Issues with agilent U1241B?

[Connoiseur]

I am going to buy a new multimeter in the range of 150 - 200 USD.

Must have: good build quality, true rms reading, Excellent DC accuracy(0.5% or better), 5000+ counts resolution, accurate capacitance in nF range, micro-amps, miliamps, min/max, rel, hold, frequency.
Optional: duty cycle, temperature, data logging.

I had zeroed upon Agilent U1241B for 183USD shipped from amazon. Should I go for it or there are any issues with the multimeter?
I checked tequipment.net, which shows it has been discontinued. There are no reviews as well. This raised my suspicion. Does it have any design flaw? Out of tolerance? Not worth the money? Recalled?

If someone owns it, or knows more about it, please share your experience(s) with me.

Thanks

[zaoka]

I got AMPROBE AM-270 (Brymen) and it has all and more than you need for around $100.

Very fast, accurate, fast bar graph, amazing built quality, stable readings...

Cons: a bit of settling time needed for DC, continuity mode is not latched and is not as scratchy as chinese meters, something between and I really like it, its as fast as with fluke. Check out teardown pictures here on forum...

For $29 more you could get this DMM and also that DE-5000 LCR meter, I think its better value than that Agilent alone.

[nctnico]

I bought an U1241B a couple of years ago as a portable DMM and to use on mains. I'm not using it much (a couple of times per year at most) but when I do it just works.

edit: typo

[nanofrog]

I got AMPROBE AM-270 (Brymen) and it has all and more than you need for around $100.

Very fast, accurate, fast bar graph, amazing built quality, stable readings...

Cons: a bit of settling time needed for DC, continuity mode is not latched and is not as scratchy as chinese meters, something between and I really like it, its as fast as with fluke. Check out teardown pictures here on forum...

For $29 more you could get this DMM and also that DE-5000 LCR meter, I think its better value than that Agilent alone.

Another vote for the Amprobe AM-270 (here) + a DER-EE DE-5000 LCR meter w/ test leads (here)  , as a DMM isn't going to have the range or features of an LCR meter.

It'll take ~ an additional $80 though ($109 for the DMM + $118 for the LCR to your door from the above links). Well worth the additional cost though, if you do need that kind of capability. 

FWIW, the alligator clips are great for PTH, and the tweezers for SMD (guard wire isn't critical as a general rule, but is a good idea to go ahead and get at the same time, as it's inexpensive that way). They also make an optical-USB interface kit and AC adapter, which is handy for batch testing (verifying parts meet spec, go/no-go, or part matching). Do note that capacitors must be discharged prior to testing with this LCR, or you will damage it (it doesn't have any protections, as they'd interfere with it's accuracy).

Regarding scratchiness on non-latched continuity meters, quality probes make a significant difference; as in can eliminate the scratchiness (I had the same issue with my Brymen BM857A with the OEM probes, but my Probemaster's cleaned it right up  ).

BTW, the Amprobe AM-270 is a rebadged Brymen BM817S, but the Amprobe is easier to find and similarly priced IME (tme.eu in Poland sells the BM817S for ~$111 + ~$10 for shipping <currently shows stock = 0>; they ship internationally though, and generally speaking, have the lowest prices on Brymen meters with shipping from what I've seen). TEquipment also sells internationally, though I've no idea what shipping to India will run you (worth trying out in the cart though  ).

[Connoiseur]

Thanks for the info. I already know what the Amprobe AM-270 is like and would love to get one (My uncle who owns a local repair shop had lent me once.)
Unfortunately even after a day's search I couldn't find any local seller having it stocked. International sellers are either not ready to export to India or the price+shipping is just exorbitant.

I'll get the Agilent. Sounds good to me. They also have a local branch in my country, unlike the Amprobe. After sales maintenance and warranty claims would be easier.

[WackyGerman]

I ve got an Agilent U1241B and I am really happy with that . It is really fast and the accuracy didn t drift yet after two years . I checked it with my DMM Check from Voltagestandard and it still shows exactly the same readings , also my Greenlee DM 830 A and my Fluke 123 Scopemeter do  .
But it also has some cons . The selector switch is not the best . It feels a little spongy . The access to the fuses is awful , you need to take off the pcb for replace them . So replacing them in a field use would be a mess if you loose the screws . 
 

[Connoiseur]

UPDATE:

Thanks everyone!

Finally I bought the Agilent U1241B. It does seem a bit overpriced on the official website (17173 INR) (251.7usd) for the features it offers. I think BK Precision 393 at a price tag of 14732 (216usd) INR is better value for money.

But I got the U1241B for 10680 (156.6 usd) + 55 INR shipping from snapdeal. It think it's a bargain. You can't get good branded multimeters at this price in India because custom duty is a exorbitant. Apparently it was not getting sold since they were trying to sell a top notch TE on a website that's only used for household goods, dresses etc. In panic the seller reduced the price, hoping to recover some of his investment.

The meter is spot on. However the calibration certificate will expire in June this year. Anyway keysight has a calibration center just over 300 km from my residence, shouldn't be much of an issue.