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| Brand: Sony
Category: CE
List Price: $449.95
Buy New: $231.11
You Save: $218.84 (49%)
New (12) Used (1) Refurbished (3) from $242.86
Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 9685
Color: Silver
Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Native Resolution: 480 x 272
Display Size: 4.8
Includes MP3 Player: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 0.8 x 5.7 x 3.4
nv:Type: Receiver
Touch Screen: Yes
Voice: Yes
Expansion Slots: Memory Stick PRO Duo
MPN: NVU83T
Model: NVU83T
UPC: 027242728530
EAN: 0027242728530
ASIN: B001540AH8
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 a big disappointment September 3, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
We had high hopes for the SONY NVU83T, but we have returned it after a frustrating three weeks of trying to use it. The routing was often bizarre (what algorithm routes a driver between two destinations in New York State by way of Canada?), the documentation sorely lacking, the GUI not at all intuitive, no AC adapter is included, the battery life is very short, and the suction cup didn't suction well. The display was bright and clear, but provided only a bare minimum of map data - it would have been helpful to see the names of streets we were approaching - updating after a missed turn was sometimes very slow. In case you are wondering, we did have the 3.0 firmware. I would not recommend this GPS.
 Standout GPS: Fast, Clear, Simple, Deep, FRESH MAPS August 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
After reading CNET's pan of the original version, I was hesitant. I tried a Maestro 4250, which got a higher rating, but it lacked stores that opened 3 years ago, and tried to route me on roads and interchanges that changed years ago. Old map data makes any GPS work badly, especially around newer communities. Researching this on the web, I found that nearly all portable GPS units have maps dating from 2006 or so.
Because the Sony has the late-2007 Navteq maps (same as those Google uses) I decided to try it. It found a local restaurant that opened in the past year, and the lookup was very quick, about 2 seconds. It has the 3.0 firmware, which apparently makes a huge difference. The interface is crisp, easy to use, and much higher resolution than the Mastro. Not perfect, though. The gestures didn't do what I expected, and ended up re-centering the view instead.
The mounting kit alone is a reason to buy the unit. The suction cup mounted securely to the pebbly dash of my car so the unit doesn't block my view as other, windshield-mounted units do. It's closer so it's easier to reach, too.
The downside is that routing can be roundabout. I didn't use part of a route it provided when going to the restaurant, then the route coming back avoided those streets, as if it assumed that they must be closed now. (It uses info gathered from your past driving in its subsequent routing. Rather than turn this feature off, I made a point to drive on the streets I had skipped so it knows they are still open.)
Many features can be turned on or off or adjusted. Even the viewing angle of the 3D display can be selected. Voice prompts are clear, well-timed, and explicitly state the street name. Once you reach your destination it even says how long the drive took.
Tighten up the routing and include an AC adapter and it would be a 5 star GPS. In all other respects it far surpasses the other in-car and portable GPS systems I have owned.
 Best GPS I've seen August 6, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is the best GPS I've seen. I've had a built in system on my previous HOnda and played with the Garmin (which was crap)..
The 5" screen is great and the suction cup is great. The low profile (i.e. thin ) is also nice when transporting.
The split screen for directions is a nice feature when making turns.
It doesn't like "Texas U-turns" when making a left turn --Texas U-turns are a left hand U-turn before an intersection ..the voice prompts for a bear right than a left turn which is a bit confusing) but the split screen display has it right.
Also, the Estimated arrival time assumes 55MPH at all times, probably should use a weighted average speed as 55mph is a bit fast on some local roads.
good device, documentation leaves something to be desired August 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The GPS unit works great, navigation has worked with no hitches. I was pretty much able to operate it intuitively the first time I turned it on. Which is a really good thing because the instructions were not particularly helpful and the accompanying CD and softwear were equally as hard to figure out for me. The quick start guide said a wizard would launch the first time the device was turned on, but it didn't, so I had to manually set up the language options, home address, etc., but it wasn't hard to do. I like the screen, it's very clear, the maps are easy to read and the touch screen is very sensitive.
I still am not quite sure what I am supposed to do with the Nav-U software that the CD installed on my PC. I didn't need to update the firmware, it came installed with the 3.0 version, so I haven't had to figure how to do an update. The PDF manual on the CD hasn't got much info about the software on it, and nothing at all about how to actually do anything within the Nav-u application and neither does the support website.
I was a little nervous about the suction cup, it is so sticky I thought it might be an adhesive that would leave goo on my dashboard, but no problems there, it let go with no problems (but stayed in place with no problem either).
All in all I think the Nav-U is a great value, it's got a big screen with good visibility and the text to voice works great. The bluetooth option saves expense and clutter of an additional device in the car too.
A OK UNIT, GOOD PRICE July 26, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought NAV U for my wife. we already have Magellan and Tomtom in the family. i bought mine for $229 at Fry's (73T).
I test drove this unit on few occasions, as my Magellan is in repairs(due to their firmware upgrade). first impression was not too good, as i was spoiled by overly generous driving instructions from magellan, so Sony's were spartan, so to speak. but they are sifficient and work well.
after the 2nd test drive, i started respecting the unit. interface is nice, helpful, descriptive. very nice feature is split screen that appears before tricky intersections and gives additional visual guidance on some intersections.
suction cup is amazing! it sticks to EVERYTHING, and stays there for good. cup's controls are very easy to use and it is sony quality design and fabrication. volume is ample. features are supple and navigating through them is quite intitive. screen is large, bright, and easy to see. road condition warnings are free for 90 days, then it's subscription item, around $20 a month. and you have to have another antenna attached to the unit for that.
for the money, it is a very good product.
interfacing with PC was very easy and Navu-tool program is very easy to use with many nice features.
now, things that are wrong:
1. user manual is absolutely not up to par with unit's features.i found many situations/emblems on the screen that are not addressed in manual, and i still do not know what they mean. if you buy the unit, DO NOT touch the map on display while in navigation mode - it goes into some odd modes without any explanations how to get out of them(neither does manual).
2. charger slot is made for Japan and GB. it is on the driver side of the unit, resulting in LONG wire hanging down on the driver side, either across the stereo or close to other controls. very annoying!
3. battery life is miniscule. only 2 hrs. Magellan runs for 6.
4. now, the biggest of them all. this unit has terrible 2 point GPS differentiation. so, if you missed a turn - you'll drive for about a mile untill it realises that you did so and recalculates the route. my Magellan does this immediately after i miss intersection or turn. if you are in emergency - that is NOT a good feature.
5. I cought this unit on several occasions giving wrong instructions - instead of saying, eg, "now, turn onto I5 North" it'll say "turn right onto 405 south" yet will show the correct turn/names on display.
I read review here saying that latest firmware upgrade will fix this, but mine already has latest, and still does goofy stuff.
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