Are laser-powered tape measures legit? It took just minutes to make me a believer

Mileseey S50 laser measuring software

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Mileseey S50 is out there now for $129.
• It is a pocket-sized laser measuring software with high-precision measurements as much as 400 ft (120 m) with ±1/16 inch accuracy.
• It is expensive and could be characteristic overkill for some.

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A few of my earliest reminiscences are of utilizing instruments with my grandfather. He had the true ones whereas I had plastic facsimiles that might do lots much less harm. However to at the present time, I nonetheless cannot choose up a hammer or tape measure with out desirous about these reminiscences. 

Instruments have been an integral a part of my life from an early age. However they’re altering, and getting filled with silicon and batteries and transistors. 

Additionally: 10 DIY devices I by no means omit of my toolkit (and why every one earns its spot)

Take tape measures, as soon as a palm-sized object that housed a metallic ribbon that might snap again enthusiastically — has been reworked right into a palm-sized machine with with a laser inside. Yup, the Mileseey S50 measuring software has a frickin laser inside! 

That is nothing like my grandpa’s tape measure. The S50 is filled with options: first off, the laser measures out to a whopping 400 ft (120 m) and provides an unbelievable ±1/16 inch accuracy (and sure, it truly is that correct). It really works in all kinds of situations — indoors, open air, in vibrant solar, rain, mist, gradual, and might even see the laser when it is shone on a low-reflective floor (if the floor has too matte of a end for the laser to work, you need to use a reflective sticker).  

It is fast to make use of, and the outcomes are constant and correct. 

However that is solely a fraction of what the S50 can do. This small pocket-sized little bit of package can do all kinds — you need to use it to measure the space between two factors from a single location, measure the realm of a wall, the quantity of a room or cylinder, it could possibly work out numerous Pythagorean calculations, and even use the aspect laser to make out intervals for issues like fence posts. 

The quantity of stuff that this little gadget can do is kind of staggering. A few of the options I have been utilizing lots, others I am undecided why I might want them however in the future will in all probability have a type of “a-ha” moments and determine that exact characteristic might be helpful.

Additionally: That is my favourite software package of all time – this is why it is nonetheless in use 10 years later

The knowledge is displayed on a 2.4 inch IPS backlit show that’s massive and daring and simple to learn underneath quite a lot of situations, whether or not that be at night time or in vibrant daylight. Powering the unit are two rechargeable AA 1800mAh Ni-MH batteries, and these could be recharged within the unit utilizing USB-C. The buttons on the unit are massive and clear, and they’re straightforward to function even when carrying work gloves. 

There’s additionally a gap for a lanyard and likewise a 1/4-20 tripod screw. The unit has rubberized bumpers, and resists knocks, bumps, and drops. To not point out the helpful zip-up case for storing the software safely.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

I admit it: I used to be surprisingly proof against making an attempt out the Mileseey S50. It appeared like overcomplicating what appeared to me like a easy little bit of package. However this takes a tape measure and tremendous prices it! 

I imply, it is a 400-foot tape measure that may do trigonometry that I can slot in my pocket. I can measure issues that would want ladders of cherry pickers to get to, and I can do it to an accuracy that I could not obtain with an everyday tape measure.

All this in a software that prices $140 (actually, proper now there is a $40 off coupon on Amazon). Which may appear a bit expensive, however if in case you have a necessity for measurements in hard-to-reach areas, it is simply value it.