Still toiling away with a tape measure like some sort of carpentry-savvy caveman? It’s 2013 – get yourself a laser measure already. Not only are they faster, easier, and more accurate than tape, but some of the newer ones – like the GLM 100 C Professional from Bosch – can interface with your smartphone to do all kinds of nifty next-gen stuff.
In addition to all of the standard features you’d expect on a laser measure (which we’ll get into in a moment), the GLM 100 C can sync via Bluetooth with your Android or iOS device to collect measurement data on your phone or tablet. Then, using Bosch’s proprietary app, those measurements can be processed, stored, and even superimposed onto images of the jobsite to form a sort of augmented-reality schematic. It’s even got a function that allows you to use your phone as a remote control to activate the measure in hard-to-reach spots.
But smartphone pairing – despite being the device’s big selling point – isn’t the only feature it’s got. Bosch outfitted this badboy with a shipload of different measurement modes, including: length, area, volume, angle, min/max, continuous, single indirect height, single indirect length, combined indirect height, and multi-surface area measurement. And with it’s built-in tilt sensor that gives it orientation awareness, you don’t even have to hold it straight to get an accurate reading. It’s easily one of the most versatile rangefinders you can buy.
The GLM 100 C Professional retails for $300, and is available both online and at physical retail locations.
