The only laser distance measurer available in San Diego is the Stanley Fat Max. I got one for about ~$100. It claims to be accurate to ~1/4" with a range of ~100'.
There are some problems with bright sunlight, but then ol sol is pretty stiff competition. I don't see how that friend could claim to have wasted his money.
The important thing is the engine and the Stanley's, like many others, is made by Leica in Switzerland. [I point that out just to agitate those "Buy American" folks.
] The Hilti and other brands are more accurate, cost more and have various bells and whistles that you may or may not need.
In any event, this is good for estimating. I'm not sure if it would work for measuring conduit to the nearest 1/32" which I use for cutting conduit.
These are an ideal solution for the problem of measuring over impossible obstacles such as a girl's locker room.
I've been studying surveying and they have these laser devices [EDM] which are accurate to millimeters over several miles.
~Peter