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| Date Reviewed: 10/30/2007 |
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Strengths: Easy to use and set up, text to speech
Weaknesses: only 1 million points of interested, Canada not pre-loaded, ac adapter not included.
Summary: After comparing many gps models and their features, I decided not to pay for the extra bucks for the stuff I won't use. I did want the text to speech feature and this was the least expensive model I found,(under $180 at buydig.com) and it seems to be working just fine and is easy to hear The map was loaded Aug. 2007 so I assume that it it pretty much updated.
If you are looking for a basic unit this would be a good choice for the money.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/25/2008 |
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Strengths: Very inexpensive basic GPS. Excellent text to speech. Accurate maps
Weaknesses: Difficult interface. Minimal POI. Poor battery life.
Summary: At $110 after rebate, this GPS unit was a steal for basic GPS function. The map graphics and labeling are perfect and the text to speech is clear and accurate. Maps are very accurate. Entry of addresses is very easy. I was looking for a cheap basic GPS navigation unit for use in my second car or in a rental car when out of town. This unit would serve that purpose well.
Guidance around Los Angeles was best in Economy mode which is a compromise between fastest and shortest modes also available on this unit. As noted by others, the GPS does guide you off main streets at times even in fast mode(not necessary a disadvantage in a place like L.A. with heavy traffic). Furthermore, I frequently drive 3 miles after startup before the unit slowly acquires a GPS signal. Unlike others, I did not find the volume too low. In fact, it was often too loud when talking on a cell phone. The speaker for the unit is on the back, and you have to be careful not to block the speaker if mounting on dash or laying the unit down. The volume is not adjustable.
I chose to mount the unit to the dash of my Ford Expedition using velcro tape because the included suction mounting attachment placed the unit too high, blocking my view of the road. The battery life is very poor, but the unit can be powered in the car using the included cigarette lighter attachment. The unit can also be charged by plugging the unit into a powered USB port of a computer using a mini USB cable, which is NOT included. There is no AC charger.
As stated many times above, the interface in not intuitive and I had to read the confusing manual on CD several times for even basic operations. I spent 15 minutes just trying to figure out how to cancel navigation to a location while continuing to display the map. Turns are clear in navigation "cockpit mode" although the distances to turns are not quite accurate. The unit tends to say "50 yards" when it should say "50 feet". Map mode displays accurate maps when you don't want to use GPS guidance.
I was most disappointed with the useless point of interest selections. The MIO did not find a single Starbucks, but was able to find Star Chicken. Weird, considering there are no less than 5 Starbucks in my neighborhood. I tried under multiple categories of POI and still no Starbucks. Likewise no listings for Carls Junior. The GPS in my other car finds dozens of each. Makes me wonder how the POI on the unit is determined by MIO. The POI feature would not be helpful on a road trip.
In summary, this unit will guide you to the bank with money left over to deposit. Just make sure you have the address to enter and have thoroughly read the manual before getting in the car.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/29/2007 |
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 almost but not recommended Strengths: nice interface and display
Weaknesses: Poor map base. My house is off by .4 miles and house numbering system is wrong as our those in the next subdivision.No way to save routes until you have driven them. Makes many nonexistent turns.
Summary: Gps's are not aware of the real world. They get you there but often need a little intervention to optimize the route. If you
can store a route before driving it, then you can fill your gps with preplanned trips that you have edited based on your personal knowledge. This device does not store routes. You can store tracks after you have drive the route which is far less handy. Buy a unit that stores routes.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/28/2007 |
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Strengths: Good value, easy to use, TTS function included
Weaknesses: Limited number of POI
Summary: I have been using this for only two days but I love it. It is such a small unit that I could put it into my pocket any time. It could serve as a portable GPS as well.
The good:
1.Very good price for a GPS with TTS. What could ask more for a $150?
2.Room for expansion: SD card slot available
3.Sound is pretty loud to be heard clearly.
The bad:
1. Screen is not scratch-proof. It does not come with a case as well
2. POI is limited in number. Only one million available.
Overall, it is a very good entry level unit at this price point. 4 stars!
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| Date Reviewed: 11/17/2007 |
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Strengths: Very easy start up. never had a gps before. very simple to use .text to speech a very nice feature.no taking your eyeballs off the road.very brite screen, good volume.small and compact.
Weaknesses: Sometimes it takes awhile to get sat. service
Summary: for the money a great unit if you do not need all the bells and horns. does exactly what is supposed to do. gets you to point A to B. very simple to use right out of the box.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/08/2008 |
- the1percent
from LA
- Member Since:
Sep 2005
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Reviews
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Strengths: Text-to-Speech
Affordable
Acquires sats fast
Weaknesses: Number of POI
Summary: This unit is sold for a good price for having text-to-speech. I was able to add POI with the sd card I have. It is the first GPS I have owned and it has work flawlessly for me. It acquires the sats very fast. It reroutes quickly and shows and speaks streets and highways. I would buy it again.
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| Date Reviewed: 10/24/2007 |
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Strengths: Multiple options, speedy satellite acquisition and route recalculation, compact, great attention to detail, no glitches found yet.
Weaknesses: Street pronunciations not always correct, nebulous and redundant menu arrangement, small screen lettering... but I'm nitpicking.
Summary: Huge improvement over the C220. All insignificant POI's I looked up were still available (so what's the fuss?). I can't believe all the detail goodies packed into such an inexpensive system! They surely have under priced it.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/25/2007 |
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Strengths: Easy setup and at a affordable price
Weaknesses: I found the stand to be a little difficult to operate
Summary: Good for a reasonable price. It never lets you GET LOST. I had one earlier which was stolen(a diff MIO). These are very good at a much cheaper price.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/21/2008 |
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Screen Issues
Strengths: Basically, works OK.
Weaknesses: No carrying case. Can't delete one address. Have to delete all of them.
Summary: Unit works OK, but the glass or plastic cover over the screen is very fragile and brittle. If something barely hits it, it will crack and the touch commands will no longer work. MIO wants $100 plus shipping to repair.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/28/2008 |
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Strengths: 1. Text to speech feature in an inexpensive unit
2. The maps are fairly up to date
3. Day/night automatic lighting is very useful. The display can be set to dim at sunset based on GPS location.
Weaknesses: 1. Only US and Canada maps are included.
Summary: The screen brightness and volume adjustments are more than adequate for most environments. There should be a volume control on the housing to adjust volume without going into the setup menu. The auto daylight/night background lighting is great. The Garmin Nuvi 270 is almost three times more expensive but it doesn't do text to speech. The Nuvi has more maps but I feel the text to speech is more useful to me than road maps of other countries I may never need.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/20/2008 |
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Strengths: WORKS GREAT OUT OF BOX , AUDIO STREET NAMES REROUTES FAST AND GETS YOU TO THE DOOR
Weaknesses: DOES NOT COME WITH A USB WIRE
Summary: THIS WAS MY FIRST GPS I OWNED AND NOW I DON'T THINK I'LL GO HARDLY ANYWHERE WITHOUT IT, I WORK FOR A RURAL PHONE COMPANY. I BOUGHT A GARMIN FOR MY DAUGHTER MONTHS BEFORE THAT GIVES TRAFFIC UPDATES AND REROUTES, WHICH IS PERFECT FOR HER LIVING AROUND A BIG CITY WITH PLENTY OF TRAFFIC PROBLEMS BUT MY MIO 230 DOES EVERYTHING I CAN ASK OF IT. MY WIFE WAS SO IMPRESSED I JUST PURCHASED ONE FOR HER AT $147 LAST WEEK. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PURCHASE.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/14/2008 |
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Strengths: Text to speach, nice small size
Weaknesses: Slow to obtain signal
Summary: I have to say, I really like this GPS. It is my second one. It is great to have the unit tell you the street names, that way you do not need to take your eyes off the road to confirm you are taking the right street. Thi Mio is a big improvment over the older c220 model as far as display and volume. The volume is plenty loud with this one. It gives accurate directions with clear spoken directions. How ever it does take a while to boot up and sync with the sattellite. Also I noticed that as you are driving the map updates a little slugish compared to the older model. I am told that is because the maps and text to speech take up alot of internal memory. but this is a great value and the best price unit with text to speach. I give it a B
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| Date Reviewed: 01/24/2008 |
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Strengths: Maps, Maps, Easy To Use
Weaknesses: Low Volume
Summary: This is a really good device. It has a wide variety of POIs and it is really intuitive. The selling point on the Mio, for me at least, were the maps. I've heard great things about their accuracy and reliably. They can easily and quickly recalculate routes and get you to your new destination. I used to be addicted to paper maps but ever since I got a GPS I've learned to rely on it and it hasn't let me down.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/28/2007 |
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Strengths: TEXT TO SPEECH, NICE AND COMPACT,DOES ITS JOB FOR THE PRICE AND COOL GRAPHICS EVEN DOUGH ITS LIMITED, LIKING THE CAMERA WARNING OPTION, TELLS YOU WHAT STOP LIGHT OR INTERSECTION HAS PHOTO ENFORCED.
Weaknesses: POI LIMITED, TAKES TIME TO FIND SIGNAL WHEN TURNING ON, USE UP BATTERY KINDA QUICK AFTER CHARGING
Summary: IF YOUR CONCERN IS GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION THIS ONE IS GOOD FOR THE BUCK. I SUGGEST YOU PLAY AROUND WITH IT SOME PEOPLE WILL GET FRUSTRATED SOME WILL FIND IT EASY. ONCE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE IT YOU
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| Date Reviewed: 12/09/2007 |
- JDreborn
- Member Since:
Apr 2005
View Member's:
Reviews
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Strengths: Reads street names, compact, sleek design, touch screen, and I'll never get lost again.
Weaknesses: Doesn't have a lot of extra features, but I'm here for a GPS, not a do all electronic device.
Summary: The C230 is a GPS made by Mio. This is my third GPS from Mio and I have yet to be disappointed with them. If you ever get lost this GPS will become your best friend. I like this model due to the C230 being capable of reading street names. I give this GPS 5 stars, Mio's just rock.
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