Hi Mike There is an alternative to the Cobolt talking tape. If you Google for Vox talking tape measure you will find it. I bought one a couple of years ago and it's still working accurately as I use it in my woodworking workshop. It resembles one made by bosch which used to have an LCD display . Best thing is that it does not speak continuously, only when you press the buttons to speak with or without the case. Also it only requires a single AA battery. I don't know how much they cost now, but I bought mine for about £55. Hope that helps Darren.