Looking into a laser measurement device. Which flavor?

[RJNeal]

I'm looking to purchase a laser measurement device. Would like what the member's thought were on which one stands out. Read up on some, kind of like the Hilti PD5.
I'm thinking of a budget up to $250sh.
Thanking in advance on any input.
Rick

 

[Svar]

Go to Leica geosystems and check out their DISTO series. There are several within your budget. Among those one has bluetooth, so you can download measurements into .xls file or Sketchup on your mobile device. They offer several apps. Accuracy also varies. E7500x will give you 0.2 mm, but no bluetooth.

 

[WastedP]

I've been using the Leica e7100i for a little over a year now, and I like it because it's simple, accurate, and Bluetooth with their Disto Transfer software for Windows works well with the cabinet software I use (20-20, which does not work well most days).  It's probably not that well suited for outdoor work.  For $150 I am pretty happy with it, but if I had to make the purchase again today, I would at least check out the new Bosch LDMs and see if their software would be adequate.

Truly, the low-priced Leica is really easy to use, and so is the software.  I opened the package, downloaded the software, paired the LDM with my laptop, and had it all set up in maybe ten minutes.

 

[RJNeal]

Thanks guys for your input. I'll check them out.
Rick

 

[Dick Mahany]

I have a Bosch GLR225.  I have used it to measure for a whole house carpeting project, inside mount window blind sizing, exterior landscaping and it has worked flawlessly ( ~ $150 USD).  It is compact and easily measures linear, square and cubic dimensions.

 

[nclemmons]

I have a Bosch GLM 50c - bluetooth and up to 165' measurement with 1/32 accuracy.  You can find them from $99 to $150 online.  There are two apps available for it - an iPhone or Android app that lets you take a photo and add measurements to it.  And an iPad app that lets you sketch a quick drawing / floorplan and annotate it with measurements.

Been very happy with it. 
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GLM-50-...?ie=UTF8&qid=1453665738&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+glm+50+c

 

[WastedP]

The Bosch model that [member=167]neilc[/member] links to is the new one I was thinking of.  The built-in inclinometer feature gives it an advantage over the Leica because it ensures you're taking a straight points.

Leica's Disto Sketch software is okay, but can't produce elevations with windows or anything like that.  I installed it on my wife's iPod touch just to test drive it, and I wasn't overwhelmed one way or the other.  The ability to take a photo and mark it up with measurements straight from the LDM is cool, though.  The Disto Transfer software is just a bridge to input points into any other Windows software.  It works with anything, but there are special plug-ins for AutoCad and some other programs.  The Transfer app can also use Bluetooth in the other direction, sending commands to the LDM.  You could conceivably use it to position the LDM and a target while taking points by tapping a tablet or keyboard.  Some smart person somewhere could probably use the software as a building block to make a digitizer.

 

[RJNeal]

Thanks for the input Neilc and wastedP, the Bosch looks pretty good. I like the large display. Tomorrow I'll check and see if the lumber yard has one if not, amazon
Thanks again.
Rick

 

[Luzzy]

I've been using the Leica e7100i for a little over a year now, and I like it because it's simple, accurate, and Bluetooth with their Disto Transfer software for Windows works well with the cabinet software I use (20-20, which does not work well most days).  It's probably not that well suited for outdoor work.  For $150 I am pretty happy with it, but if I had to make the purchase again today, I would at least check out the new Bosch LDMs and see if their software would be adequate.

Truly, the low-priced Leica is really easy to use, and so is the software.  I opened the package, downloaded the software, paired the LDM with my laptop, and had it all set up in maybe ten minutes.

The Leica is indeed simple and adds bluetooth. I got mine at the woodworking show for under 135.00.
http://www.advanceddimensions.com

 

[GhostFist]

I've got a Leica d2. It doesn't have bluetooth.  It works really well but I find the button fumbly.  If I'm measuring to a point, the act of pushing the button can throw me off. If you hit your mark though it's dead nuts. Food for thought

 

[WastedP]

It works really well but I find the button fumbly.  If I'm measuring to a point, the act of pushing the button can throw me off.

Same with the e7100i.  You know those stick-on bumpers for cabinet doors?  That fixed it for me.

I made it over a year before I changed batteries in the Leica.  My first thought when I saw the new Bosch models with their large bright color screens was that I would need a bigger case to hold all the spare batteries.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

I have the Leica disto d2 also and find it great, has all the basic functions and doesn't break the bank I would recommend it.

 

[GhostFist]

Good idea on the cabinet bumper. stealing that one.

 

[jimbouk]

Me too. Good idea that!

 

[hemdale]

Hi RJ,

I have a Leica Disto but a previous version (without the bluetooth feature). If I had to do it again, I'd would be happy to have the bluetooth feature I think.

I'd happilly stick with Leica or maybe Bosch but wouldn't mind a Stabila LD520  [drooling]

One piece of advise, make sure the one you buy has an inclinometer built in, it REALLY helps for Pythagorus measures.

 

[RJNeal]

Thanks Hemdale for the reply. I went with the Bosch GLM 50. Works great.
I haven't use the Bluetooth yet.
Rick