8508A vs 3458

[DAVETEE]

I have recently been given the job of researching the purchasing of new meters for our lab.
I guess it comes down to either 8508s or 3458s.
I understand the specifications and have used both but I would like to know what others think.
Questions of reliability, ease of use for lesser experience technician, servicing and so on.
I appreciate any and all comments.

Thank you.

[beadwork]

The 8508 is by my meter of choice.  Be sure to order the rear input option so you have ratio measurement capability and order the 8508 lead set.  It's nice to be able to read temperature directly when using a sprt. You can measure up to 20 GΩ fairly accurately and the 20 A current range is great. 

[RFCAL]

I prefer the 3458A if only for the service received from Loveland ,Co. I doubt you would get this service from Fluke

[Bryan]

I've been using an 8508A since Aug 2005, had it cal'd by Fluke 5 times since and has had a couple indeterminate conditions but no outright out of tolerance.  Granted it does get considerably less use than our 3458As but that's pretty good in my book.  On the other side when using it for max accuracy/resolution it is pretty slow compared to the 3458A, then again I'm not real up on where the 3458A is best, most testing is done w/NPLC=100 and it reads much faster than the 8508A when "fast" is turned off.  The 8508A doesn't need routine autocal routines in a stable environment while the 3458A I believe it is recommended every 24 hours if you are using the opt 002 enhanced DC accuarcy to it's limits.
I'm in the DFW area and until the most recent cal it had been supported by a local Fluke office that is now closed, liked them & got good service.  I suppose that could change as it now has to travel to Washington state. 

[WestCoastCal]

Here's reliability reports for both.  The interval analysis method is NCSL RP1 Method A3, unfortunately I do not have test point data for the 8508 like we have for the 3458

[666Vette]

I prefer the 8508A.  It is way easier to use and I like Fluke service better than Agilent.  I agree with beadwork, get the rear input option.

[step30044]

http://assets.fluke.com/appnotes/Multimeters/8508a_3458hfl_selection_guide.pdf

Fluke Comparison....Dave I sent you the email on pm then figured someone else may need the same info. I didnt not find anything as of yet from Agilent.

[Bill the Cat]

 I'm not 100% sure, but I though Agilent sent a notice out in 2009 they were going to stop support on the 3458A at the end of 2009.   That would be the deciding factor for me.   Support for the 8508A; no support for the 3458A.   I would contact Agilent to see how much longer they are going to continue support for the 3458.   

[Bryan]

I notice the Agilent website lists the 3458A as Currently Orderable/Currently Supported.
I'd expect the currently Orderable part to go away for a couple years before end of support.
Can't hurt to verify though.

[RFCAL]

3458A is still orderable and still under full support.At this time there is not a time frame to end support