Theoretically speaking, this seems to be a handy little doo-dad/gizmo/thingamabob for the well-organized/obsessive-compulsive traveler, but please take note of the following pros and cons.

Pros:

1. It gives you a fairly accurate preview of the weight of your luggage (+/- a few ounces) saving you the irritation of arriving at the airline counter with over-heavy luggage, and having to repack and shuffle potentially embarrassing items around in full view of the other passengers.

2. You can use the tape measure to verify that your carry-on luggage will fit in the overhead compartment, or under the seat. This saves you from participating in the dreaded and ruthless shoving tournament of the skies, where people try to stuff bags the size of newborn elephants into the overhead lockers.

Cons:

1. It has the capacity to weigh suitcases up to 75 lbs, but when you're traveling alone, it's very awkward to lift a suitcase even half that weight with your arms extended (so that it doesn't touch your body) and still read the tiny numbers on the dial. (NOTE: Newer models have a feature that "freezes" the reading so that you can read it after you put the suitcase down)

2. The handle is small and "ergonometrically-challenged", and people who can't lift a 50 lb suitcase with one outstretched hand will find it very difficult to get two hands in there. Even if you do manage to get this far, you won't be able to hold it for long before the handle sinks deep into your palm, cutting you a new lifeline.

3. You need to try to balance the suitcase by centering the hook on the suitcase handle, but if you lift too quickly, the hook slips to one side, causing possible grievous bodily harm as the suitcase comes down on your toe.

4. Another hook problem - you can see that the hook is an open design. If you are lifting the suitcase, the hook can slip off on the way up, causing the suitcase to fall as in 3. above. Even worse, the momentum keeps your hand moving upwards, and not only can you give yourself a shiner or broken nose with the back of your hand, but the hook can swing up and jab you in the eye. (True story, fortunately with a happy ending)

You can use it on lighter luggage without too many problems, but then again, if your luggage is light you have no need to fear the scale - do you? On the surface this sounds like a great travel gadget, but beware of the pitfalls.

Amanda Richards