The buzzword "smart" was originally
adopted by the computer industry to
describe computer-automated systems.
Since then manufacturers have touted
"smart" appliances, "smart"
thermostats, and "smart" houses. And
now Metabo, a West German tool
manufacturer (Metabo Corporation,
1231 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA
19380; 215/436-9072), is promoting a
line of power tools with the same
claim. I tested a Metabo HD 800
hammer drill to see just how smart it
really is. For Metabo, "smart" seems to
mean simply "electronic control;" the
actual microchip wizardry involved is
limited. Those of you, like myself,
who were expecting an R2D2-like
employee replacement, have to be
patient. Nonetheless, the tools do
promise improved performance.
The Metabo HD 800 is the Cadillac
(or rather, BMW) among hammer
drills.