A professional and reliable device not only for professionals

First surprise: The Bosch GLM 80 is smaller than expected. You can hold it very well, which is to a large extent on the revolving rubber on all edges and the handles. The case looks robust and is expected to survive a rough artisan everyday well.
A screw for a commercially available tripod and a fold-out plastic pin for hard to reach places and corners are available.
The keys are high quality and have a good pressure point. The icons are self-explanatory. Once read manual to cover all functions of the device is sufficient. Every keystroke acknowledged the meter with a distinct beeping.
The display shows all relevant information without being cluttered. The last measurement taken is displayed large, the three previously made small. In addition, the device displays a pictogram where the reference point of the measurement is (leading edge, trailing edge, tripod connector, measuring pin). In addition, the angle of inclination of the device to tenths of a degree is always up to date accurately displayed. In any button is pressed, the lighting is switched on. After ten seconds, the illumination will shut automatically dimmed and turned off after a further 20 seconds. But the display has a good contrast so that it can be read even in low light conditions without the built-in lighting.
The rangefinder measures using a red laser beam whose impact point is clearly visible even at a distance and in broad daylight. Unlike gauges on ultrasound basis he can not by standing in measuring point near obstacles irritate.
In general, the measurement goes pressing the appropriate button quickly. If the laser beam but reflects poorly, it can sometimes even take several seconds. Bosch indicates a measuring range of up to 80 meters. Up to 45 meters I was able to measure.
The device can be calculated not only distances, but also areas and volumes. At the beginning select the desired function, the rest is done automatically. Also angle can be measured and above Pythagoras says hello and the length perpendicular and not directly accessible lines.
Length measurements are displayed precision of a tenth millimeter, which falls under the heading superfluous, because according to the manufacturer, the measurement accuracy is 1.5 millimeters. I have not tested this, because I have enough precision of plus / minus 3 centimeters from completely and this criterion is met the GLM 80 safely.
The built-in lithium-ion battery lasts long through (after the first battery charge and hundreds of measurements has so far been no more charging needed). Is loaded via a Micro-USB port, so you can charge the device even on the PC / notebook.
But for data transfer of the connection can not be used. But one has to resort to more expensive GLM 100 C.
Compared to consumer appliances from Bosch GLM 80 brings not just more accurate measurements and robust exterior still a three-year warranty (with registration) with.
Overall, I can only recommend the device. The relatively high price is justified, although in view of the Made in Malaysia here certainly would still air down.