Sony - European maps for NV-U53G

Erkireland

Hi,

I note Sony do not upgrade or support maps anymore. I am looking to buy or link to european maps for the unit I have. I am going to France at the weekend but cannot use my Sat Nav for roads in the western part.

Can anyone help. Is there a site where I can download this software?

Erk

KoolKid

They were using Navteq as far as I remember. There is no option on Navteq'a site to buy maps for Sony devices. You could try their UK support number & see if they can help you
08081 013885.

Erkireland

Thanks Koolkid,

I will follow up with your advice on this. I was not aware that there was a seperate company Navtec looking after the maps.

regards

Erkireland

KoolKid

To clarify. Sony were using Navteq maps, the same as Garmin & many other manufacturers do. Navteq supply the maps. In many cases those maps are altered to suit various devices. Navteq may very well tell you they do not support maps for Sony.

Erkireland

Thanks again,

I will phone the company in the morning- Otherwise I think I will look for a new Tom Tom or Garmin device.

thanks

Erkireland

KoolKid

Erkireland wrote: »

I think I will look for a new Tom Tom or Garmin device.

Stick with either of those & you can't go wrong.

sharkman

AFAIK Sony pulled out of the European market to concentrate on US GPS back in 2008 .

Source : http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/14079/sony-withdrawing-gps-market-europe

mrmac

There was a DVD available, from Sony, with map updates. I think it was in the region of £80 - £100 stg. That was a year or two ago, and there hasn't been an update since.

Often you see sat nav "Bargains", offering fantastic features, for very little money.
Unfortunitly, as you have learned, they can become high-tech paper weights, if they are not properly supported. I know this first hand, as I have a few myself!

I only recommend buyers to get either a TomTom or a Garmin unit. Each has it's merits, each does a good job at navigation - but most importantly, they will still be in the market in five years time!

BTW - The Sony unit is not worthless. The memory of the unit can be re-programmed to use iGO8, or even TomTom, but that's not something easily done. You'd need to get a specialist to do that for you.

Erkireland

Thanks SHARKMAN and MRMAC.

I contacted Navteq this morning and they could not help. They said Sony kept the software to themselves when exiting the market in 2008. They re directed me to Navigon.com where they said they might help me. Alas no help.

On my way to buy a Tom Tom or Garmin. Yes, I know they will be around in the coming years!!!

regards

Erk

ironclaw

I made the mistake of buying a SONY. The latest maps are circa 2007. And don't buy the upgrade, its 2007 / 2008 at best.

I've been on to them for months. No joy.

tastas

Hello gentlemen, I'm new here. at the beginning, I greet all. I have a small problem with the Sony nav-u53G. I'm looking for that touch-screen GPS. Maybe someone knows where I get. Service drops the price exceeds the value. Sorry for my English. Stan

KoolKid

Testas, hello and welcome to Boards. If you are looking for advice on what GPS to buy I suggest you start a new thread, not post in a thread that's about something else and nearly a year old..