Bosch PLR 25 Digital Laser Range Finder

This handy laser measure comes with batteries and a belt pouch for protection. It's a small study box but it doesn't feel like it would cope with too many whacks. It is an optical measuring tool after all.
It's incredibly easy to use and a quick run through of the manual is all that's required to make sense of the unfamiliar labels on the buttons.
One of those buttons allows measuring from the bottom of the device or from the front and the display clearly indicates which mode you're in.
You can measure just a strait distance, but it will also calculate areas and volumes, with the display flashing which distance it expects next.
There is also a continuous measuring mode, useful I suppose if someone is moving the target backwards and forwards to get it in the right place. It doesn't update that quickly though, more a series of snapshots than continuous.
The laser beam is quite bright and easy to direct onto the distant surface. Once it's in the place you want press the button again and there's an audible click to let you know the reading has been taken.
I did think about taking a star off for the price, but then thought that a little churlish as this is the first one I've seen down to consumer prices. The number of times it's going to get used will soon pay for itself in saved time in measuring and accuracy.
And Bosch, if you're listening, I'd like to suggest three improvements for the next version.
1. A spirit bubble would be nice. Not every surface you set the device on will be level or perfectly upright. Or even better an electronic tilt system (smartphone style) with beeps when it's not level.
2. A louder audible beep rather than a soft click to announce measurement would be nice.
3. A wrist strap. Holding the device up the top of a ladder and it slipping from your hand as you maneuver it into the right position and feel for the button is a distinct possibility and I don't think this device will bounce well.
4. Fill the device with resin to encase the workings, so it might survive being dropped easier.

This is a great new tool and no doubt as prices fall over the next few years they'll be a common sight in every DIY'ers tool box.

I bought this item for my son who is a civil engineering student. I thought it would be useful when surveying. I was attracted by the Bosch name as they have a good reputation. Also there was a good video on the Amazon web site so I knew exactly what I was getting. We weren't disappointed. It's a really useful tool and it's got a very chunky, hardy feel to it. The batteries were included.

Very handy product for measuring rooms, quick and easy to use.
As it was my first laser measurer I double checked the accuracy (up to 5 meters) with a tape measurer and it was always spot on.