Sony NV-U44 user reviews (Black)

5.0 stars

"Great GPS for low $$.$$" on February 18, 2009 by dayene

Pros: Text to Speech, Split Screen at intersections, Accuracy.... SONY

Cons: None so far

Summary: Having owned 2 TomTom Ones 2nd Editions that did not have Text to Speech, I decided to buy something that did and was fortunate to be able to find 2 of these NV-U44 units last week. I think I bought the last 2 in Jacksonville, FL. I had originally bought 2 of the larger NV-U94T's for $155 each new with the 4.8 inch screen. I thought that they just took up too much room when mounted. Granted, the U94T performed perfectly and the picture was great, but after giving more thought to the fact that I had no need for the Bluetooth or optional monthly fee traffic features, I decided to go with this less expensive little brother Sony U44. While I was impressed with the 94T, the U44 is like the 94T, but in a 3.5" display without Traffic and Bluetooth. The maps are the same as the 94T and are version 2008. That means they have current maps for now, but as new roads are being built....what is current today will be obsolete tomorrow. With the prices of a GPS being driven downward at an astronomical rate, it is almost as cheap in some cases to buy a new unit than to pay to upgrade maps. The text to speech is very nice. You can put it in a cupholder if you want and let it instruct you on turns without even having to mount it on the dash or windshield to view. The U44 is very accurate in directions, speed , mileage and ETA. The touchscreen is responsive. I use a rubber tipped stylus pen from my PDA to speed up the process and tap the numbers, etc. That helps since my fingers are big and I can tap one key at a time much faster. If you are looking for a great GPS, you will not go wrong with this unit. My gut feeling is that Sony is getting out of the GPS business. They had these on their website for $79.99 and their other units reduced anywhere from 50% to 70% within 5 months of coming out in production. All have been cleared out and posted as no longer available. I bought mine new for $59.99 each(regular price $249.99), but I suspect that since Sony no longer carries them that the price is being driven up on the web. I see them ranging in price online from $69 to $250