Yeah, I agree, UT61E. I've got the Fluke 17b, and I'm happy with it. But I didn't know about the UT61E (note, the "E", not the A, B, C, D, etc) when I got the 17b. For the price, and feature for feature, some of the deal makers for the UT61E, IMO, are:
Basic DCV accuracy:
±(0.1% +2 counts) VS ±(0.5% +3 counts) on the 17b.
22,000 count, vs 4,000 on the 17b.
46 segment bargraph "analogue" part on the screen.
Has Peak hold, Min/Max capture. 17b doesn't.
It is
True RMS. 17b is not.
Has basic data output/PC connectivity, comes with RS232 cable, and can connect with USB cable. 17b has no connectivity.
DC mA and uA accuracy is ±(0.5% +10 counts) vs ±(1.5% +3 counts) on the 17b.
The continuity buzzer and auto-ranging on the UT61
E are lightning fast, unlike other iterations of the UT61_.
Advantages the 17b has:
Temperature function.
Resistance accuracy ±(0.5% +2 counts) across most of the range, vs best accuracy of ±(0.5% +10 counts) on the UT61E
DC A accuracy is ±(1.5% +3 counts) vs ±(1.2% +50 counts) on the UT61E.
Neither have a backlight.
"Fluke" branding... Is this an advantage? Not sure, considering it's made in China... can it be considered a "true" Fluke, the same as the ones that are made in USA and have a lifetime warranty? Probably not.
[EDIT: forgot to mention, the UT61E is rated (they claim) to conform to
CAT. III 1000V & CAT. IV 600V, compared to the 17b's CAT. I 1000V, CAT. II 600V, and CAT III 300V.]
Given the choice today, now that I know about the UT61E, I'd pick that rather than the 17b. In fact, I think I'll get a UT61E as well, "for good measure"... excuse the pun.
[EDIT again: Also, for about USD56 and free shipping, almost half the price of the 17b, it's really a no brainer.
http://bit.ly/OfbpcD