Products
Product: Vernier LabQuest Mini
10/1/2010 By:
www.vernier.com Price: $149
By Ben Grey
The Vernier LabQuest Mini is a data collection tool that
interfaces with Logger Pro software.
Quality and Effectiveness: Vernier adds to their
extensive line of data collection solutions with the
LabQuest Mini interface. The compact design
of the interface allows for easy portability,
and the product serves as
an excellent solution for environments
that do not require a standalone
data collection device. The
interface connects directly to a
computer via USB , and it works
with both the Mac and Windows
operating systems. The interface is
compatible with more than 50 Vernier
sensors, and it works with either Logger Pro
3 or with the included Logger Lite software. The
interface performed flawlessly during our testing,
and the setup was extremely simple and effective, allowing
for minimal time spent on experiment setup. This will
certainly be welcomed by
teachers who have limited
lab time, as it allows for
more time to be spent on
running the actual experiments
rather than fussing
with unwieldy and complicated
equipment setup.
From start to finish, it takes
less than a minute to get
the LabQuest Mini connected
and ready for data
collection.
Ease of Use: The LabQuest Mini is an extremely easy-touse
product. Vernier created the product to easily interface
between probes and a computer, and it performs that task
simply and flawlessly. There are no unnecessary steps to
take to get the interface to work, and using either Logger
Lite or Logger Pro 3 made for a very effective data collection
experience.
Creative Use of Technology: The LabQuest Mini is
designed to be a simple solution for environments that do
not need a stand-alone data collection device, and it is an
excellent option for such situations. The product is extremely
simple to set up and use, and it performs very well at a very
reasonable cost.
Suitability for Use in
a School Environment:
The LabQuest Mini is an excellent
option for the school environment. The
unit allows classrooms to make use of over
50 Vernier probes without needing the more expensive
stand-alone data collection devices. The interface connects
the probes directly to a computer, where the use of either
Logger Pro 3 or Logger Lite can collect the data and make
use of them in a variety of options. The unit has a list price
of $149, and it includes Logger Lite 1.5 software. The unit is
USB powered, so there is no need for external power supply
when using the product with a USB 2.0 powered computer.
Overall Rating
Vernier has produced an excellent product that will
serve many classroom environments well. The LabQuest
Mini is an incredibly easy-to-use device, and its plugand-
play nature reduces the headache of setup inherent
in many data collection products. Students of all ages
will have no difficulty using the device, and its cost
makes it an appealing option for schools that have
computers available to serve as the data collection
device. Vernier’s inclusion of Logger Lite software also
increases the value of the device, as this allows students
access to a powerful data collection and analysis tool.
Top
Features
¦ The price of the
device.
¦ Extremely easy to
set up and use.
¦ The inclusion
of Logger Lite
software.