Microscope
Overview - The $1 video microscope
With additional lenses, the XO can be used as a video microscope. A prototype $1 lens exists.
A video of Mary Lou's prototype microscope attachment for the XO video camera. She compares the display of an XO and a typical ThinkPad.
The microscope, which has ~ 100× magnification, could be useful to analyzing water quality, among other things.
Techniques
Magnification is often only the first step in being able to see details.
Aside from staining, a variety of techniques might be adapted to the XO. QX3 techniques suggests some possibilities.
Dark field microscopy
- Also known as "darkfield microscopy".
In direct sunlight, with a small square of black construction paper, it might be possible to do a form of dark field microscopy. As here.
Other microscopes
The XO has been used with the now-discontinued $100 Intel Play QX3 USB Microscope.[1]