A smartphone app could do most of the functions using a regular laser range
finder. It could even use the phones angle finder for the more advanced
geometric functions requiring an angle.

"Dave" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:15:09 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
For those that can use the capabilities, it is $500 well spent. For
the most of us, nifty toy. I wonder what the learning curve is to
learn all the features.

Basic geometry, trig and algebra. Obviously, a competent knowledge of
what these mathematics do and which one is needed for the next step to
calculate a problem is needed. A grade 12 mathematics refresher course
would be needed, unless they learn this stuff earlier these days.