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Complicated Devices Baffle Brits

7th August 2008

Millions of Brits admit they are completely stumped by modern technology, consumer review website Reevoo.com revealed yesterday.

Research revealed more than a quarter of us have no idea how to use digital cameras properly and 21 per cent have problems getting to grips with their SatNav systems.

It also emerged one in five adults don't know what many of the functions on their mobile phones do.

The washing machine leaves more than 18 per cent baffled and another 17 per cent only know the basics when it comes to their camcorder.

Confused shoppers are also bewildered when it comes to getting their heads around MP3 players, microwaves and even their television remote controls.

Chris Winstanley, spokesman for www.reevoo.com, which carried out the poll, said: ''It's great that manufacturers provide different functions and features as standard on today's electrical products. But what this research shows is that lots of people actually just want ease of use, rather than the added extras that many of us find too complicated."

The poll of 2,000 Brits also revealed that more than 38 per cent don't bother to read the manual after buying gadgets. Full results can be seen on Reevoo's blog Decide What to Buy.

And even when a device goes wrong, more than a quarter will try to fix it themselves, or even buy a new one, instead of turning to the instructions.

A startling 32 per cent of people also admitted to throwing a complicated gadget across the room because they couldn't figure out how to work it.

Chris Winstanley for Reevoo added: ''Reading genuine customer reviews is a great way to decide what to buy - on Reevoo you can find out which products other shoppers find easy to use".

TOP TEN BAFFLING GADGETS - the full list can be seen on Decide What to Buy
1.            Digital camera
2.            GPS/SatNav
3.            Mobile phone
4.            Washing machine
5.            Camcorder
6.            DVD player
7.            Games Console
8.            TV remote control
9.            MP3 player
10.          Microwave

ENDS

More information:
Chris Winstanley
chriswinstanley@reevoo.com
020 7654 0340

Jo Reale
joreale@reevoo.com
020 7654 0341