Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Inexpensive and useless with frustratingly incompatible software I have several Geiger counters from multiple manufacturers, which I consistently test and compare: Soeks, SE Inspector, Radex, Terra and Mazur brands. Using higher-end scintillation counters as basis for comparison, I test the aforementioned models on numerous isotopes, samples of which can easily be purchased on-line. I test for consistency in readings and accuracy across multiple levels and sources of radiation. Recently I got my hands on GMC-300E-Plus. The heart of a geiger counters is its sensor: the Geiger-Muller tube. Here size really matters and this is my biggest beef with this particular model. For you see, the larger the sensor area - the easier it is to pick up a particle stream and the more accurate measurements are. This is important. Here the Geiger-Muller tube is tiny and thin, meaning that the unit need to be held right next to the source of radiation to get any meaningful results. It works though, the readings are fairly consistent (once the isotope is held right next to the sensor), but in the end I feel that the sensor makes this unit nearly useless in practical sense. This can only be good for housewives or people who don't know any better. Next, the software looks and functions as if it's from late 1990s and needs upgrading. Come on you guys! I am sure you can find a reasonable developer who will at least make it look presentable. It does not need to do much, but even basic logging can be done more intuitively and with less installation headaches. What was frustrating is that I put real effort into installing and re-installing, reading forums ( very helpful!) and finally getting it to work, only to get something very basic and not all that useful. Again, the same as with the sensor: it works, but does frustratingly little. PROs: - Price. This is one of the cheapest geiger counters on the market. - Multiple units: older mRems, modern uSv/h and even Clicks per minute. - USB charger is convenient. - History search and playback. - Nice features like the graph and zoom-in function. - Back light feature. CONs: - Tiny, almost impractical Geiger-Muller tube. Although on the forums it says that the sensor can be replaced. - Frustratingly buggy and outdated software. - Flimsy and very basic construction. Wallmart alarm-clock type. In my opinion this one is low cost, very basic unit with the tiniest sensor I have seen and a very outdated and nearly useless software. And it's a pain to install on either of my two systems. It is not terrible, but ultimately just useless. Having tested a whole bunch of these things, I know that there are much better (ie reliable and accurate) alternatives