Top Mio GPS units usually offer feature rich devices at reasonable prices. Three such devices are discussed here including the latest MOOV series device, the S501. The Budget C230 offers text to speech in a 3.5" format while the S510 gives you 4.7" widescreen GPS for less than $200.
Introduction
Mio is well known for its GPS navigation devices. Some are surprisingly capable yet economical products. We take a look at a few here in this article. Mio products are easy to use and they also have good displays and accuracy. The maps that come with the device are good too.
Mio Digiwalker C230
For about $180 and the available features, this is probably the best budget product from Mio. Some of the features usually are available on more expensive models from other manufacturers. The C230 has a touch screen display that is 3.5” diagonal and has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The display is readable in bright sunlight. It is easily visible during the night too. The 65k color display adjusts automatically for night viewing. The background maps are from Tele Atlas and the preloaded US and Puerto Rico maps have a large collection(6 million) of POIs. These include entertainment, gas stations, and restaurants.
You can add maps and store them in the built-in 1 GB memory and the memory card expansion of SD cards. Maps have a 2D as well as a 3D mode and the text to speech capability(surprising for a device in this price range) that speaks out directions as well as street names. Speeding warnings, speed camera database, as well as traffic light camera database, are really useful. The chipset used is the SiRF III that provides good satellite signals in urban canyons too.
Mio Digiwalker C720T
This is a more expensive model available at about $425 (Amazon). This too uses the SiRF III chipset that lets it navigate in urban as well as real jungles. TMC traffic information is available for additional subscription, free for first three months. It has an integrated media player that plays music, video and photos. Bluetooth hands-free calling is available. Interestingly, it has an integrated 2 MP camera. Not many GPS devices integrate a camera into a GPS product.
With this camera you’ll be able to record the co-ordinates of the locations you took your photos. With a split screen 4.3” display, it can deliver a lot of information that you need to drive safely. Preloaded maps include those of US and Canada and a few cities of Mexico. 12 million POI should let you find whatever you need on the way, be it a gas station or a food station.
Mio MOOV S501
This model comes with a 4.7” widescreen display. Preloaded maps cover the US and Canada with 12 million points of interest. You can easily find and navigate to restaurants, gas stations, hotels, tourist attractions, emergency assistance, shopping and more. It has a new and improved interface that provides a cleaner map view and search with fewer taps. Text to speech as well as lane guidance makes driving directions complete. The text to speech supplements this with not only street names but turn guidance, street names, freeways, and exits. The Text to speech is available in three languages. At $200 this gives you good value for money, a widescreen GPS!