Anybody using one of those laser measuring thingies?

[Caterina Platt]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks for the reviews. If appraising goes down the tubes, it appears there are some budding op ed writers lurking amongst.

Pat, that was hillarious.

Now I don't feel like the only cheapster on the block! I keep having this internal argument with myself, 'Yes, it is expensive, but it's a great tool. It's for your business. Get the best and you'll be thankful you did.' I had this funny feeling about that little tiny screen...just how am I gonna be fast when I'm so friggin' worried about hitting the wrong spot on my screen with that so easily misplaced pointer thingee? (which gives me an idea for a new jewelry item- pointer thingee necklaces!) I keep picturing myself, total techno nerd with eyes glued to my PDA not looking where I'm stepping as I search for the right box to click. You know what happens next- you either step in a hole and fall flat on your face (and expensive little PDA) or in the dog torpedoes you should have been looking out for. :roll:

The Disto still sounds intriguing, but I do believe I'm going to hold out for a bit longer.

Thanks, Tim!

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Pat,

Matt Johnson took your whole post to the laser appraiser users group. My guess is he would like rebuttals to fuel his Disto sales. This thread is not directed at ruining Appraiser Depot's sales base. It about the actual usability of an appraisal tool. I found your post very whimsical and downright funny.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Great thread!!!!

Think I'll use my excess money for a vacation. (if I can find it)

 

[Anonymous]

Wow! Tim, take it easy. When I read Pat's post, I was cracking up. I knew it was tongue-n-cheek. That is why I shared it with the Laser group. After some of the tongue-n-cheek messages in the Laser group last night, I thought they would enjoy it.

I really enjoyed the part about the bullet proof vest. A few months ago, I was taking a long measurement on the side of a house. I was in sort of a funky position and was looking through the scope. I guess I was deep in thought because I didn't hear the owner's neighbor approach me. Before I knew what was going on, he said, "What in the #$% are you doing?" It made me jump and I about jammed the scope into my brain.

Also, some of the folks in the Laser group may not know anything about the this website. If nothing else, maybe they will start visting the AppraisersForum.com every day and share their thoughts and opinions on all sorts of topics.

 

[slacker]

Still laughing very hard....this isn't a joke is it? This is all tongue and cheek-- no flames needed. But I just can't help laughing as I read the posts that talk about how much money people keep sinking into this........

Pat, Pat, Pat............


Really, if you're that jealous just come out and say it and quit beating around the bush. Which by the way, I don't need to crawl over anymore. You probably say the same thing about people who live in big homes and drive nice cars.

I can her you now, "Oh just look at that, who would ever need a house that big or a car that nice,,,some people, I tell ya!"

I'm just kidding of course and I did get a good laugh.

You realize that had I not already bought a Disto, I would be in complete agreement with you. But since I have, I need to justify the $500 clams by saying you have no idea what you're talking about. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

I do about 10 condo's a month so I am actually using it a lot for interior stuff. (Just had to throw that in)

See Ya

 

[Pat Butler]

I'm usually the type of person who spends money on something like this. I have a cousin who always laughs at me for wasting money on gadgets.

I'm sure the Disto is an accurate instrument, but it's limited by the process we need it for- namely, measuring outside corners. It's probably best used in the manner in which survyors practice by having a tripod and another person holding a plum target.

I'm like most of you in that I've gone through a dozen or so ultrasonic devices. I use them as a last resort. The one I have now has a red spotting beam and it still makes plenty of mistakes. Oh well...

Pat

 

[TC]

I'm pretty much a gadget guy myself. Everytime I buy something electronic I have to explain to my wife that its a TOOL not a TOY. I haven't shown her the Disto yet, but I think it is worth the money. I used it today on 3 properties, 2 were condos. It definitely keeps you out of the bushes. I don't use my Palm for field inspections, waiting for the tablet PC to come down in price.

TC

 

[Kent Faver]

Hey all,

As a 16 year appraisal veteran, and someone brand new to thise forum (though addicted to other forums for years - lol) - I was immediately delighted at the thoughtful posts in this thread. I appreciate Tim's and others timely comments for those that just aren't sure about this whole laser deal. And many thanks to Matt for explaining the process in such detail.

I did have to laugh at Matt's post about the standard neighbor question -
"what are you doing?" Just yesterday, unbeknownst to me, a neighbor in a rural area around here had been waiting for me all day (must have been the highlight of the ol' guy's day). Once he saw me strapping my tape to walls, he knew who I was and what I was doing. Imagine if he'd seen my firing my laser gun at stuff and plotting the measurements into a handheld pc? --- Which, btw, is another "should I buy this or not" issue for me altogether!

Thanks again,

Kent F.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

A new update.

I got the fancy laser glasses. They are not a fashion statement, but they did solve the bright sunlight problem. I bet I can see the dot 100 feet away now. The only problem I see now is how to carry them. It is already bright and I am already wearing sunglasses. I usually wear sunglasses when measuring for eye protection anyway (ever caugt a branch in the eye?). If you carry them exposed they will get scratched to pieces. I tried one pair on top of my head while the other was on my eyes, but I imagine I looked like a four eyed monster. They are boxy do they probably will not fit in a soft sunglasses case, but I will look around.

 

[Bemis Pownall]

For Anyone who cares
I bought a $30 Zircon soinc measuring tool at Homedepot today
For $30 I figured Id try it,
Very Very short learing curve
Cant use it in every situation but for the short walls, interior walls, basements, garages what an awesome time saver.
And it fits in your pants pocket
Combiningthis gadget with a tape measure Ive cut my measuring time in half+/-.

That Is All