Sale multimeters?

[bobstad]

Purchasing an adapter for my stereo, from an on-line outfit specializing in audio/video hardware; they included their current paper catalog of sale items.

Amongst these which seem attractive are a variety of multimeters; ranging in price from one at $12.99 I'm probably most interested in, & others for $39.99, $49.99 and $74.99.

This paper sale catalog, generally seems to offer far better bargains than the same outfit's on-line sales at the website or from regular emails sent once or more often weekly; so I'm wondering if upgrading to the thirteen dollar unit, could be much of an advantage over what I'd find later, via any sort of merchandiser?

I probably haven't used the cheapest of cheapie multimeters I have now, any more than has been the case; in part at least, since the thing seems fragile to the point of incipient vulnerability; I'm sure cost three dollars or less new-via a bargain bin, at an auto parts store.

Below are the sale selections offered, good through April 6th; the least expensive pair, then the ones for forty dollars & more.

I'm wondering which would be best for my general use, and of course if reasonable for automotive adaptations I'd be doing as well...and the various virtues of any of them, for whatever applications?

Tenma Compact Digital Multimeter.[http://electronics.mcmelectronics.co...27765&x=19&y=8
Tenma Professional Digital Multimeters.[http://electronics.mcmelectronics.co...10405&x=11&y=6
[http://electronics.mcmelectronics.co...210410&x=6&y=9
[http://electronics.mcmelectronics.co...0415&x=19&y=11

Anyone else interesting in taking advantage of the sale prices; their code is ST311 and I'd imagine phoning, they'd probably send the same current catalog; if a person were quick about that.

[bobstad]

A little snooping at the same website, and this offering seems perhaps a better buy; for a little more?[http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...B-6BE395143FA6

Here is yet another one in about the same price range; so three total, I'd be interested in deciding amongst: While disregarding their more expensive professional items.[http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...B-6BE395143FA6

[bobstad]

The price is not trite; nor is Bill Cullen forgotten!!!

Let's see; for clarity's sake...ignoring the pricier "professional" multimeters:

There are three multimeters offered ranging in price from $12.99 to $19.99.

The least expensive, at the $12.99 price offered only in a special paper sale circular expiring April 6th; seems also to be their less pricey offering generally, with a retail price of $23.99 and on-line sale price of $15.99. This is the "compact" version; so apparently size translates to cheaper, too.[http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-7765

The most expensive however; is a "mini" version, selling on-line at a sale price of $19.99 with regular retail of $23.99.[http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...B-6BE395143FA6

The third choice seems probably a skosh larger, as a "handheld" size; with a sale on-line price of $16.99 and regular retail of $39.99.[http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...B-6BE395143FA6

With such a marginal difference in price, a person easily imagines being advantaged spending a little more; while also wondering if perhaps an overkill-which could be functionally a disadvantage, somehow?

The middle price of $16.99, the "handheld" unit which isn't touted as somehow smaller than normal;* also has a much higher retail price at $39.99 than the other two-so would seem ultimately the best purchase, spending four dollars more than the soon to expire price for the "compact" unit which is also the cheapest at either $12.99 or $15.99.

As outlined above, I'm nearly geek level using these things; though have seen excellent monologues on the subject by such luminaries here as Movin, for instance; who advocates for the multimeter used effectively, as one of the tool box's most virtuous beings...to say the least.

I'd also take a cynic's point of view; and/or one of the marketeer...and guess these are all nearly identical, other than their relative size and appearances? Which could be different prices, from having different sales volumes for each.

Nice to know, if there is any real difference between any of these; worth being aware of, as is certainly suggested by the $39.99 price of their "handheld" offering.

*Well, things being relative, "handheld" also implies a unit not as large as one which couldn't be used handheld: A nice level of confusion in other words; implying a sort of James Bond level of convenience, ultimately?

And/or the way cigarettes are marketed, and many other things; vying for shelf space and attention, by an infinite variety of practically the exact same things.

Which is of course a stupid person's point of view, given the way the retailer here is vouching for their items; as rather than technically different, simply based upon "mini," "compact," & "handheld."

[bobstad]

arf, arf

[QUOTE=bobstad;649260]Let's see; for clarity's sake...ignoring the pricier "professional" multimeters:

I've run into those seeming willing to violence; as to the existence or not, of Bill Cullen?

[Spike]

Harbor Freight
1155 E Sunset Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-1764

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html

and this coupon:

http://dealspl.us/harborfreight-coupons/1256268p

$4.12 plus tax.

Mine's worked okay for a year now.

[bobstad]

Harbor Freight
1155 E Sunset Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-1764

I ride past this place on my old ten-speed often enough.

I think there is a parking lot sale this weekend; which with the weather clearing only the past few days, may be still a soggy enough ambition. We've had significant snow too, lately; besides the maritime Pacific northwest's usual monsoons.

Their multimeter shown the link is to, doesn't seem quite as nice as the ones which cost double or more via the audio/video place; though still looks a lot better than the one I have now. So, good advice; which makes me feel certain in the long run, I'll never be far from a decent, viable better replacement if necessary.

I'm a big enough sucker for "bells & whistles" though try to keep the habit to myself; except for some lady saxophonists of my acquaintance, at least.[http://www.thetiptonssaxquartet.com

Their latest compact disc "tiny lower case" came out March 8th, on International Women's Day. Their 12th album release, who first rehearsed November 11th, 1988 as "Phlegm Fatale'."

A careful look through my tool boxes; reveals considerable weighting of options, where good quality at an exceptional savings can be the yield.