Must have for urban astronomers

I live in Washington D.C., so I relate well to the joke in "Madagascar" when they say "Oh look - the star is out."  It's a challenge to identify some constellations when you can't really see all the key players due to light pollution.  This helps.

There are three key functions, of which two will be used 99% of the time.  Identify and Locate.  The third button isn't really necessary since this device auto-callibrates for your location.

1. Identify.  First, I should mention that you should take the time to install the disk and update the firmware.  I did this on an Windows XP computer and had no difficulty.  It took about 10 minutes total to update everything.  Once that was complete, the SkyScout identified everything I pointed it toward with perfect precision.  If you have a shaky hand, it does pick the most likely candidate and list alternatives underneath.

2. Locate.  Again - easy to use.  Press "Locate" and then it gives you a list.  It works rather like an iPod without the disk.  What are you looking for?  Planet?  Constellation?  Comet?  Once you find what you want to locate on the list, aim for the sky and follow the lighted dots in the viewer.  It's basically a game of hot-or-cold as you wander around the sky.  When you're on top of the item - the target selector blinks all around.  BINGO!  You're there.

In other topics:

Construction.  It does have a shock-resistant shell.  It's pretty light weight for what it does.  I might have added lense caps for the viewers, but that's minor since it comes with a carrying case.  There are a handful of straps that are nice but not necessary.  I think they get in the way when you're swinging wildly about the sky.

Accessories.  Nice case - typical camera-case.  Headphones are OK, but a bit big for small ears.  I might have done in-ear buds so small kids can use this easier.  But not a deal-breaker.  Allegedly you can connect a green laser to this, but I haven't figured out how yet.  It comes with a disk with an instruction manual.  I confess to wanting a paper book - I like to read on the train or in bed before I go to sleep.  An online manual isn't the same.

Calibration - since it uses GPS, you don't have to worry about angles, seasons, etc.  It knows where you are.  Sure, some folks say "just use a star chart."  But if you're not an expert, it's hard to get started.  This can be very helpful.  No expert astronomer would ever want this, or admit to owning one if he did get one.  But for 99% of society who are making a good-faith effort to learn about the mysteries of the night sky - this is like having a private tour guide.

The Voice - yes, it talks to you.  The information is fairly basic.  I wish it went into more detail about the mythology behind the constellations, but that would impact battery usage.

Batteries.  2 AA batteries.  I've used it for about 15 minutes per night for a week and it's showing little sign of wear.  I don't use the voice feature much, so it's not straining.  A good astronomer keeps the backlight as dim as possible, so that shouldn't have too much impact either.

All in all - I have to say, for $170 this is an amazing tool.  It's literally as easy as point and click.  As a Cub Scout assistant cubmaster, this plus my green astronomy laser will be inseparable tools on campouts in the Shenandoah.  If you have kids - do consider an extra $99 to get the green laser so you can help point out the stars for your kids.