Sony GPS Navigation Reviews
Sony is a giant consumer electronics maker based out of Japan. Founded in 1946, Sony is not only one of the biggest electronics maker, but also one of the biggest corporation in the World. Sony offered two consumer GPS solutions in the form of automobile navigation unit and their Sony Ericsson line of cell phones with built in GPS units. Sony NVU automobile navigation units offer screen sizes ranging from 4.3 inches to 4.8 inches in higher end models. The models range in prices and features that include text to speech and Bluetooth in higher end models. The basic models still comes with turn by turn navigation, point of interest database, and preloaded maps. The phones vary in functions with different carriers.
Like Nokia, Sony's main focus will likely remain with mobile phones with integrated GPS solution. The automobile navigation units market is already crowded with strong competitions from TomTom and Garmin.
THIS WAS THE WOSRT 3OO.OO I HAVE EVER SPENT IN MY LIFE .I WOULD HAVE HAD MORE PLEASURE AND ENJOYMENT GIVINT THIS MONEY SOME WELL OILED STRIPPER. THIS LOVELY PIECE OF CRAP COULDNT DIRECT YOU OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY.I AM A LONG IME SONY FAN BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KICK THE SHYT OUT OF THE ENGINEERS FOR THIS GARBBAGE .IF SOMEONE GIVES YOU THIS FOR A GIFT ,UNWRAP IT AND SMACK THE HELL OUT OF THEM .SORRY SONY BUT IT SUCKS.BUY A GARMIN
I brought the Sony GPS and love it except for one problem I can not find the righ memory stick that the gps can read. In order to play my music and pictures on it. All the memory stick I tried will not work and i know it is not the untit becauts this is the second unit. It has something to do with the magicgate which is a copywrite protection. And i call sony and they told me which one to use. but i can not find them because they are an older Memory Stick. Most all of the memory stick say magicgate or its all ready formated in the memory stick. And the one the will not work is Memory Stick at say Magicgate Mark2 they know those will not work with the gps.
Functionality concern
Great product with one serious problem. You cannot attach a name to an address in the address book. Anyone who has alot of addresses to record, good luck, unless you can remember what address bolongs to whom. I sent mine back, what poor functionality design, I can’t believe SONY could make such a mistake.
Sony Nav-u NV-U94T
I bought the NV-U94T last December. This GPS is a nice looking piece of garbage. I wanted to return the unit since the suction cup did not stick well, but then I said let’s give it a try. What a big mistake!
The routing is slow and terrible. It gives the weirdest routes I’ve ever seen in a GPS. Automatic re-routing dos not exist, there are delays shown by the traffic button, yet the unit keeps you on the busy route. This is the main reason I decided to buy this GPS, since I live in Long Island and I drive to NYC every day. Traffic reports should cover Nassau and Suffolk counties but this is not happening. What a joke!
If you go to sony’s website (sonystyle.com) none of the units are available. They don’t make them anymore! I guess they realized their products are not realiable like the competition.
I wished I would have return the unit sooner. Now it’s too late and I’m stuck with this junk.
Not what I hoped for
As many have already said, the display is beautiful – and large. The blue tooth worked well and picked up my phone easily, as well as imported the phone book. But the routing was poor and convoluted. It was so lovely to look at, I really wanted to make it work out, but I’m sorry I’ve had to return it and go with a Garmin.
Works great
This works a lot better than an earlier version I had tried. Still a little slow at aquiring a fix at start up! Not bad but I wish they had something that when the unit is powered down, such as turning your car off at your destination,the unit would remember that location, and not take so long to aquire. Realy love the super suction cup as I can attached it to the dash instead of the windshield. Also like the power cord that plugs into the mount instead of the GPS. Don’t need to unplug unit when removing GPS from mount. The split screen is also nice . Compared to earleir units the POI search are alot faster. The bluetooth function seems to work great, with my Verizon G phone, but sometimes it wil not resync after GPS power down and up. Might be a problem with the phone itself. Fro the price this unit can’t be beat. The 4.8 inch screen looks great and I don’t need to wear my glasses. Voice is easy to understand. Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as other more expensive models but for the price it’s great.
Sony 94T GPS
Price tells all. Lots of features missing–ie., ability to choose between shortest or quickest route, ability to update maps as I’m able to successfully find an address only about 65% of the time, no “where am I” option, inability to interface with my computer to preload routes prior to a trip, no zoom feature, and mumerous others. The main reason I chose to purchase this item was the larger screen and the automatic split screen when approaching a turn–particularly when traveling on interstate highways. I have to admit that the screen is OK and the menu buttons on the side are nice–other than that, I should have spent my hard earned money elsewhere to garner more fuctionality.
Great GPS if you want to get lost
The day after I purchased this item, I used it to find my way to a restaurant. Half way towards my destination the directions told me to take rt 202 south, and I did even though it didn’t sound right to me. After a couple of minutes on rt 202 south it told me to make a u-turn, and I did. Once I got back to the ramp where I took rt 202 South it told me to make a u-turn again (sounds like an episode of the twillight zone). That is when I turned it off and stopped at a gas station to ask for directions. I returned it the next day.
Sony GPS
First know that some of these units have a virus in them. Once you get it go to the site and the numbers are there.
I have had this gps for a couple of days. The main reason I chose this one was the gps, reviews, brand name, the large widescreen (getting older),text to speech and for my business
What I can say what I like about this GPS is the way the cradle clicks on and off the base. It sticks very well to the window and don’t leave any residue on it.
The manuel does not explain things in details. It is written like we already know about the product. The quick start book is quick. I have been on their site numerous times to pull the complete manuel up. That has been helpful however it is not explained well.
Don’t go to there site for help because there is none.This is why it is so important for us to keep our reviews going. I don’t think we will ever be able to get new maps from them.
The actual GPS is great. You only have one each english or spanish speaking man or women that you can choose from. However you can understand them very well. You can customise the colors for the map.
I know that these are not brand new maps. The new stores in our area that have been there for two years or less can not locate them.
The Gps does sometimes take you on crazy routes however it gets you there. I am sure other Gps does the same so I would say that is minor.
The bluetooth is easy to set up if you had another gps to pair a telephone to. The volume is loud enough for you and the other person on the telephone to hear you. The other person did experience echos really bad. I went to Sony site however their site dont’ have any problem solvers. I went around on the internet and I found some tips that really work. I put the phone closer to the gps and cut the sound down somewhat and it worked. I think one other person that reviewed the product said that it echoed.
Would I buy this again? yes however Sony would have to have updated maps and more information (problem solving)on their site.
Good Value – Some Problems
I thought this nav unit was a bargin at it’s present reduced price of $199 on Amazon, especially with the 4.8″ screen size, so I bought it. I have been very impressed with the look and organization of the display and the Bluetooth has performed flawlessly. Additionally, the mounting system is the best I’ve seen in a portable nav unit. The main problem I have had with the product is that the battery life is so short that it is just not acceptable. It is almost necessary to keep it plugged in at all times, that may or may not be a problem for everyone, but it is annoying to me!
The maps have proven to be accurate, but the routing is terrible. The unit will often take a route that is much more lengthy than the most direct route, it’s hard to figure out at times. Overall, I would say a good purchase at the reduced price, but don’t buy it at the list price of $399.
Operating Condition A Big Concern!
I have been getting facsinated by Sony Nav U94T since I saw at RadioShack for Christmas Sales but some how, I managed to overcome my facsination and didn’t buy yet anothe GPS[I have Navigon7100,Pharos 150PDR and Garmin Street Pilot c550]. However, I kept inclined towards purchasing yet another GPS. My tie is b/w Garmin 265WT, Navigon 7200T and Sony NavU-94T.
Today I was browsing the Sony website for the technical details of this unit and I was concerned a little bit when I saw its operating conditions. As per web site, its operating conditions are
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature : 5 – 45 Degrees Celsius (41-113 Degrees Fahrenheit)
For Chicago and some other cold areas, this condition means you can’t operate this GPS in Winter. I haven’t purchase this GPS yet and I did gave it 4 star [to avoid shattering its existing rating] and am putting this review just as a WORD OF CAUTION for people who live in colder areas like Chicago etc.
The actual website link to all tech details is:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665522590
Great GPS, Best Price
I went to a local electronics store looking for GPS systems. They had several brands next to each other, and I was able to see that the screen on the SONY looked much brighter and was much more vibrant than any of the others that were on display. There were Garmins, TomToms, Magellans, and a couple brands I’ve never heard of before.
The SONY was not in stock at this store, and I wanted to get something for a trip I was scheduled for, so I ended up buying a TomTom Go630. The reason I purchased the TomTom was because I read about all the updates, and that is syncs with cell phones, that you can add voices, and update your own maps using mapshare, plus get traffic updates.
I’m very much a “techy” type person and I love to have gadgets with many bells and whistles. I got home, spent a couple hours downloading the “latest” maps and voices and all the other things I could download for free at the TomTom website (they have a program manager to install once your GPS is connected to the computer). Imagine how disappointed I was after spending a few hours to upgrade this GPS to find out that my house address (or street for that matter) doesn’t show up on the map! After calculating and finding satellites, it gave my location as being in the middle of some field!!
I had my house built and just moved in last October, but the development has been in existence for 1.5 years now!! I downloaded a map that was over 2 GB in size, and it didn’t have my street!!! On top of that, I used it to try to get to work the next morning and it came up with a route that would have added an extra 25 minutes of driving time! Oh, and I forgot to mention that it wouldn’t sync with my Verizon Wireless Razor phone because it wasn’t the latest model!! So although my phone could see the TomTom, the TomTom refused to synchronize with it!! That was the final straw. This TomTom was NOT cheap ($399) and was worthless!
I took back the TomTom and went to Amazon to see if they had the Sony… and sure enough… they did!! I had it shipped via the next day service. I downloaded the software from the SONY website and it connected to my PC without any problems. (I run Vista Ultimate) But, before I downloaded any of the software updates, I looked to see if it knew my current location… and OUT OF THE BOX it knew my street!! I then went to the SONY website to download the software upgrade, and saw that there was a NOTICE to all people who purchased this model… some of the models contain a VIRUS!!! Luckily it had the serial numbers of all infected GPS systems… which makes me wonder if that’s why none of my local electronic stores have this GPS model in stock. My serial number was not affected by this, so I was very much relieved.
Anyway, this unit is FAR superior to the TomTom!! I have read a few reviews that said that the way this unit calculates routes are a bit “flakey” at times… but so far, every place that I have programmed was routed the exact same way I would go. I also was able to Sync this device to my cell phone!! It was quite simple to do… enter the same 4 digit pin number into both devices, they see each other, and the link was made!! Took less than 3 minutes!!
The fact that this model splits screens and shows exactly how far away you are from where you need to turn is a HUGE advantage over all the other units. And quickly changing from navigation view to “scroll” view is awesome too! You can scroll around to see what is around which is pretty sweet. And the Icons for the POI (Point of Interests such as Restaurants, Gas Stations, etc…) are much better than any of the other devices!
I’ve not yet tried the Traffic portion of this device, but the fact that it comes with an antenna is nice. Many other units that have this feature require an additional purchase. With this Sony, the antenna actually plugs into the mounting device. This may not sound like much, but the fact that both the antenna and the power adapter plug into the mounting bracket and not the device makes it very convenient to remove the GPS and take it with you. Removing the GPS is easy! You simply press a button and the GPS separates itself from the mounting bracket… you can do it with only one hand!
The speaker phone (Bluetooth) works okay. My wife claims that when I’m using it she can hear me fine, but that when she talks it “echos”… which is common with many speakerphones.
So, even though I’ve only had this SONY for 1.5 days, I LOVE IT!! I went to a seminar today, and not only did it get me there without any problems, I was able to use it to find a nearby Starbucks to get a cup of coffee!
Finally, the last awesome feature that I wanted to talk about is the approximate arrival time. It’s been extremely accurate!! This unit tells you not only tells you what the time will be when you arrive, but tia also tells you how long the trip took when you reach your destination!! (It speaks it to you when you arrive)
If you are on the fence, I highly recommend this unit!! It has a TON of awesome features, and is EXTREMELY easy to use! The screen size, appearance, and user interface make this unit a winner!! Considering that this unit cost less than $200 and outperformed a model that was twice as expensive should speak volumes.
Beware!
Was amazed by the beauty and added features of the NVU94T at a Radio Shack store that I decided to not go for the highly recommended Garmin and give Sony a chance. Taking it out of the box and playing with it for the first 20 minutes was fun but then one problem after another…
Well, I tried to imagine that I was lucky to get this [...] GPS unit for only [...] but there is a reason for this cheap price…go to the Sony website and try to buy a Sony GPS there- all “not available” or “out of stock” meaning there is something fishy going on…I began having trouble with my device as it froze and rebooted so I went to the Sony support webpage for this model and guess what?
[...]
The device has been affected by a virus and so they urge you to call them – yeah, thanks Sony! But luckily mine was fine and the computer was not damaged.
I DO NOT recommend this device because although it is beautiful and has great features that Garmin should imitate, it is slow and has VERY OLD MAPS…it did not have streets and businesses that have been in my city 5 years and there is no option to update maps (even with money). This deal is no deal at all!!!
Sony NVU94T 4.8-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Large screen.
Sharp picture.
Better than the factory gps.
Bluetooth easy to set up.
I would compare with any units
priced in the $300 to $400 price range
Drive for a Living
Great Product/ Bought this a month ago before I left for Seattle/ I do custom installs for my company/ works great for city/suburbs/rural areas- I didn’t lose my gps signal in the mountains- It is money- ONLY knock I wish it would show the building number at the Destination Points- that would if you go from house to house multi times a day- Still worth the money
More than expected
This is my first purchase of a navigation unit and I have to say this unit meets and exceeds my expectation. I was using verizon navigation and paying 10.99/month when finally I decided to get this unit. Not only was the price cheap the unit is very accurate. My buddy was trying to persuade me to buy a garmin, but how could you go wrong with Sony. The screen is bright and easy to see(4.8″). When entering an address it is so easy and the touch screen is very accurate. I love the bluetooth on this unit and have not tested the other bells and whistle on this device yet. Its funny when my buddy that tried to convince me to buy a garmin saw this unit he is regretting his garmin now. You will not go wrong with this unit.
Great product!!!!!
I absolutely love this GPS system, in my eyes it is the best one around. The price was slashed just right, because before when it was nearly $400.00 I just couldn’t afford it, but when I came to amazon I saw the price just under $200.00 and thought it was my lucky day. So I decided to order it with next day shipping, anxiously waiting to get my new GPS system, put it in my car, and try it out. Boy oh boy did I ever make the right decision, I mean I absolutely love this thing!! it does everything, it has everything, what’s not to like. The screen is huge, the voice is loud so you can’t miss where it is telling you to go, bluetooth capability to my cell phone,thousands of POI’s. There is not one place that this thing can not find, and one of the most things I love about besides the bluetooth capability, loud directions, and big screen is the fact that the POI’s (Points of interest) has little symbols resembling the business on the screen. For example if you’re driving past a burger king, then you see the little burger king symbol on the screen, and that goes for gas stations as well when you don’t know where the nearest one is. Overall I say buy it!!!!!!!!! you’ll be glad you did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hard to beat for the price? (but could use a few interface tweaks)
EDIT: WARNING-forgot to mention in my original review-before hooking this unit to your computer, visit Sony Support site and make sure yours is not within the serial# range of units that “may contain a virus”.
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?news_id=308&mdl=NVU94T
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Haven’t had this unit long, so I’ll just give a few quick impressions-you can read what others say `bout the actual navigation since I haven’t had long enough to really test, but I don’t know that you’re going to find any of `em that don’t have quirks AFA routing. I often hear Garmin is best in this regard, but I’ve also heard folks gripe `bout routes picked by their Garmins, so there ya go?!
Note I’m not a newbie to GPS-I’ve got a factory unit in an ‘04 Cherokee (made by Alpine) and have been using the Alpine Blackbird for the last few years in my other vehicles. One reason I originally chose the Blackbird was I was already familiar with Alpine’s interface, and liked it better than anything I’d played with.
Got your ears on Sony?
PROS
Love the 2 dedicated buttons-I played with a Garmin and had to keep hitting back, back, back (well, you get the idea) to get where I wanted to go.
Also like the “Gesture Command” feature-basically gives you a number of dedicated buttons instead of having to scroll through numerous screens.
Love the 3D-have mine set to the most “elongated” 3D view (2 3D choices available) and you can see a looong way down the road, with what appears to be a sliding map scale-the closer you get to your destination the more closely to scale the view becomes. It’s great for getting an idea what’s around you and where both you and your destination are in relation to your overall route. I’m coming from using a bird’s eye view in both my Jeep OEM and Blackbirds, and the 3D is a big improvement.
Fer instance-I had mine set to the 1000 ft scale, but while traveling down the highway I could “see” `bout 15 to 20 miles down the road. As I got closer to my destination, the actual screen shot gets closer to scale. Sure beats the heck out of the old bird’s eye views units, which just give you a small view of the overall picture.
Note that I’ve not updated my Blackbirds with the newest software-I understand it gives you 3D views, but I just bought the Sony rather than pay for the software update.
Like the side by side pop up window that gives detailed view of your turns as you get close, with the countdown scale-my `04 Jeep’s factory Alpine has this-surprisingly (and I let `em know) the Blackbirds don’t!
Ring around your vehicle-it has a second arrow which always shows in which direction your destination is-just a nice little feature to help you understand where you are in relation to your destination! In the picture, note the small yellow triangle at the edge of the ring-it’s constantly changing to let you know the direction of your destination.
Really like the lane designation feature in the pop-up side-by-side screen!
CONS
Could put a few more small buttons on the map screen (right side)-I like the small GPS status button on my Blackbird-it has an ascending bar graph to let you know how good a satellite signal you’re receiving, and by hitting the button you go instantly to the SAT screen which gives you your GPS coordinates. Would be nice if Sony would give you the option of using GPS coordinates a little more easily-I often find coordinates in my MS Streets and Trips, and it would be nice to enter `em manually instead of relying on addresses so much.
Fer example-going to an air show? I have the coordinates to the main gate, instead of the GPS simply guiding you to the base property-you’re still a looooong way from the gate/entrance when many GPS units announce you’re at your destination! On my Blackbird, I can input GPS coordinates directly into the unit-still playing with the Sony, but so far the only way I see to do so is with the Nav-U-Tool software you install on your computer?
Also, the SAT screen on the Blackbird is much nicer/easier to read than the Sony’s-Alpine uses 12 bar graphs (1 for each satellite) with the bar lengths & colors changing as SAT strength increases-much easier to assess SAT status at a quick glance than the Sony SAT screen!
On a related note-Sony uses the triangle (representing your vehicle) colors to signify
SAT signal strength, but darn if they didn’t get the colors wrong? Yellow shows temporary loss of signal (OK) but when you have a strong signal, the triangle turns red. Personally, I’d like to see the triangle turn green when all is OK-green across the board is kinda a universal “everything OK” color scheme, is it not? I’d make the triangle red when you have NO signal, green when you do, and yellow ain’t bad for temporary loss of signal.
Also note in the picture the square box with your direction is red-I’d make it green also, in keeping with the “green across the board” theme?
I also see on the map your destination is represented by a red flag-I’d like to see this replaced with a checkered flag. Recent destintations (in My Places) use a checkered flag icon-why not the same on the map? A checkered flag is universally understood as “the finish” or “the end”, and I think it would show up better on the screen. It would also help remove more uneeded red from the screen-still keeping with the “green across the board” theme?
Another color change I’d recommend-besides having a more difficult SAT status screen to read (as opposed to Alpine’s Blackbird), I’d change the colors of the balls representing SAT signal strength from the colors Sony uses to green for strong signal, maybe yellow for weaker, and red for none. This would again keep with the green across the board display (when everything’s OK) as opposed to the colors Sony uses. While not as good/quickly readable as bar graphs, you could assess SAT signal status with a much quicker glance than you now can. Presently, the colors are so close and follow no universal pattern that if you tried to interpret the colors/signals while driving (not that you really need to), you’d be in a ditch!
I’ll have to go back and look, but darn if I don’t think the color scheme used with the balls representing SAT signals does NOT match the color scheme used by the triangle (your vehicle) to signify signal strength!
It would also be nice to have a map scale screen always on the map instead of having to hit the Options button to see what scale you’re using (again, see a Blackbird).
A problem using the Nav-U-Tool software-if you input GPS coordinates into the software (for something the GPS can’t find, but you have the coordinates), then download into your unit, you can change the icon to whatever’s in the unit. If you put an address directly into your GPS (if it’s something the GPS doesn’t know is there-say a Dunkin Donuts) you’re locked out of the icon screen (can’t add/change an icon for the saved address)!
Also note if you enter the GPS coordinates using the software on your `puter, you’re locked out of the address box-you can enter GPS coordinates, rename location, add phone number, but can’t put the address in!
SO….you have one of 2 choices:
1. Enter the GPS coordinates on your `puter and transfer to the Sony-you can then change the icon, but have no address!
2. Enter the address directly into the Sony-if you do, you’ll have an address but can’t assign an icon to it in your address book!
I’ve already mentioned this to Sony’s tech support-hopefully they’ll fix this with a software update?
No owner manual!? Think they include all paperwork from Sony’s site (Quick Start Guide, etc) except the actual owner manual-I had to download, print, and put in a ½” binder-`bout 80 pages long.
Would really be nice if they’d include an actual owner manual!
Will edit my review as I play with the unit.
I’m very impressed with this gps
I can’t believe this Sony NUV94T it’s for $200. The screen it’s huge and you can easily type the address right every time. My past experience with GPS was both from Tomtom, although I love how simple TT GPS are, but driving in Boston it’s a nightmare, especially if you on center where there are so many streets in form of a fork and many of these forks are curved to the same side, so with TT the huge red arrow blocks your view of the exact street you should drive in, most of the time you have to guess and by doing that sometimes you’re right and most times you’re wrong, but I don’t have any complain if I’m drive from city to city, just inside the city that I don’t like TT.
But with this Sony, the split screen shows exactly where you should go, it’s clear as day, so that is a huge plus.
I haven’t test the blue-tooth capabilities yet, so I can’t say anything about it, but even if BT it’s not what I would’ve like, for $200 this GPS it’s a great deal even without BT.
Good GPS but not Great
***************** Avoid this GPS *****************
I bought this on December 15th when I drove from Detroit Michigan to Austin Texas. I have a very bad scene of direction and knew that I would get lost with out it. I bought mine when it was $399. I got this one over the others at the store (Bestbuy) because of the size of the screen. The others were very small compared to this.
Positives:
Large 4.8″ screen
Navigation voice clear and easy to understand
Screen is bright and clear
Touch screen
Negatives:
Navigation voice was hard to hear even with the volume all the way up.
– Close your windows and turn down your radio, there is a aux out jack on this, but that means you have to turn off your radio still.
Route calculations can be slow at times, and I found that it only lets you select one option at a time.
– What I mean by this is it will not (at lease not that I found) let you chose it to calculate the shortest route and avoid toll roads, or fastest route and avoid major city’s.
Map data updates I haven’t seen one yet.
– New roads are always being opened, roads being closed do to construction etc. There is no way to update this and this seems to me to be a big minus.
Live Traffic updates costing.
– I don’t remember the cost of this service at the moment but it seems like it was around $10 a month or something like that. Sony should offer this free of charge for there high end unit or have a one time charge that covers it for life. I would be willing to pay $100 for life time use.
Sony’s unwillingness to use industry standard flash memory.
– I know Sony is trying to push their Memory Sticks but they could had included a SD or a Micro-SD card slot.
The screen every time it starts up saying “Do not use this device while driving” huh that is the point of a vehicle GPS.
I updated the firmware on mine and lost all my maps, I found out through several calls to tech support that there is no way to download the map’s. Mine was still under warranty but I was told by a Sony tech that if it was not covered that I would be charged $109 ($90 short of a brand new one) to get the map data put back on.
Seems to me that $109 is a lot for basically 15 minutes of work. When I asked I thought maybe $30 plus shipping.
I do recommend that if you get this do get the extended warranty for this.
I am not a Sony basher by any means but when I see a bad product I call it as I see it.
Would I buy this again knowing what I know now – “NO!”
I would had gotten something with a smaller screen that works better and has better tech support and has the ability of the user to update the map’s.
Why did I go with this one?
Well like I said it had the biggest screen of the ones on display at the store and the Sony name.
If you are buying a vehicle GPS I would suggest looking some place else, do not get this one. I see a lot of potential but Sony came up short on this GPS. There is a lot of things that I have seen just in the little time I have had it that Sony should had done or included with it.
If anyone from Sony reads this re-do this unit a few small changes would make this a great unit that would put any other GPS to shame.
The sad thing is, is that it’s not like Sony does not have the money to research and develop something top notch, something that could blow TomTom and Garmin away.
If Sony had asked some one like me to beta test this unit and would take the suggestions this could had been the standard and the one all others would be trying to catch.
What I would like to see in the next Sony NVU:
5+” LCD
Faster route calculations
Better GPS satellite reception
Map data updated by user or satellite
Louder navigation voice
Option to include or exclude multiple things in navigation calculations
I would like to be able to take and enter my addresses on my computer and then upload it to the GPS instead of using the touch screen keyboard
Charge less for live traffic updates $20 per a year or $100 for life
SD or Micro-SD flash slot
Excellent GPS for the price
I bought the 94T after my Garmin 660 lost its ability to find satellites. [...]. This unit boots up, acquires satellites and calculates routes faster than the 660 did. I particularly like the split screen feature as you are approaching an exit or turn. The display is also a bit larger. So far, I don’t have any negatives. Definitely a real value for the price.
SONY GPS 94U
Works well. delivered promptly, no set up problems, mapping for routes appears adequate. REALLY LIKE THE BIG SCREEN and that is why it was purchased.
The database on specific points is TERRIBLY OUT OF DATE!! They list a dinner that has been closed for at least 5 years and physically removed from the cite at least 2 years. Now a Walgren’s and this is not on any side side but the main road going thru Salisbury, MD., US 13. That was an example and there were plenty more.
Could not find, Chili’s, at 2750 N. Sby Blvd and kicked us back to about 1000 N. Sby Blvd. and yet it could find Chick-Fil-A at 2736 N. Sby. Blvd.obviously some serious updating is required!! Like the screen!!
first time GPS buyer
I have seen other GPS units, but waited to purchase one that was right for me. I am glad I did. This Sony unit is superior to the others in performance and love the large split screen the software does. It sold me, and glad I purchased it. Thanks …. Sony
Great GPS from Sony!
. The instructions are clear, the screen is perfect, and I love the way the dual screens pops up when you are close to a fork road.
I purchased this GPS in November and so far it has been great. I paid $400 and the price has gone down since. You are lucky to have such a great GPS for half the price I paid
Sony NVU94T is the best on the Market
I bought this sony gps nvu94t a month & half ago. I am very pleased with everything that sony gps has to offer. Blue tooth is excellent. I travel with it from Syracuse to NYC, from NYC to Atlantic City, from NYC to Florida, from NYC to Boston. Acquiring the satellite signal is very fast with all those tall building around NYC. I never lost a signal. The position plus is great. The speaker is clear. The display is clear. Very nice finish. Sony’s “super suction cup” mount works beautifully. The auto re-route is faster than another other gps such Magellan 860T and Garmin Nuvi 350 which both of them I used to own. If you want a great gps, this is the one for you. Overall, I am very happy with this gps unit.
Exelent GPS for very good price!!!
I have looked at GPS units for a while and got NV-U94T mainly because of the screen size 4,8″; Bluetooth connection; All the play MP3; MP4; JPEG list; Memory stick slot and after all it is made by SONY and the price is $199.99.
There is many nice GPS units on the market, I have talked to people at work and did my
Internet research, and after all that I can tell you: ” I love this!”
You need GPS to get to places that you do not know how to get – IT DOSE THE JOB PERFECTLY – clear directions with well advanced notices of turns and exits and such…
Naturally, as a male, I do everything my own way even driving directions.
The unit changes rout according to the way you drive and then uses it the future, when you get the hang of the menu and start really having fun on the trips with whole family.
I would recommend this unit in the heartbeat.
NO GPS SIGNAL
I bought this GPS last week and I already had to return it. It was taking a really long (30-40 minutes) for it to find a signal. I was on the phone with Sony for a really long time. They asked me to reset my unit and it worked fine for about half hour. Then it was back to taking really long finding a GPS signal. However, for the short time it worked, it was wonderful. The screen was big, it was easy to use, the double screen for turns was really useful. It even showed you which lane you should be on. Great GPS. I hope I just got a defective one.
Limited usability for Favorite Destinations
on the plus:
-very short boot time (almost instantaneous)
-excellent screen
on the minus:
-on occasion the suggested route is not optimal
-the way it handles the Favorite Destinations:
. – you can only set 4 favorites
. – if you need to deal with more than 4, your only options are to:
. . – search in a list of recent destinations (but these can not be renamed – so you need to remember the address!!!)
. . or
. . – start the search from the beginning every time
-the option to “Save This Location” does not save the actual address, it is meant to be used as a phonebook entry, which can be confusing the first time you use it.
As a side note, with Garmin 650 you can rename as many of your previous destinations as you want, making it a lot easier to find a place that you visited.
R.
This is the best
Just bought this Sony GPS and I have tested it and it is awesome. Sony is the best that I have seen, everything works perfect as stated. Watch out Garmin!