This month we compared two identical-looking pocket scales that are actually quite different.   At first glance the My Weigh PointScale and the Gram Precision Pocket Tech look almost exactly the same. However on further inspection several distinct differences show up,  and the performance of these rival pocket scales is also a bit different…

Both Pocket Scales have these same basic specifications:

Capacity: 150g

Readability: 0.1g

Accuracy: 0.1g

Modes:  Grams, Ounces, Troy Ounces, Pennyweight

Calibration:  Digital Auto Calibration with a 100g weight (included)

Power: 3 AAA Batteries (included)

 

Testing Results:

We tested 5 Pointscales Vs 5 Pocket Techs.  All scales were put in a 70f room and allowed to sit for 24 hours before tested.   Our test facility is a controlled environment that allows us to fully evaluate scales.  First, we calibrate the scales using a 100gram F1 weight.  We use F1 test weights for all of our tests and record the results on a spreadsheet to fully compare the products.   Each scale is tested by placing a 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 150 gram weight on the tray 10 times.   The results are than compared for an overall accuracy number, skew (reproducibility) and stability.    Then we put the scales into a 40f refrigerator for 30 minutes,  removed them and then ran the tests again in order to test for temperature compensation.

The Pointscale pulled slightly ahead in some categories with better stability and much faster results than the Pocket Tech.   Where the Pointscale truly proved to be superior was when we tested for temperature compensation.   Some Pocket Techs had a tendency to negative drift (count down).  

The reason that the Pointscale gives much faster results than the Pocket Tech is that the Pointscale uses the new FSC processor with internal A/D converter.  The Pocket Tech uses an older chip and resistor setup.   Both the Pointscale and Pocket Tech are high quality scales, we were pleased overall with the performance of these two rivals.  Although both scales are made in China, they are made by high quality manufacturers and use top of the line components.  This showed in the drift tests where both scales held their 100.0 weight - showing 100.0 on the display for the entire 30 seconds of the test.

OVERALL

The PointScale Wins but not by much.  As we said both of these are very high quality scales. While our tests were very close at first,  once we began the temperature fluctuation tests, the Pointscale pulled ahead by several lengths.   The scalepad that came with the Pointscale was a nice bonus.   Also, although this comparison was not about price,  it’s hard to ignore that the Pointscale costs 30% less than the Pocket tech!   Cosmetically the Pointscale also won.  The Pointscale comes in twice as many colors, plus the Pointscale is truly translucent,  you can see every component of the scale (Even the bonding agent on the load cell is translucent so you can actually see the 4 sensors and the temperature circuit, it’s very pretty).   The Pocket Tech uses a frosted translucent finish that doesn’t allow you to see the inner workings of the scale.  It's a very minor difference but when it came to these two rivals we were stretched to come up with differences.

Recommendations:

Buy the Pointscale.  You’ll save yourself some money and get a faster performing scale to boot :)

WARNING:  ITIN Scale Co has imported a copy of the Gram Precision Pocket Tech  It's called the "Minx Sidekick".  The Itin knockoff is NOT MADE BY BONSO OR MY WEIGH.  It's just a low quality knockoff and should be avoided!

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 money and other benefits from companies that advertise on and 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 Pointscale,  My Weigh, Gram Precision, Handspring, Palm Pilot, and Pocket Tech are trademarks 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 copyright 2003 ScaleMagazine.com.