InsideTech

I'm new at pc repair and I'm needing to get a multimeter.  I have shopped around and haven't had much luck.  I've checked out newegg and radio shack.  Can anyone give me any advice about picking out a good multimeter?

in the last few years, the only thing i used a multimetter for was checking continuity on a power cord.  unless your fixing motherboards on a micro level, a multimetter is not high on my list of much needed equipment.

I need it to check a power cord for my mom's laptop.  I've replaced the original cord and the battery to see if those were the problems but I haven't figured it out.  The way it started malfunctioning has led me to believe it has something to do with the power department.

Chrissy

I am assuming that you can't borrow a "known good" cord to test...For the laptop you can get a universal power cord, it comes with a bunch of different adapters to match the most common laptop manufactures.  Check with the manufacturer for which one will work with it.  That is a work around to replacing it with the OEM, they usually charge more than the universal's. 

P.S  This beats paying for a Multimeter...I have a Fluke which I've used alot, when I did bench work. Now it basically collects, dust except when I have some electrical work around the house..  They are not a low cost solution for testing. Always try a "known good" device to see if the part is bad.  Also, over time, collect several common pieces that you know are good to use for testing. 

Chrissy,

I would like to say AMEN to what they've told you, but with a couple of caveats.  You mention that you are new to PC repair, and the purchase of a multimeter is dependant upon where and what you will be repairing.  For the most part, they are correct, now days it is NOT very often that you'll need a multimeter for fixing PCs.  Multimeters are more versatile than a power supply tester, but for the most part, you'll be swapping out suspected cards or at worst changing the CPU or fans.  It turns out that it is cheaper in the long run to keep several cards/fans/pwr supplies etc... on hand and swap than to have a tech spend a few hours troubleshooting to a particular part on a board.  I know, I know, that doesn't sound all that glamorous nor exciting, but that's the way it is.

That being said, I do have to add that there are situations where you'll need a better arsenal than a few extra cards.  For example, if you happen to be a tech with a company that makes new cards for the PC, and manufacturing has a 'pile' of non-functional product that they need to reclaim, it suddenly becomes more efficient to find that reversed diode, or incorrect valued resistor, or that open in the choke etc...  to that end, I'd say you'll need a nicer DMM. 

Now, the choice is yours.  You decide what you'll be doing.  If it is the former, then I'd say that a $30 meter would be MORE than adequate for your needs.  Check out the multimeter warehouse for several that are <$30.  http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/MS8221f.htm

If it is the latter, then I'd probably look into Fluke, Agilent, Wavetek, or something similar.  Keep in mind these type of meters are >$100 and can go pretty high if you're really into this sort of thing.  Look for the features like reading caps or diode/transitors etc...  those are the most versatile for troubleshooting PC type of cards. 

I hope I haven't confused you more than you already was.  Good luck and follow your dreams...