth.

Agfa's software package supports editing of scanned documents with fully automated optical character recognition, saving to storage, printing, and sending your image to whatever application (fax, copy, file) you choose. Agfa supplies sets of alternative covers and handles in three trendy translucent colors.

The SnapScan e50's practical operation provides easy setup, with a USB interface for both PC and Mac. One-button, trouble-free scanning, copying, and e-mail functions are available right on your desktop. The flatbed permits easy scanning of books, magazines, and other 3-D objects. You can also scan 35mm slides and film with the built-in slide transport on the top.

Line art scans at a fast eight milliseconds per line. With one touch, you can scan photos and then retouch and edit to create your own business brochures, business cards, and greeting cards. Organize your photos, documents, and files electronically.

The copy button turns your scanner and printer into a copier or fax machine. With optical character recognition, you can scan text for editing and digital storage. Compact (just under 20 by 13 by 4 inches), light, and quiet, the e50 has an image window of 8.5 by 11.7 inches. It is delivered with a complete software package, including ScanWise, Corel Print Office 2000, I.R.I.S. Readiris, and AGFAnet Print Service client (PC only).

Customer Reviews:

I like it!!!.......2001-03-18

My Agfa SnapScan e50 arrived swiftly from Amazon, much to my delight. So far, I have only used it for scanning a couple of photographs, and some OCR work, using software that I already own and like. I plan to try out the OCR that came with the scanner also, as it advertises to do more things. The software guide was an excellent help in getting the page to scan, OCR, and copy to a word processor all on it's own. The only problem I ran into was when I tried to go faster than the guide, and messed things up.

The other thing that made a great impression on me was that I got a call back from AGFA-US tech support very quickly before I decided to purchase this unit, and the man on the other end of the phone was very helpful and friendly. That cemented my decision to go with Agfa, despite there being only one review on it at Amazon. ...

Can not be beat for the price.......2000-10-17

I have found the scan quality to be superb. Most surprising was the resolution on 35mm negative scans. 8X10 prints of 35mm negative scans have the same (at least to my eyes and several others) resolution (and better shadow detail)as 8X10 prints from scans of 4X6 prints. This from a flatbed scanner was impressive. The Scanwise software has also worked very well. At first I thougt all of it's automation would be a problem, but it has actually been quite a help to myself and my daughter as it does appear to be very intelligent. I have not done much with the included software as I use MGI's Photosuite III.

This scanner may not be fastest around, but to have such quality for both reflective and transmissive scans is a real bargin. It will not handle anything larger than 35mm slides which for me is not an issue. This is a quality scanner and a great value, which is why I rated it at 5 stars.

Product Description

Nortel Networks BayStack Advanced Remote Node (ARN) router offers the most extensive set of branch office functionality available today. Its modular design provides the capability to build highly flexible networks. The ARN offers great performance and flexible field-upgradeable LAN and WAN options for data and voice communication. These capabilities enable organizations to build networks with technology that can achieve significant competitive advantages.The ARN offers flexible connectivity with a choice of LAN and WAN configurations. Each model has two WAN adapter module slots and an expansion module that provides an array of options for higher density LAN, WAN, or legacy requirements. The WAN modules support serial, ISDN BRI, V.34 modem, and CSU/DSU selections. ARN expansion modules support multiservice voice/data applications, as well as higher density serial connections. The ARN is a key element of Nortel Networks Unified Networks strategy, which includes a broad range of end-to-end multiservice solutions. Unified Networks create greater value for customers worldwide by delivering integrated network solutions spanning data and telephony.

Baystack Arn Router Enet 10/100utp Base Unit 16MB Dram

Average customer rating:

Baystack Arn Router Enet 10/100utp Base Unit 16MB Dram

Manufacturer: Nortel Networks
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

10/100BTX UTP BASE UNIT 16MB DRAM

ASIN: B00006BAQD

Product Description

Nortel Networks Baystack Arn Router Enet Base Unit 16MB Dram

Average customer rating:

Nortel Networks Baystack Arn Router Enet Base Unit 16MB Dram

Manufacturer: Nortel Networks
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

UNIT 16MB DRAM

ASIN: B00004ZALU

Product Description

Bay Networks BayStack Advanced Remote Node (ARN) delivers an innovative access router architecture with the performance and modularity to solve today's application needs and meet the increasing demands of the evolving corporate intranet. The BayStack ARN design integrates the functions of multiple devices to reduce the complexity of remote network management. Bay Networks high-speed access routers significantly lower the total cost of ownership and provide the highest degree of investment protection for enterprise networks. The LAN interfaces of the BayStack ARN (Ethernet, 10/100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX, and Token Ring) offer flexible connectivity. Its two wide area network (WAN) adapter module "slots" provide an array of options for integrating devices (ISDN BRI, Data Service Unit/Channel Service Unit (DSU/CSU), V.34 modem) for primary and backup WAN connectivity. This modular design reduces the number of physical devices and amount of cabling required for system operation, and also facilitates remote network management.

Average customer rating:

The best we have found to date.

Must haves: Duplex and Talking Caller ID

horrible reception & very low range

Some annoying features

Insufficient range

AT&T 5830 5.8 GHz Cordless Speakerphone System

Manufacturer: Advanced American Telephones
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Speakerphones | Cordless Telephones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Phones | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Up to $200 | by Price | Gifts | Specialty Stores | Computers Features | Electronics
Accessories:

AT&T CallVantage Service VoIP Telephone Adapter

AT&T 24101 Phone Splitter Cord

AT&T 5800 Accessory Handset for 5800 Series Phones

Vonage DigitalVoice Service

Sprint 89011 Line Cord, Ivory (15 feet)

Product Features:

5.8 GHz DSS frequency hopping technology

Expandable to 6 handsets

Spare battery charger for optional second battery

Speakerphones in both handset and base

Sound Select lets you tailor the audio to your preference

ASIN: B00006LLHY
Release Date: 2002-10-25

Product Description

AT&T 5830 5.8 GHz Cordless Phone - Cordless telephone technology has reached a new plateau with the 5.8GHz spread spectrum frequency. Utilizing this 5.8GHz, distance & clarity are increased many fold. In addition, and most importantly, you have the ability to add multiple handsets to the base! This unit supports up to 6 separate handsets (1 is included). Analog & Digital Clock Displays Spare Battery Charger Power Failure Operation (with spare battery installed) Lighted Keypad Line In Use Indication Hold/Mute Last 10 Number Redial Headset Compatible (2.5mm jack) Color - Silver

Amazon.com Product Description

This innovative cordless telephone operates on the powerful 5.8 GHz frequency. Its classic design provides comfort and ease of use. Advanced features include adjustable sound settings, the ability to use up to six handsets, a speakerphones in the handset, and a duplex speakerphone in the base. (Duplex technology lets both parties talk and be heard simultaneously.)

The dual-band (5.8 GHz/2.4 GHz) design allows the base unit to transmit with more power in the 5.8 GHz frequency band or with greater efficiency at 2.4 GHz. The phone's true duplex transmission keeps the incoming and outgoing signals from interfering with each other.

The LCD on the handset provides caller ID/call waiting information (subscription required though your local phone company). The 5830 also provides talking caller ID, which announces the name or number of incoming callers.

The 5830's expandability, up to five additional handsets for a total of six, eliminates the need to hard-wire multiple extensions throughout your home. One phone jack and one power outlet is all you need to connect the 5830 base station and handset, while each additional model 5800 handset requires only a power outlet for its compact charger/cradle. Calls can be transferred from one handset to another.

The handset receiver lights up with incoming calls and can also be set to vibrate. It stores 50 names and numbers and works with your caller ID service to remember the last 50 callers. Sound Select lets you adjust bass, treble, and midrange to your liking. A spare-battery charging system enables the telephone to work even during a power outage. Choose from eight ringer melodies. The system is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
User's manual, quick start guide, base unit, handset, NiMH battery pack, telephone line cord, AC power adapter, wall mounting adapter

Customer Reviews:

The best we have found to date........2005-12-03

The 5.8 AT&T 5830 has been our best cordless phone thus far. Our Condo seems to be "wireless" challenged from some reason, but this baby sounds crystal clear! Our set is almost two years old and still kicking, with no failures. I intend to buy another and store it, because our path to this particular model was slow, frustrating and expensive.

Must haves: Duplex and Talking Caller ID.......2005-09-19

This phone exceeded our expectations - love the duplex speakerphone technology and the talking caller ID.

horrible reception & very low range.......2005-09-09

I bought this phone based on all the glowing reviews I read, but the phone was VERY disappointing. When I walked more than 2 feet away from the phone's base, people on the other line would complain I was breaking up. When I walked out onto my deck, the phone call would cut off completely. I never had this problem with my old cordless phone, a Panasonic 900MHz model KX-TC145.

I also did a side by side comparison with the two phones (old panasonic/new AT&T) and people on the other line told me the reception on the old panasonic was MUCH better than on the AT&T 5830...Even when I was standing only inches from the AT&T's base.

I was very surprised by the limited range and poor sound quality. I thought 5.8GHz would put 900MHz to shame, but I was wrong. My house isn't very big, 1850 square feet, I don't think it's too much to expect reception throughout the house. Heck, with my old phone I can go outside and still get perfect reception in my neighbor's yard. This new one was a big waste of money.

Good thing I still have my old phone. The keypad has worn out on the handset so I can only dial on the base, but other than that it's fine after many years of hard labor. Too bad I don't know where to get a replacement KX-TC1451. I don't think they're available anymore.

Thanks to this disappointing experience I now sound like my grandmother..."they don't make things as good as they used to". ARRRRGGGGHHHH.

Some annoying features.......2005-09-04

I purchased this phone after reading some glorious revirws here. The phone is good, especially the voice clarity. I ended up returning the phone, because a) the batteries did not last longer than 10 hours - even without using the phonr. ( but I may just picked up a lemon). The second annoying feature was the continuous message blinking of the base unit - even having erased all messages. Only unplugging and replugging of the unit alleviated the problem.
I bought the Panasonic 5.8 GHz instead and am quite happy with it.

Insufficient range.......2004-08-20

The AT&T 5.8 ghz cordless expandable phones are nice, but don't have enough range for a large house.

If range is what you need, save yourself the time and trouble and get the Panasonic. Over the past month (August 2004) I have tried the latest models of just about every major brand that offers 5.8 ghz multi-handset cordless phones - Uniden, V-Tech, AT&T (made by V-Tech), Motorola, and Panasonic. Each of these phones is nice in its own way, but only the Panasonic had enough range to receive and send clearly from one end of the house to the other. Granted my house is big (3,600 square feet, all on one level), but the other brands maxed out about 2/3rds of the way through the house. I have a WiFi network in the house, and had no interference issues from that with any of these brands. I do wish the Panasonic could expand to a total of more than just 4 handsets, but that is a minor issue. Those big honking twin antennae on the base unit seem to actually work. Please note that I tried the versions without answering machines, so I can't offer any opinions on that part of this.

Average customer rating:
Bogen - Manfrotto 3178WNK Wilderness Tripod Kit - 3221WN Black Tripod with 3130 Micro Fluid Video Head with Quick Release & Tripod Bag

Manufacturer: Bogen Imaging
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Tripods | Accessories | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Camcorders | Complete Tripod Units | Tripods | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Bags | Cases | MP3 Player Accessories | Portable Audio & Video Accessories | Audio & Video Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Bogen-Manfrotto Short Center Column for 3011N, 3021N, 3221WN, & 3021 Pro Series Tripods

Manfrotto BOGEN 3157N Quick Release Connect Plate RC2

Bogen - Manfrotto Rapid Connect Mounting Plate 3/8" replaces 3157A and 3266A QR Plates. For 3030, 3130, 3130G, 3160, 3229, 3265, 3265G, 3262QR, 3299, 2916QR, 3435QR, 3407, 3413QR, 3437 and 3405 Tripod (Spare)

Manfrotto 3127 Fixed Leg Spread Portable Dolly

Bogen - Manfrotto Anti Twist Plate 1/4" (same as the 3157N with an additional lip to prevent camera twist)

Product Features:

Four leg angle settings

Black anodized aluminum finish

Center column with an innovative three-faced design

Low angle adapter built in the center column for ground level shots

3 leg warmers

ASIN: B00017LREK

Product Description

The kit contains the 3221WN Tripod, 3130 QR Micro Fluid Head and MBAG80 Bag.The 3221WN's solid construction offers total stability and support up to13lbs. The 3221WN is ideal for conventional or digital cameras up to medium format equipped with heavy telephoto lenses, as well as being a favorite with wildlife and nature shooters.The 3130 is a lightweight fluid head with adjustable pan bar and quick-release camera plate with secondary security. It is ideal for cameras up to 8.9lbs in weight. The head has smooth fluid movements, pan and tilt locks. The adjustable pan bar can be positioned either on the left or right side.The MBAG80 Bag is slightly tapered to provide a better fit for your tripod with attached head. The wider end of the bag accommodates the head without requiring all levers to be removed. The zip extends down the length of the bag, but also fully opens the top end of the bag, making it easier to get your tripod in and out, as well as being able to extract the tripod quickly. The logo end cap is padded to offer protection to the tripod head, the rest of the bag is unpadded. Shoulder strap included (the MBAG80 doesn't have either end or side handle). The bag features innovative design and style; ballistic nylon, zips and other materials used are of top quality.

Product Description

Like their roof prism relatives, the porro prism line-up provides great durability and performance in a "traditional" porro prism design. Compact to full-sized, the contemporary styling houses fully coated optics. Suffice to say, images are crisp, clear and bright - even in low light. Affordable for any and all interested in magnifying life to its fullest.PRODUCT FEATURES: Multi-coated optics for superior light transmission and brightness; Fully coated optics; Non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock while providing a firm grip; Contemporary styling.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Bushnell 7-15x35 zoom PowerView binoculars combine contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. They are easy to use and feature Porro prisms with a zoomable wide angle of view. They offer 7x to 15x magnification, changeable by the zoom function, and a field of view ranging from 180 feet (15x) to 280 feet (7x) at 1,000 yards. Insta-Focus enables you to focus on your desired object with a single touch of your finger. Black rubber armoring ensures that these binoculars can sustain active use. Bushnell's 7-15x35 zoom PowerView binoculars include a carrying case and a neck strap for convenience and comfort on the go.

Customer Reviews:

Hunter.......2007-07-31

Best binoculars for the money.They are semi compact,not to big & not to small. The quick adjust is great & the variable power is an added bonus. I have already recommended these to some other hunters I know & would recommend them to anyone.

Dissapointing.......2007-07-24

HArd to tell if the product is a advertized, However I am dissapointed in the clarity of images and the lack of ability to focus. The binoculars do`not seem to adjust to a small face for children or females. making it difficult to look directly through the lenses. Zoom levels and brightness of images are acceptable.

Best bang for your buck.......2007-06-18

It would be tough to find better binoculars for the same price. I bought these for safari in Africa and they worked well. I especially liked the zoom feature. With just a high-power binocular, it's hard to find what you're looking for. With these, you find what you want at 7X, then zoom in.

I would have liked to have had a slightly more powerful binocular in a few places (maybe 25X), but overall they were great. We were able to get close enough to most animals to see them well with the binoculars. They were still bright enough even on a cloudy day, which can be a problem for compact binoculars. Best of all, they're cheap enough that you don't have to worry too much about damaging or losing them.

I was planning on selling mine when I got back, but I'm going to keep them.

Good, Gimmicky Golf Glass.......2007-06-13

After a number of noteworthy nature encounters on the golf course, I decided it would be wise to purchase a compact binocular for my golf bag. To that end, I purchased the Bushnell Powerview 7-15x25 reverse porro prism binocular.

My overall impression has been quite positive. At 7x magnification, the optics are wholly sufficient, providing crisp, bright views with only minor distortion toward the edges. The 262 foot (@ 1000 yards) field-of-view is somewhat narrow, but appears clear and deep.

Taking the magnification higher, the optical quality predictably declines. At full 15x zoom, the field-of-view shrinks to 183 feet at 1000 yards, and significantly less light passes through, leaving objects conspicuously darker by contrast. Nevertheless, the higher magnification can reveal details that are not visible at 7x, provided that the user has a very steady hand and good eyes to begin with.

The zoom function itself is intuitive and simple, completed with a quarter-turn of the collar that frames the right eye cup. The instruction manual recommends beginning at full zoom, then drawing back. This way, less refocusing is required. I prefer to begin with the full field-of-view, increasing magnification if desired. It is entirely possible to increase from 7x to 15x without losing sight of an object, but some refocusing is required once the desired magnification has been reached.

Relative to price, I am quite pleased with the Bushnell Powerview binocular. It fits comfortably in a small pocket in my golf bag, and provides excellent views at lower magnifications. I am, as yet, unsure what value to place upon the zoom feature. Whether it will be of use to you depends upon how you weigh the relative importance of magnification versus light-gathering capacity. While the zoom feature is somewhat amusing, consumers in search of a quality optical instrument will find a nice, standard compact to be a superior purchase.

PRO'S:
- Optics at lower magnification are crisp, clear, and bright.
- Size: fits comfortably in a large pocket.
- Appearance: well-designed reverse porro compact.
- Eye Relief: Fold-down rubber eye-cups make viewing through sunglasses (and presumably eyeglasses) possible.

CON'S:
- Optics at higher magnification are darker and more difficult to focus.
- Not comfortable for extended viewing.
- No objective lens covers.

Pretty good for what I use it for.......2003-10-10

I got this binocular because of a lack of selection at any local stores here, even though I can't find reviews for it hoping they would turn out good.

It turned out nice, and works good for what I use it for (watching animals from far off, zooming in on the golfers at a near by course, some minor astonomy...). Being a zoom binocular they probably aren't as sharp as set magnification ones, but that doesn't matter to me for what I use it for.

It seems to be a good all around binocualar: easy to get it focused, good range, not too heavy, works decent enough in low light, plus it comes with a really nice leather carry bag.

Product Description

Bushnell PowerView binoculars offer contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. A variety of styles and features appeal to a wide range of users from students of nature to concertgoers. Outstanding light transmission through fully-coated optics ensures bright, crisp clear viewing. Standard-size models feature InstaFocus for fast and easy focus on a moving target. The new compact Porro prism series provides great durability and performance in a smaller size. Our new mid-size roof prism models with 32 mm objectives provide increased brightness for low-light viewing conditions.

Average customer rating:

Powerview - 7-15x35 Zoom

Manufacturer: Bushnell
ProductGroup: Sports
Binding: Misc.

Binoculars | Hunting Optics | Hunting | Categories | Sports & Outdoors
ASIN: B000O57AWW

Product Description

Powerview binoculars from Bushnell are truly the "best of both worlds". Contemporary styling and design combined with legendary Bushnell quality and durability. The easy to hold and easy to use aspect of these binoculars also converge to make Bushnell Powerview binoculars an excellent value for the general and outdoor user. Powerviews come with soft rubber covering. Carrying case and neck strap included. -Magnification: 7-15x35 -Focus System: InstaFocus -Prism System: Porro -Field of View @ 1000 yards: 280 ft. @ 7X, 180 ft. @ 15X -Exit Pupil: 5@7X, 2.3@15X -Weight: 22 oz. -Tripod Adaptable: Yes Limited lifetime warranty.

Bushnell Powerview 7-15X35 Zoom Bino 137016

Average customer rating:

Bushnell Powerview 7-15X35 Zoom Bino 137016

Manufacturer: Bushnell
ProductGroup: Sports
Binding: Misc.

Binoculars | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Binoculars | Hunting Optics | Hunting | Categories | Sports & Outdoors
ASIN: B000J14T5C

Product Description

Bushnell Powerview 7-15X35 Zoom Bino 137016 . Powerview binoculars from Bushnell are truly the "best of both worlds". Contemporary styling and design combined with legendary Bushnell quality and durability. The easy to hold and easy to use aspect of these binoculars also converge to make Bushnell Powerview binoculars an excellent value for the general and outdoor user. Powerviews come with soft rubber covering. Carrying case and neck strap included. -Magnification: 7-15x35 -Focus System: InstaFocus -Prism System: Porro -Field of View @ 1000 yards: 280 ft. @ 7X, 180 ft. @ 15X -Exit Pupil: 5@7X, 2.3@15X -Weight: 22 oz. -Tripod Adaptable: Yes Manufacturer: Bushnell. Manufacturer#: 137016. Approximate Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.8.

Product Description

This telescope has all glass components, coated optics and smooth functioning mounts, with the added benefit of slow motion controls on the mount for easy adjustments. The FirstScope 60 telescope tubes are glossy black aluminum.

The German equatorial mount features setting circles and slow motion controls on the R.A. and DEC axes. These controls will enhance your viewing experience by simplifying both locating and tracking objects. When you're looking for a telescope offering a bit more versatility and control than the altazimuth models, this is the telescope to consider.

Amazon.com Review

Celestron's Firstscope 60 EQ is an affordable entry level telescope packaged with two decent eyepieces, a "red-dot" finder, and a basic equatorial mount. But "affordable" doesn't mean "cheap": Like many other amateurs, my first unforgettable view of Saturn's rings came years ago with an entry level 60mm refractor very much like the Firstscope 60 EQ.

The best objects for small telescopes are bright objects like the Moon and planets. When I look at Jupiter with the included 10mm eyepiece (90x) or my own 7.5mm plossl eyepiece (120x), I can plainly see Jupiter's four moons and two major cloud belts. The rings of Saturn, the moon-like phases of Venus, and the little orange disk of Mars all show up quite nicely at 90x and 120x. Many deep space objects look best with the low power 20mm eyepiece (45x). The Pleiades cluster, for instance, fills the eyepiece with bright stars right across the field of view. Other famous deep space objects like the Ring Nebula, the Swan Nebula, and the globular cluster in Hercules are plainly visible, but they are too small and faint to show much detail.

The Firstscope 70 EQ features a classic achromatic refractor design.

The equatorial mount included with the Firstscope 60 EQ has dual slow-motion controls. Simply point the mount's polar axis at Polaris, the north star, and you can turn one knob to track stars and planets as they move across the sky. You can even add an optional motor drive for automatic tracking. In practice, however, the small equatorial has its drawbacks. I find the flexible control knobs are stiff enough to get in the way when viewing overhead. Some people even remove the counter-weight and set the elevation dial to zero degrees-this simple change converts the mount to Alt-Az operation with dual slow-motion controls. Alt-Az mounts use an easy to understand up-down (altitude), left-right (azimuth) motion instead of the more complicated "declination" and "right ascension" of the equatorial mount.

A subscription to Night Sky magazine would go a long way to helping a beginner learn how to use the Firstscope 60 EQ and how to identify the stars and planets. A small telescope like the Firstscope 60 EQ has its limitations; it won't show the divisions in Saturn's rings or resolve globular clusters into individual stars. Even so, if a small scope peaks your curiosity by showing you the rings of Saturn and the mountains on the Moon, it's done its job well. When you're ready for a bigger telescope, check out Amazon's telescope buyers guide. --Jeff Phillips

Pros

Low cost
Decent optics
Good planet views up to 120x

Cons

Too small for serious observing
EQ mount can be hard to use

Customer Reviews:

Not a Good Starter Scope.......2005-08-19

This scope is NOT a good starter scope for anyone interested in astronomy. Here's why:

1. The objective is too small, only 60 mm, 2.36 inches, so it is too small to bring in the light necessary for even a beginning look at the universe. I suppose it is adequate for the moon, but that is it. The planets will appear as very small disks. One will be able to see Saturn's rings, but the image will be very small. Forget it for deep sky objects, clusters, galaxies, etc.

2. The mount is a cheap equatorial, which is difficult for youngsters to set up. A better mount is a more solid equatorial mount with fine motion controls which makes it much easier to track objects.

3. There is only one eyepiece which severly limits views.

4. The mount will vibrate when touched, which will cause the image in the eyepiece to "shiver", which is very frustrating.

Even for the low price, don't be enticed by this scope; it has too many flaws. Save your money for a larger scope with a better mount.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig, astronomy buff

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics