Sony has recently come up with a new GPS navigation device in their nav-u line known as NV-U1. Integrated with 4.3-inch screen, the stand-alone handheld navigation device was to be launched in North America last year as NV-U81 that did not come about ever, but better late than never, we have Sony NV-U1 at last with built-in SD card reader and with many more glaring features: Let’s check them out here:
(1) Back light control: Automatic ON (10 stages) /OFF and automatic dimmer
(2) Battery: 4 hours in normal and 6 hours in stamina mode
(3) Display: A-si TFT active matrix, 4.3″ wide screen
(4) Speaker: 2W mono integrated speaker
(5) Memory: Memory stick duo slot
(6) Dimensions: 134 x 79 x 44 mm
(7) Picture resolution: 480×272
(8) Aspect ratio: 16: 9
(9) Weight: 360 g
Sony integrated a pressure sensor and accelerating sensor to give positioning info when no GPS signal is available (that is tunnels). Using the optional Sony NVA-VB6 VICS receiver, the NV-U1 is touted to be capable of working with current traffic info and steer clear of traffic-congested areas.
Whereas the navigation software on NV-U1 gives lane info, toll road fee guide and 3D maps. The Sony NV-U1 will put up the device for sale for roughly 60,000 Yen (~$500) in Japan starting on March 22nd, while the VICS receiver NVA-VB6 goes for 20,000 yen (~$167).





















