Scale Magazine.com - Tanita 1479S Digital Pocket scale

Scale Magazine 2005

Tanita^® 1479S

Capacity: 300g // 200g

Readability: 0.1g

Accuracy (as tested): ±0.2g

Modes: 1479S-200 :Grams only

Modes: 1479S-300 :Grams, Ounces, Troy Ounces, Pennyweight

Tare: Yes

Calibration: Not Recalibratable

Warranty: 1 year (no fees)

Included Accessories: Batteries, Cover

Size: 6.25" x 3.25"

Price (avg) $99

The Tanita 1479S is the latest in the Tanita line of pocket scales. It's sold alongside the classic 1479V as a higher capacity updated model. The shape of the 1479S is similar to the 1479V except for a curved tray on one side and a new sliding case cover. Improvents for the 1479S include a larger display, rubber buttons, higher capacity and more reading modes* (1479S-300 only).

We took apart our Tanitas and found them to be very well built. However we were surprised to find that Tanita switched from Capacitance to Load Cell technology. All previous 1479 models used a Capacitance weighing system. This is an older technology that is not as accurate as a Load Cell, but it's extremely durable. The very reason that Tanita pocket scales are so popular is because they have a reputation for being "bulletproof". Now that Tanita has switched to Load Cell technology, their scales won't be as durable as the original 1479 models. However, with a Load Cell you will get a higher capacity and improved accuracy. So, it's a tradeoff.

Is this the end of an era? All other major brands used Load Cell technology. Tanita was the last major manufacturer to still use capacitance. To equate this to watches, Rolex uses an old self-winding system. Imagine if Rolex suddenly switched to using batteries. Although the watch may keep better time by using batteries, the self-winding feature is synonymous with the Rolex brand. Thus watch wearers would be shocked to see a battery operated Rolex and probably not purchase it.

Accuracy was good but mixed, the 1479S-300 was accurate plus or minus 0.1g throughout our testing spectrum. the 1479S-200 was accurate plus or minus 0.2g throughout our testing spectrum. As with some previous scales that we have reviewed, the 1479S is not recalibratable. This means that if your scale is inaccurate you cannot recalibrate the scale. It's a shame because we know these 1479S scales would have been perfectly accurate if we had been able to recalibrate them.

Mode	1479S-200 Capacity/Accuracy	1479S-300 Capacity/Accuracy
Grams	200g x 0.1g	300g x 0.1g
Ounces	NA	10.5oz x 0.005oz
Troy Ounces	NA	9.6ozt x 0.005ozt
Pennyweight	NA	192.9dwt x 0.1dwt

Overall: Interesting.
We have very mixed opinions of this new Tanita. We like the shape and style of the scale. The 1479 series really needed this facelift. It's a bit on the big side at 6.25" long. We don't like that the scale is not recalibratable, and we don't like the high price of the scale.

Recommendations: When people buy an Tanita scale they're often brand specific. Many times it's because they had an older 1479 scale that lasted for years. Because of this new change to a Load cell from Capacitance, we're a bit skeptical. The 1479S is a good scale, but in this price range you could purchase an Ohaus Emerald 500 with a higher capacity, backlit display, and the ability to recalibrate when necessary. If you had an old 1479 that you loved and need to replace, perhaps consider the 1479V which still uses the well proven Tanita Capacitance weighing system.

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Important Disclaimer: Scales are sometimes difficult to compare. Our results are just a sample of tests done at random conditions. The actual operating conditions of your scale may vary from our test conditions and your results may differ from our results. We did our best to test the scales in a blind and unbiased manner. We receive advertising consideration from companies that support this site. We do our best to not allow this to affect the results of our tests and evaluations. However, we strongly recommend that you do your own comparison tests in your actual operating environment to determine which scale is best for your needs. The terms Rolex, Ohaus, Emerald, Tanita and all are trademarks or trade names of their respective parties. Names are used for comparison purposes only and for the purposes of this article. No other rights are expressed or implied. This article and all images therein are © 2003/4 Scale Magazine.com.