At $249, the entry-level model NV-U44 from Sony offers basic features of a GPS device. The device lacks Bluetooth, traffic information and multimedia playback.
Measuring 3.75×4.3×2.1 inches, the device comes with a car cradle suction cup, USB cable, power adapter and dash mounting adhesive puck. The device is fairly small and easily fits the pocket. The 3.5-inch screen offers a resolution of 320×240 and is coated with antiglare to prevent fingerprints. The device can be mounted on the windshield with suction and adhesive puck can be used to mount it on dashboard. To control the navigation, two buttons for calling up the menu and voice/pro are provided on the left side of the screen. The left side of the device features a Memory Stick Pro Duo slot. The power button on the top requires press and hold, so no lock buttons is provided. A USB port is provided on the bottom for charging and connecting the device to computer.
The only application that NV-U44 has is the photo viewer that displays the slide show if Memory Stick contains JPEG images. The device uses Gesture Command system which allows the users to navigate quickly with simple finger movements. If you want to set destination to Home, then you just need to draw an inverted “V” shape and the device will start navigation to the destination.
You can add two links in “Find a Place” menu for easy retrieval of POIs that are chosen frequently. The links can be stored by name, category, or both. So, you can store links for your favorite destination like restaurants, hotels etc. The POIs stored in the database include brand icons that can be displayed on the map selectively. You can also plan multiple destinations and store custom routes. This is very useful for storing multiple locations for daily errands, or while travelling to a new city. The address book can store destination across multiple groups and address book can be stored in the Memory Stick.
The Sony NV-U44 is a GPS focuses on very basic features and offers good performance which is at par with its nearest competitors, the Garmin Nuvi 255W and the TomTom One 130S. All the devices are priced at $249 and offers text-to-speech functionality. But the Sony NV-U44 offers lane guidance with dual view which is very valuable when you come across complex road system. The other two devices lack this feature.
