Amazing. And from a reputable company like Bosch too!
How about this -- let's call them 120V tools instead. That's what the charger plugs into, right?
Thanks much for the info, I'll go back to waiting for my PS20.
Actually, Bosch started the fair way, then all the other companies rated theirs the sleazy way to make Bosch look bad, even though there was no difference. Bosch then changed it to 12v MAX (note the max, they admit to it, and explain it on the packaging) to match the others.
Here's an email I had about it a while ago:
Dear Jared,
Thank you for writing. 12V Max is the new category reference for our Ultra Compact tools (10.8v tools). When the battery is fully charged, the battery is at its maximum voltage (12V). After some period of time, the battery loses some of its voltage and exhibits a steady state or nominal voltage (10.8v), until close to the end of its capacity. The tools and batteries are the same. The only difference is the new PS20 has a magnetic chuck so you will not have to use a power groove bit like the previous versions.
The reason we changed to advertising it as the 12V is to address confusion in the marketplace. We believe it is our role to better educate the consumer and prevent competition from muddying the water by overstating the power and performance of these categories of tool or implying that their maximum voltage is their nominal voltage. That is why we have clearly added "MAX" to the logo.
If you have further questions please write back.
Michelle
Bosch Customer Service