Multimeter

[Osoloco]

Okay, well, I'm a regular reader of OW's reviews and these forums, here @ jonnyguru.com. With regards to my question, my wife is going to buy me a multimeter but, I'm not all too sure what to tell her what to buy. You see, I'm just starting to get into electronics and, I'm not exactly sure what I should demand in a multimeter and which brands are good. So, if you guys could, if you guys will, can you give me a couple of recommendations for under $200.00 (digital multimeters)? I'd like to have something of good quality and good utility, like we all wouldn't, lol.

So, in advance, thank you for your help. Also, sorry if this post should have been made somewhere else.

Here are a few that I have looked at:

http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-Auto-Range-Multi-functional-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B000JKMTDM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-117-Electricians-True-Multimeter/dp/B000O3LUEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1245732116&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B000EVYGZA/ref=pd_cp_hi_2

[Makalu]

hmm there's a lot of differences in those three and a lot depends on what you want to measure. The Mastech has some unique measurements...light sound and humidity. I think the guts of that are the same as this cheaper model by Mastech:

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7102

The Fluke is "true" RMS for measuring AC lines...dunno anything about the Equus except it's cheap.

Assuming you just want to measure DC voltages then just look for decent accuracy in the 0-12V range in the specs...

[Oklahoma Wolf]

You don't need anything fancy for simple DC voltage readings.

[Osoloco]

hmm there's a lot of differences in those three and a lot depends on what you want to measure. The Mastech has some unique measurements...light sound and humidity. I think the guts of that are the same as this cheaper model by Mastech:

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7102

The Fluke is "true" RMS for measuring AC lines...dunno anything about the Equus except it's cheap.

Assuming you just want to measure DC voltages then just look for decent accuracy in the 0-12V range in the specs...

Hey Makalu, thanks for the link to Circuitspecialists. While looking at their site, I found this unit, which also puts the purchase over $50.00/eligible for a free gift:

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9455

As far as accuracy, how can you tell?

Anyway, maybe I asked the question poorly. So, let me take another stab at it: if you guys needed to buy a basic multimeter, for around $50.00, which one would you buy?

**Edit:

I'll just pick up something simple and not all too expensive. I mean, why suffer over the purchase of something not all that expensive?

[Makalu]

yeah I think most in that price range have .08% or .05% accuracy in that DC voltage range so not any significant difference and either is sufficient considering the PSU's 5% tolerance range. If you want to measure the PSU amperage too...which can be impossible if the cables are one piece molded or the sleeving extends from end to end and won't slide back...then I don't think you'll find a DC clamp meter cheaper than this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-Manual-Range-1000A-Clamp/dp/B000LY2WFG/ref=pd_cp_hi_1?pf_rd_p=413863601&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000SOL3W2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0QEBVTAJ0X0CVDFXHDV6