Today, Sony announced the availability of the NV-U71T personal navigation system, the company’s second offering in the NAV-U line of GPS units. Featuring an included RDS-TMC real-time traffic receiver built into the supplied cradle, the device will be operable right out of the box.

The NV-U71T features a 3.5-inch, antiglare screen for viewing traffic conditions in real-time (a $4.95/month subscription with the first 90 days free) in any light. A suction cup is also included for mounting the unit on the dashboard or center console.

Responding to customer feedback, Sony developed a new user interface that eliminates scrolling through multiple menu systems to access command functions. The new Gesture Command function lets users activate frequently-used commands by moving a finger over the surface of the 3.5-inch touch-screen. Sony’s Take Me Home feature, for example, is launched by drawing an inverted “V” on the screen.

Drivers can choose from nearly seven million points of interest – four times as many as its predecessor – and U.S. and Canadian maps come preloaded on the 2GB flash memory. A powerful speaker prompts motorists with a clear and audible voice, and an embedded rechargeable battery allows up to six hours of operation without using the supplied car power adapter.

The Sony NV-U71T will be available this holiday season for $500 at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style stores, and authorized dealers nationwide. Preorders are now being accepted at www.sonystyle.com/navu.

Price: $500
Info: www.sonystyle.com