Eschenbach Visolux Digital XL FHD - 12 Inch Color HD Portable Video Magnifier

As someone who is legally blind with low vision, tools like this are a must have in the job world. Problem comes is many cost a pretty penny. I wanted something with a good size to see and easy to carry. .. This is Great.I had watched YouTube videos and read the Amazon description I was concerned of the screen being damaged and figured I would have to shop for a case.I was amazed that it came with a hard case. The features are many. the menus are easy to use. They all speak.It zooms up to 22X. I typically use it at 12X. What is nice is I can use the buttons to zoom or the touch screen. The photo quality is really good. crisp and clear I have another video magnifier .. a 7 inch Optelec and it is supposed to be color but the image looks washed out. This device is real good.So I love this video magnifier. will use it at work every day.But there are 2 issues. I hate to be negative and these would not be a deal breaker. but I want to get the company to see this.First the battery level. Battery is fine. It is the indicator. 2 issues. The only way to see the battery level indicator is to press the menu button on then off. After returning from the menu it shows the battery level. Next the battery indicator is a small white box in the upper left corner. So small, it only lasts for 10 seconds. Don't they know the users are with low vision and the battery level is the most frequently looked at item. My other video magnifier, the 7 inch Optelec has a huge battery image with the level every time you turn it on. I would suggest there is a menu setting to show the battery level. and make it big.Next, number 2. in the volume setting there is Muted, High and medium. No Low. I would like to have low. So I can barely hear it but most others would not..I think both of these can be fixed with a software update.My 3rd issue is the case. while it is a hard case, it is flexible. on the sides of the unit are 2 buttons. Right for scrolling up/down. on the left scrolling side to side.These are big buttons and when you put the unit in the case AND stand it on its' side the case will flex and you hear the buttons click, click,... Typically, transporting the unit in a backpack you would stand it on its side. I fear the buttons will break after many clicks... So you need to travel with it in landscape mode and not portrait. I did find a 13 inch laptop bag that I put the hard case in. This 13 laptop bag is a little big the the hard case does not stay down, so the buttons are elevated just a small bit to not click.We are supposed to be able to write with a pen with this. I have not tried that yet.

The Eschenbach device is terrific but two of the three light panels no longer turn on. A spoken voice from the device says something very quickly. It's hard to make out but sounds like it's saying, "Battery low." So, maybe the lights are a charging issue. I will check that. If so, that's another example of Eschenbach's good design: when battery low, run only the main light instead of plunging the user into darkness. I will report back.

This has been so helpful for my Mom who has macular degeneration. It is a little awkward to manipulate the item below the magnifier but is easy enough for her to use.