LLMs/AI tool purchase and use advice

I’m looking to buy a welder, and in the course of Google searches etc I started asking the LLM/AI integrated into Google Search. I was very, very impressed. Since then I’ve been asking a lot of tool related or DIY project advice and the advice often requires a bit more consideration than just blindly following, there have been a few clear errors but generally it’s absolutely fantastic. Like having a research assistant.

Where it seems to be weak is thinking through anything three dimensional, suggesting bolts that are clearly too short for example.

I also tried Claude and Gemini and both aren’t as useful, partly not having the search results right there and you’re already in the browser, and at least Claude basically told me Google is better at this kind of query (selecting five possible products within a category and assessing them based on price, features etc).

I’m still critical of the overall direction we’re heading with this stuff, but as useful helpers in tool purchase decisions it can be very useful. Think of it like a tool I guess, it’s not about replacing you, it’s about helping you work more efficiently. At least that’s the optimistic take.