Sony NV-U70 NAV-U 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Received my Sony NV-U70 after waiting for it to be released.I have played with other GPS units in the past and was excited to get my newly designed Sony.Well after playing with it for about 3 hours i packed it up and returned it.The positives - it aquired and locked very fast, routing function was very fast (although really took me to the gym in an around about way that no other GPS has ever taken me).Was quick to re-route after a wrong turn.

I have purchased the Garmin Nuvi350 instead.Reasons:
1. I like the fact that it "speaks" street names (sony does not)After using the Nuvi for a few weeks it is clear to me that this is a very valuable feature.Without this feature there are times when you are told to take a right hand turn only to find there are two right turns coming up.The Nuvi will actually tell you the street name to turn on so you dont have to look over to the unit.
2. I like that it also has an SD slot - very nice if you plan to use this unit out of country - you can have additional maps located on an SD card - also good for MP3s.
3. I like 8 hour battery life vs. Sony 4 hour - i usually dont even use the 12 volt charger - nice not having the wire hanging down the dash.
4. I like the smaller size - Sony wont fit in pocket - The Nuvi is about the size of a Treo Cell phone.
5. I like the headphone jack to allow MP3 listening
6. Sony had about 1/5 the POI's built in - not sure why.
7. After spending time with the Sony and the Nuvi - I totally perfer the interface on the Nuvi.

I am by no means an expert on GPS navigators (although i dont appreciate being told i dont know what i am talking about by other posts)- I travel throughout the US and Canada for my job so having a GPS is a life saver for me. I have rented Hertz cars with neverlost and that is my baseline (Although not a very good one) Battery operation was a key factor in my decision making along with size since i travel via Airplane and take my GSP with me.

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Product Description:
With the NV-U70 Nav-U system, Sony has decided to take the concept of the small, easy-to-use GPS device as a starting point and then add Sony touches like enhanced sound, a custom interface, and seamless, highly intelligent rerouting capabilities. Sony also developed its own proprietary GPS receiver for the NV-U70, enabling higher sensitivity and fast, accurate positioning.


The included mounting kit makes it easy to place the Nav-U in clear view while you're driving. It's also easy to remove the unit, so you can take it with you on foot.

The NV-U70 is small and unassuming, but it packs a highly visible, bright screen and crisp, clear voice instructions.

The Navigation menu lets you quickly choose the type of routing assistance you need. View larger.

Points of interest near your location -- parking, restaurants, gas, and more -- are just a few taps away. View larger.

Upcoming maneuvers, as well as location and other trip info, are clearly displayed on the map screen. View larger. The NV-U70's small, slender frame houses a high-brightness, 3.5-inch touch-screen display that features an anti-glare coating for viewing in all situations. In addition to resisting smudges from fingerprints, the monitor also sports a wide viewing angle so folks anywhere in the vehicle can see the screen clearly.
Because light conditions change so much and so rapidly in a car, Sony has also built the unit with a highly intelligent brightness control system. First, the map color changes to account for day and night time viewing. Meanwhile, a light sensor on the side of the unit senses light level changes and brightens or dims the screen in eight sequential steps. The automatic dimmer won't respond to short-term brightness changes, like when you're just passing under bridge. Plus, the auto dimmer only works when the unit is on the cradle, so that when the device is being used on foot, you can't accidentally cover up the light sensor and change the brightness. In addition to the automatic functions, you can also easily control brightness manually. Yes, Sony thought of everything in the screen brightness department.
Sony knows audio and they've brought that expertise to the NV-U70. To help you hear instructions clearly, the unit features a two stereo speakers on the front of the housing and a ported, 1.6-inch woofer in the rear.
The device contains 1 GB of memory, which is preloaded with a comprehensive map of the entire continental USA and Hawaii -- making the NV-U70 ready to navigate out of the box. Additional map data, which includes maps of Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Canada, is provided on a DVD that ships with the NV-U70. Using your PC's USB connection, you can upload this data to the device quickly and easily. An embedded, rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to two hours of power when you want to take the device out of your car (the unit also ships with a vehicle power adapter).
Sony has built a custom interface for the NV-U70 from the ground up that makes it easy to get where you need to go. The simple touch-screen user interface allows you to input addresses via an on-screen keyboard, and you can also search locations by zip code, city, or street. Additionally, you can ask the unit to direct you to the nearest points of interest, such as gas stations, hotels, and restaurants.
The interface features a large arrow that always guides you through the next maneuver, and there's a repeat button when you need a direction repeated. Precise voice timing insures that the spoken commands are always in sync with your location and movements. Intelligent rerouting instantaneously recalculates your route when you take a wrong turn, making it appear that your route is originating from the point of your missed turn or direction. Lastly, a convenient "Home" command instantly directs you to your home address, no matter where you are.

What's in the Box
NV-U70 GPS system, car cradle, XA-DC2 car battery adapter, XA-AC13 AC adapter, USB cable, adhesive tape, pad, carrying pouch, mounting plate, screws, application disc (DVD-ROM), quick start guide, warranty card, end-user license agreement, and owner's manual.

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