Some people have never adjusted to the fact that the electric power saw has replaced the hand saw for rough construction work. And we have a feeling that this new electronic measuring device will be met with much the same sentiment. The natural reaction of traditionalists is that nothing will ever replace the old tape measure. And, for the most part that's probably true. However, your letter shows that there is a need for such a device. Although it may not be a replacement for the good old-fashioned retractable tape measure, it does offer some wonderful features that are quite exciting especially for the visually impaired or blind.

The device we mentioned is Ultra Measure an ultrasonic measuring system. Ultra Measure transmits sound waves that reflect off the first major object in their path and return as echoes. A tiny micro chip computer then calculates the distance based on the speed of sound and the length of time the echo takes to return. Ultra Measure then announces the measurement either in feet, feet and inches or meters, depending on the unit of measurement selected. All measurements are announced twice. It has a range of two to thirty five feet, will compute square feet and square yards instantly and will even give you the current room temperature. Ultra Measure is 5" x 2.5 x 1.5" and weighs just eight ounces. Ultra Measure is manufactured by ETEC, Carrollton, TX.