Review of Bosch GLM 100C, and comparison to Dewalt DW0330S
Hey - it's a measurer! So many competing products have forgotten that, and made their devices too complex, with too many cramped controls. I have a brand-new Dewalt DW0330S that I put aside for that reason. With the Dewalt, the "initiate laser measure" button is a millimeter away from the "clear" button and also from a "function select" button. All the buttons are under a flat, featureless flexible plastic cover - unless you have been reading Braille all your life, no way you are going to know where any button is by touch. Many times I unintentionally cleared my measurements, just after I had completed an entire floor. In order to prevent that, the operator was required to look down at the face of the Dewalt prior to every measure, to make sure your finger was properly positioned. Big waste of time, and you can't always do that when you are out over a ledge or in a dark hallway! No such problems with the Bosch - each button is large and separate, with a prominently rounded surface. You can feel with your fingers in a dark setting, and properly index them. Each successful measure results in an audible "click". The "initiate laser measure" button is on the top the face, away from most other buttons, and in a row with only 2 buttons, not 3 like the rest of the rows - again, in the dark, you can run your finger over the face and find the 2-button row, then move to the right button, and be absolutely certain you are in the correct location to initiate a measurement. The screen is great, the size is appropriate, and NO CHANGEABLE BATTERIES - instead, in internal rechargeable lithium ion. These are the best - they last for countless cycles, and will hold a charge for a couples days of measuring. My Dewalt would blow through a set of 3 batteries in a couple days, and then you must change them in the middle of an estimate, and always carry spares. Worse, it would react to low batteries by FIRST giving incorrect readings, and LATER ON displaying a "low battery" icon. You could record and save an improper measure and lose thousands of dollars because of this deficiency. Range is as-advertised: You can easily make 300 feet in normal interior light.
Outside, all of these devices are largely useless. My only suggestion for improving the Bosch would be to backlight the buttons. Great product!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Refurbished
