BARDLover 1 points 7y ago
The one I've used the most is called an Ilo View, probably spelled wrong. It has 2 back lights, a fold out stand, and several color settings and zoom levels. As well as being able to capture an image, then look around it. So you wouldn't be craning your neck all day.
I also have a Pearl, which plugs in to my lap top and turns it in to a CCTV. when folded, it's about a foot long, 5 inches wide, and 5 inches high, very compact, just no built in screen.
geoffisblind 1 points 7y ago
I don't know if you want a CCTV or a handheld so I'll just say both. I have Eschenbach Smartlux Digital handheld video magnifier. It's okay, but it's just okay. The pros are it is light, easy to use, and cheaper, but it is by no means cheap. The cons are that it is fragile, the battery life is not so great, and everyone I know who has used one (2 other people + myself) has had the battery completely die requiring an RMA to get a replacement which makes me think it's a flaw in the design, not just a fluke. It usually happens six months to a year after you start using it regularly. I'm currently trying to get my hands on a Freedom Scientific Ruby XL which I have used and absolutely love.
I also use an Enhanced-Vision Davinci CCTV. It is pricey at around $3,000 USD, I got mine through a non-profit. I find that it has trouble focusing occasionally and will not display pencil marks properly, I think it's because the graphite is more reflective. I believe since I got mine a second iteration came out that might have addressed these issues. It also has an OCR feature which should not be a reason why you buy it, for me it has been nothing more than an over complicated gimmick that works 30% of the time maybe. The second iteration might make it usable, not sure.
I think I'm going to have the opportunity to pick some new electronic magnification gear pretty soon and I'll have the chance to speak with a few reps from different companies. I'd recommend you see if you can have a sales rep come out and do a demo from a few manufacturers, I'd recommend contacting Freedom Scientific, Humanware, and Enhanced Vision. If you get a sales rep out you will know exactly what you want and you won't have to worry about wasting a ton of money on something you don't like. Best of luck!