Magazine
LABQUEST 2
6/27/2012 By: Carol S. Holzberg
www.vernier.com Retail Price: $329, LabQuest Replacement Battery, $19.
Vernier’s new LabQuest 2 handheld data collection interface
connects to over 70 optional probes and sensors to support
STEM education and motivate self-directed learning.
Quality and Effectiveness: Vernier’s LabQuest 2 is an openended
handheld tool that can be used to collect sensor data at a
rate of 100,000 samples per second. This 12-ounce touch tablet
integrates graphing and analysis software for data gathering and
visualization in STEM subjects. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery
lasts about six hours for stand-alone work before it must be recharged
with the supplied power adapter. With two digital ports, a USB port,
and three analog ports, the LabQuest 2 can collect data from dozens
of connected sensors or a USB flash drive. The unit also has a builtin
microphone, stopwatch, calculator and GPS, plus an 800 MHz
application processor for data gathering.
Ease of Use: Preparing the LabQuest 2 for use couldn’t be simpler.
The LabQuest 2 comes with five built-in sensors for data acquisition. It
features 3 Accelerometers (X, Y, and Z), plus sensors for Temperature
and Light. The unit’s builtin
software offers many
options for data collection,
viewing, and analysis.
Creative Use of
Technology: LabQuest
2 integrates Wi-Fi,
support for Vernier’s
Bluetooth WDSS, and
USB. It integrates software for data gathering, visualization, and analysis,
allowing students to email, print, and share sensor data as needed.
Applications installed on the handheld device include a built-in periodic
table, stopwatch, scientific calculator, on-screen keyboard, and more than
100 pre-loaded lab instructions from Vernier lab books .
Suitability for Use in a
School Environment:
While the first
generation LabQuest
interface comes with
several ports, its 416
MHz application
processor is about half
as fast as the 800 MHz
ARMv7 processor that
ships with the LabQuest
2. Similarly, the first
generation LabQuest
has only a 320 x 240
pixel color touch screen,
merely 40 MB RAM
for storage, and lacks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. LabQuest 2, on
the other hand, boasts 200 MB of RAM, and almost twice the display
resolution. LabQuest 2 also features support for Vernier’s Connected
Science System, allowing users to share data using the built-in Data Share
software by connecting the handheld to any device (including iOS and
Android) with a compatible Web browser.
Overall Rating: Vernier’s LabQuest 2 can build interest in science, make
experiments come alive, and deepen understanding of complex concepts.
TOP FEATURES
• Compatible with over 70 sensors and
probes for real-time data collection
and analysis.
• Built-in graphing and analysis software to
visualize and make sense of complex data.
• Works stand-alone or with a computer.