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I have one and with my young sons (6 and 10) enjoy having a play with it.
Once it has found a "GPS Lock" it is off to the races...
It is a nice piece of technology and I am glad I have it...but, is it a good value???
Tough call...
My kids love using it and listening to the recorded information on each objects and from that standpoint it works well and keeps them entertained while I do other Astro stuff. As family entertainment it has a place but, it is pretty expensive entertainment. I suppose it depends a lot on how you like to receive and process information and the amount of disposable income you have.
Almost everything that the SkyScout does can be duplicated with a star chart/planisphere and the Astronomy 2008 publication...
Having said that, my "computer/technology addicted" kids would much rather point and click the SkyScout and listen to someone tell them what they are seeing and some facts about it. I have rarely seen my kids and their friends so excited about the night sky...they take turns using it and repeating back what they heard (with added Wows and Giggles and the occassional "Hey, it is my turns"). It is a good learning tool for those who like learning with technology.
Is it essential? Not at all...
Do I like it? Yes, I do...it performs as advertised (at least mine does)
I'm not sure if it is good value for everyone...I guess it depends on where you are in the hobby and what you want to accomplish. For naked eye backyard or holiday asronomy it is pretty cool and will aide in identifying planets and individual stars...
However, for those a little more serious, a good pair of binoculars a red flashlight and a planisphere might have more utility...
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