Mio C220 Review

Mio Technology Limited launched the world's first PDA with integrated GPS in 2003. Since then it has been at the forefront of technological innovation with personal navigation devices and smartphones.

The Mio C220 is a small dedicated Sat nav with a simple touchscreen and clear display and nowhere near as bulky as the previous smart-phones that the company has produced in the past. In the world of satellite navigation, this is a stylish and straightforward system providing clear driving instructions as and when you need them.

Do not be put off by the full title of Digiwalker C220 either. Although very effective as a walking held GPS, the 20 channel receiver has the latest SIRFstarIII microchip to provide accurate navigation in town and country, and the 3.5 inch screen is clear and bright even in dimly lit scenarios.

This model is light and compact with a weight of only 110 grams. Just 108 mm high and 81 mm wide it fits nicely in the palm of your hand. As with other systems the battery is a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and the life is up to 4 hours between charges.

Mio advertise the product as having everything needed for it to operate straight out of the box; however their list of commonly requested accessories is long and includes an In-Car charger, which even they say is essential for long drives. Other accessories include a flexible mount, sun visor and AC charger. The cost of the stand alone unit is very acceptable, but the additions needed may make you think twice about the investment once you add everything up.

An accessory that one might find amusing is the remote control which Mio advertise as making it possible to control the device from the back seat of the car. If this is the future before us, we will never be able to accuse our spouse of backseat driving again.

This device does not have all the fancy features of larger and more expensive models, but that might be to its advantage rather than a drawback. The lack of an MP3 player or a photo viewer means the unit can be much smaller and highly portable. Not only can you carry it around in you pocket, whether to protect if from theft or to tell where you are going, it also means you can mount this model in your direct line of sign without impinging on your field of vision. Highly useful in smaller vehicles.

And as for the lack of fancy add on features? Please do not tell me you will not be taking your camera and iPod on your trip anyway! This is one of the lowest priced units available on the market today, but with the backing of Mio Technology and development, you will hold in your hands a very powerful tool - do not make the mistake of thinking cheap and small is not also good and reliable.