You may remember the review I did a while ago of the Bosch DLR165K; if not, be sure to check it out.

Bosch is coming out with a new version (DLR130K) thats looks to be tailored more to finish carpenters. I say this because this new version has something the old was lacking, the ability the measure in inches. The older version could measure in Feet-inches, decimal feet, and metric, while the new version adds Inches. The new version also loses a few features. The first you will notice is in the model number. It only measures to 130 feet, while the DLR165K measured to 165 feet. It also loses two measuring reference points, the pin for measuring in corners, and the center tripod point. I also assume it loses the Pythagorean theorem measuring mode.

This brings up the question of price. The DLR165K sells for around $170 new, with Amazon selling it for $117. I would expect this new version to sell for less for the lack of features, but who knows.

The DLR130K is set to be available January 09

In the past people would look for tools with the highest amount of volts to insure they were getting a powerful tool. Now with newer technology we can get a powerful tool in a much smaller package, which also costs a lot less. Just a few years ago, you could only get a 12-volt Makita impact, and it had about the same amount of torque as the newer 10.8-volt Makita impact.

Makita has announced a new 10.8V Lithium-Ion Compact 3-Piece Cordless Combo Kit (model LCT302W). The new combo kit features a 10.8V Compact Lithium-Ion Driver-Drill and 10.8V Compact Lithium-Ion Impact Driver, as well as a new 10.8V Flashlight. The combo kit also includes an ENERGY STAR rated battery charger, two Lithium-Ion batteries, and a metallic case.

The new compact 10.8-volt flashlight weights in at just over a half-pound (.55 lbs) and offers 540 minutes of continuous light on a single charge.