Navman <span class="highlight">GPS</span> - Fundamental Flaw

A mate of mine has recently purchased a Navman GPS navigator but when he demonstrated it on Saturday it was clear that there is a basic flaw with these things that makes them all but useless.

He selected the location we were travelling to and set it going and the machine said in dulcet tones "turn left in 200 metres"

We set off in our different vehicles, me using the good old street directory and him with his new Navman. I arrived first and was astonished to see him sail straight past the street. When he turned up about 5 minutes later I asked him what happened. "It said turn in 500 metres, but that didn't seem right to me so I continued straight on."

The problem was immediately evident - these things are programmed with a FEMALE voice. We men are conditioned to either ignoring or tuning out anything said by a female voice in our left ear whilst driving a vehicle so how can they ever work effectively? I suggested that he mount it to the right of the steering wheel and turn off the voice prompts and it may prove more effective.

With that basic flaw I'm not sure I want to get one now unless something can be done about giving it a male voice with proper directions: "You need to turn left just past the pub mate, but we've got time first to drop in for a few coldies."

Then it might work.

Cheers

Pete