Low Vision Video Magnifier - Portable Electronic Reading Aid - 3.5-inch color LCD screen - Ideal Aide for Reading, Writing, Wiewing Maps, Menus, Prescription Bottles, Books and Bills - Handheld Digital Tool for Anyone with Low Vision or Macular Degeneration - ViewAid

Actually, I want to rate it 3 1/2. Optically, it works pretty well. Definitely a great help for the visually impaired, but has some unnecessary design problems.First the good. Actual magnification settings are better than advertised (x2, x4, x6, x8, x12, x16, x24, x32). X2 is plenty for many users and normal size text. The screen is a bit grainy compared to a smart phone, but quite adequate for reading text. In fact, with these optional higher magnification settings, this device could be used as an inexpensive low-magnification surface inspection scope. The controls work well, except for the slide power switch which is tricky, especially for someone with physical limitations (like many elderly folks). Maybe it will loosen up a bit with use. The freeze picture function is a plus, as well as the optional color, black on white, and white on black views. There is also a blue screen that doesn't seem very useful, but its pretty. You also have stepped adjustments for the leds that light up text, and a stepped contrast adjustment.Now the problems. The plastic screen cover sheet is easily scratched, so you will have to be careful. There are far superior plastic screens they could have used. You may want to cut up a screen protector from a smart phone to cover and protect this surface out of the box while it is still pristine. The device we received had a small spec of dirt trapped under the edge of this plastic cover sheet which made a small bubble. Fortunately this small manufacturing defect was on the bezel, not the screen itself. The wrist strap is supplied in two parts that clip together. One short part is permanently mounted to the plastic case and flops around. The only way to get rid of it is to cut its cord off at the surface of the case; a permanent choice. The case itself is very light, which is great when you need to use it for a long time reading. But it can easily slip out of your hand, so the wrist strap has a real purpose. But then again, the wrist strap is frequently in the way. There is no way to replace the rechargeable battery. Note the device will work while the charger is plugged in. The instructions are minimal, for example, there are no directions for how to clip on the stand. The biggest fault with the product is the design of this stand. The stand is very important, since it holds the lens at the correct focus distance from the text you want to read. Without the stand, you have to hold the device at the right distance from the page. First an assembly tip - when you clip the stand on, you will have to apply quite a bit of force to get it to move the last 1/16" into place. It won't break, but be careful to orient the stand correctly with the slot positioned over the power switch before you start. The biggest design problem is that the fold down legs have no detents to hold them open while you are reading. So you have to place the magnifier onto a flat surface to stabilize them. As you slide the magnifier across a page, you also have to be careful to not hook them and have one fold back up. A rubber band over each leg near the power switch and up and over the top of the magnifier will solve this, but its a sloppy solution. There are some very weak detents to hold the legs closed when folded up.All that said, it works great so far, with the clunky addition of a rubber band.

This item is very affordable for the low vision person who wants a superior portable close circuit tv for reading. This item is priced well below the major sellers of similar products that are on the market. This item is several hundred dollars less than the two major portable close circuit tv's out there. I love this item and I am extremely happy with my purchase. This item lives up to my expectations.

it broke after 2 daysdoesn't want to rechargeit has a big scratch in the middle of the screenit was so much fun being able tto see again

Father-n-law liked, and worked well

The idea is very good but my husband could not handle it. It was a little small for him.

I purchased this for my dad who has macular degeneration. He gets SO frustrated because he has so much difficulty seeing ANYthing! He always loved reading and now he can't due to the macular degeneration. This is the FIRST product he has ever tried and ACTUALLY loves it! I gave it to him just after Thanksgiving because I figured, like everything else, I would have to send it back. He wants everything sent back that he gets as a gift! Not this time! Now, he is not tech savvy. He hates computers and anything with more than an on/off switch! After a quick overview, he has now nearly caught up on his books and magazines. Plus, because of its portability, he uses at the store and restaurants!!

my wife likes it real well. She uses it for shopping to see the price tag and size and dials on new washer & dryer.

TDo not bu this. This is not a good magnifier. The focus is off. It basicly has to touch the papper to fet clear enough to read. Do not buy this.