Mike - sadly, I think the answer to your last question is yes--I never buy specialist stuff for the blind when I can find a suitable alternative, as in my experience, it is too often unreliable, doesn't last the test of time, and often feels too big and too ugly! Andy ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Moore To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Sunday, August 29, 2010 5:48 PM Subject: [access-uk] Poor quality of equipment? Hello all, This is not strictly computer related, but involves accessibility equipment.... Does anyone know of a good quality talking tape measure; other than the Cobalt one? I have two of these, and a year is about the most I can get out of both them, as they always end up giving spurious measurements- such as 2513 inches when the tape is fully retracted. Replacing the battery etc does no good. Do we have to put up with inferior quality materials every time? Regards, A disgruntled Mike