Sony NAV-U GPS review

British site Computeractive now has a review of Sony’s NAV-U NV-U51G which is currently only available in Europe.

It looks like the reviewers were not completely dissatisfied with U51G but there was nothing special about it either.

That’s not to say it makes no improvements over previous versions. You can now, for instance, search by full post code, making it easier to pinpoint the exact location of a destination. But yet again, Sony has failed to provide a memory card slot, limiting the opportunity for expansion. It comes with maps for the UK and Ireland, and it is possible to buy additional maps, adding them to the unit using a PC.

Probably something you want to buy if you see a really good deal on it. NV-U51

currently sells for £140 on Amazon - but keep in mind review talks about U51G, not U51.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails out of PDA / PNA market

Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply 'due to the usual examination of the portfolios,' and the firm apparently noticed that 'the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years.' Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the 'traditional handhelds' of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones 'is not its business at all,' the choice seems logical.

(Via Engadget.)

i-gotU GPS Tracker

i-gotU GPS USB tracker is manufactured by a company in Taiwan called Mobile Action. Their latest is this GPS enabled device that lets you geotag your photos with location information, organize and present your journey in 3D on Google Earth. Apparently it is compatible with all digital cameras and camera phones and is the ‘coolest GPS tracking gadget for your journey’ as they describe it.

i-gotU GPS tracker is also works with third party GPS navigation software, and can be used as GPS Bluetooth receiver for your PDA or mobile phone.

Here are some specs:

• Built-in SiRF StarIII low power chipset


• Built in GPS patch antenna


• Built-in 230mAh Lithium-ion battery


• Two LEDs for tracking and battery/charger status indication


• USB 1.1 interface for PC connection


• Dimensions: 47 x 29 x 12mm


• Weight: 21g

We have no info on pricing or availability but we already know it won’t work with your iPhone.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Mio DigiWalker C520 and C720t GPS Devices

Mio has a couple of new GPS devices out in the markets. The first is the Mio DigiWalker C520 GPS that was introduced at the CES 2007. This widescreen navigation device boasts a 4.3' display in a slim form factor. Bluetooth is available as well, making it easier to make/receive calls while driving. Running the show is a 20-channel SiRFstarIII GPS receiver chip. It offers SD and MMC (whoa!) memory card slots too.

The display on the Mio C520 is a 480x272 pixels QVGA touchscreen. The device is compatible with USB 2.0. Measuring 0.8' x 3.2' x 5quot;, it weighs in at 6.7 oz (190 grams), and can be conveniently carried in your pocket. It runs on Win CE .Net 5.0 and comes bundled with MioMap navigation software.

The second device to hit the market is another widescreen device, the Mio DigiWalker C720t GPS (in pic). On top of what the C520 offers, this one comes with a 2MPx camera, business card scanner and the ability to import contact info and photo geotagging. This also sports an SD/MMC memory slot, and thanks to its TMC support, you can get real-time info on accidents, weather and more.

No word on the pricing.

(Via MobileWhack.)

Leica GMX902 GG dual-frequency GPS + GLONASS receiver

Leica Geosystems just introduced Leica GMX902 GG, a dedicated, dual-frequency GPS + GLONASS Receiver for monitoring applications, mostly for sensitive structures such as bridges, mines or high rise buildings and crucial topographies such as land slides or volcanoes.

As you know GLONASS is Russian’s equivalent of GPS which currently has 16+ satellites in orbit. The dual frequency code of Leica GMX902 enables it provide precise data capture which is required for highly accurate position calculation and motion analysis.

As with the other receivers in the GMX900 family, the GMX902 GG has been designed and built purely for monitoring applications. The key characteristics of the GMX900 family are low power consumption, high quality measurement, simplicity, and durability. The Leica GMX902 GG is an ideal receiver for deformation monitoring with superior tracking of satellites from the both GPS and GLONASS constellations. The GMX902 GG is also a perfect receiver for atmospheric studies and ionospheric scintillation research with 20Hz measurement of high precision dual-frequency code, phase and signal-to-noise ratio.

(Via NaviGadget.)

Free Update Available to AVIC-S1

Pioneer Electronics (USA)'announced a free firmware update for the Mobile Entertainment Division’s AVIC-S1 portable' navigation product. This update is in response to customer reports by AVIC-S1 owners of recurring pop-up messages advising them their map data is older than one year and recommending they upgrade to'more current map data.'''

The 2007 Map Data Upgrade will be available for purchase in September 2007.

In the short-term, Pioneer is issuing the free firmware update, which will eliminate the pop-up messaging, with which some AVIC-S1 users have expressed confusion or annoyance. However, the performance of the AVIC-S1 is not otherwise affected by these pop-ups and the 2006 Map Data that came with the AVIC-S1 will continue to operate normally, even if the 2007 Map Data Upgrade is not purchased.

Customers have three options for securing the free firmware update:

1. Downloading the free update to a computer from'http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/AVIC-S1update/'


2. Ordering a computer disc containing the free update by calling Pioneer'Customer Service toll free at 800-421-1404


3. Calling Pioneer Customer Service toll free at 800-421-1404 to arrange'for an AVIC-S1 to be mailed to Pioneer for installation of the free'update.
   
   

   (Via Mobility Site.)

waterproof casing from Clarion for GPS

Clarion just announced a new waterproof casing for its DrivTrax line of GPS navigation systems. The new protection includes a speaker that works with AA batteries as well as stylus to operate the touch screen interface. However it will cost you 125€ to get this luxury on your motorcycle…
"

(Via NaviGadget.)