Product Description

Just sketch a simple line or shape on screen with your fingertip and the new NV-U51G will guide you safely and surely to your desired destination - whether it is home or the nearest filling station. You can operate large and easy-to-use buttons and icons for entering destination information or selecting other key functions using the 3.5-inch high brightness screen. The NV-U51G comes pre-installed with map data coverage of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. 3.5" full colour TFT touch screen (aspect ratio: 4:3; resolution: 320 * 240) Anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coating; brightness control; auto dimmer function One-way full-range speaker with built-in woofer (2 W) 10-step volume control and voice guidance repeat function Latest SiRF Star III GPS receiver Intel® PXA255 processor with 300 MHz clock rate 512 MB built-in Flash memory Full British Isles map coverage - 2 countries (Rep. of Ireland and United Kingdom) 17 pre-installed languages 2D and 3D display mode Dynamic Route Information Interfaces: cradle interface, DC input, external GPS antenna interface, USB 2.0 (Mini Type B) Supplied accessories: car cradle, car battery adaptor, AC power adaptor, AC power plug with EU and UK plug, USB cable, TMC antenna, application disc, map disc, quick start guide Built-in Lithium-Ion battery Battery operating time: approx. 6 h Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 103.8 x 87.6 x 32.8 mm

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20804 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sony
• Model: NVU51G.EUR
• Released on: 2007-01-16

Features

• 3.5" High Brightness Anti-Glare Screen
• Traffic Message Channel (TMC) Ready
• Voice Guidance
• Gesture Command for one-touch navigation
• UK / PARIS MAPPING

Manufacturer's Description
Just sketch a simple line or shape on screen with your fingertip and the new NV-U51G will guide you safely and surely to your desired destination - whether it is home or the nearest filling station.

You can operate large and easy-to-use buttons and icons for entering destination information or selecting other key functions using the 3.5-inch high brightness screen.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

I love Sony gear, so this comes as something of a disappointment
I actually owned an NV-U50T (the predecessor to this unit) before and chose the NV-U51 as I have 2 cars and it uses the same cradle as the U50T so I did not need to buy a 2nd cradle again (the U52 cradle is different).

The U50T was great, but did not offer full postcode searching so I plumped for this one. The U51 offers full postcode entry, as well as having much more comprehensive information on petrol stations, roads are named on the screen and the whole display is a vast improvement.

Traffic speed camera warnings are a £20 per year option and one that I would NOT recommend - the only audible warning is where the lady's voice says "warning, watch your speed" - now I actually use the unit with the voice sound off, and therefore hoped it may just make a "bleep" at speed camera locations, but there is nothing. My wife has a Medion unit which bleeps in a 3-2-1 style proximity countdown which is far better!

My main bugbear though (along with others, reading the other reviews) is the tardiness in which the unit picks up the initial GPS signal. This really surprised me as the U50T picked up a signal almost straight away every time. With the U51 on several occasions I have driven anything from 5 to 15 miles before getting a signal - which is pretty pathetic. I even thought it may just be a duff unit, but, now on my SECOND U51 it exhibits exactly the same annoying habit.

I must say, I expected more from Sony - sure it looks great and the display itself IS very good and comprehensive - but the signal pick-up problem (and this can be on a clear day with no tall buildings around) prevents me from recommending this unit.

I've had no problems with this item!
I purchased one of these units mainly due to the rugged appearance of it along with the substantial chunky mounting bracket. The first time I set it up I did find that it took about 5 minutes to establish a satellite signal and I was beginning to feel somewhat demoralised about having purchased it. However, since that first problem the system finds the satellites within a minute of me pulling out of my car park.

It has taken me to all of the destinations I have entered onto it and I usually go by post code.

When I logged onto the Sony website to try and update, I have found that you have to register your product first with Sony on their web site. Once you have done this it allows you to update the software. I took my time and followed the instructions that came up on the screen and I had no problems in fully updating the unit. The website gives you clear instructions on what to do and actually shows you pictures of what you should see on the screen of your unit while it is updating. When you have finished, you can then check that your unit has been updated. I am not a computer buff by any means, but I personally had no problems whatsoever in transferring the new software over to my unit.

I think this item of equipment could be referred to as a 'Marmite' item of equipment, going by the reviews that have appeared concerning it. You either hate it or love it! I personally am more than happy with it and it does what I want a satellite navigation system to do. It may not be the fastest or sleakest item on the market and it may not have many of the fancy features that other manufacturers offer, but for the money, I think it is perfectly acceptable.

Impresive
While the screen menus are a little slow and the signal takes a little longer to pick up than my Garmin, what is impressive is the array of features.

The traffic signal is alot better than the GARMIN 300T I have because of the sheer detail it provides. garmin unit says slow moving traffic the SONY unit says 20mph traffic. Big difference to travel time.

Also it says SHARP right and such always with a PLAEASE and in plenty of time before a junction. Another nice touch is that is says the road number for major roads. Like "Please turn left onto A217 at the next junction in 2 miles" very good detail.


Like I said before the unit is not fast to navigate round the system but on the open road its great and cant see why others are moaning about it at this price point. Agreed I wouldnt be too impressed at £250 but I bought the GARMIN 300T for the traffic when it was released (over £225 paid for it) and the SONY does a better job in this area.

A new map update is out early Q108 for the SONY.

Dont get me wrong its not perfect but I could name various faults with my GARMIN too, dont buy with fear, nice unit and very good build quality.