GPS Devices Life

OK, but … - Mitac Mio¿ DigiWalker¿ C310x Car GPS Receiver I'm on my THIRD C310x! I am SO happy that I didn't buy mailorder because of - like most have said - Mio's customer...

Mitac Mio™ DigiWalker™ C310x Car GPS Receiver Product C310X Key FeaturesDesignationAutomobileForm FactorFixedMap capabilitiesIn...

Bought this during the Winter holiday sale of 2006 for $199 at Staples.

The Good news…

- Low price

- The pre-loaded maps are generally clear and easy to read.

- Display is bright and clear.

- It’s relatively simple to operate.

- Turn on automatic night mode and the unit will display in blue at night and bright light for daylight.

Now the BAD news…

1. The maps are OUTDATED!! The GPS operating software is dated 2006 BUT the MAP software is dated 2005!!

2. MioTech tech support STINKS!! They don’t answer email directly! Owners MUST register at Mio-tech.com and log on to ask questions which are usually answered in a “generally” manner within 2-3 days.

3. MioTech REFUSES to post any news on When the “new” map software updates will be available. TeleAtlas also REFUSES to answer anything except to contact MioTech!

4. Only a Male voice is available in US English!

5. No text to speech for streets but that’s fine since the voice and display will tell the driver when next to turn or distance left to travel.

6. Battery life STINKS! Battery charge is about 2 hours so keep the unit be plugged in at all times! Unit MUST be sent back to MioTech to have battery replaced, which is subject to a replacement fee!!

7. Suction cup adaptor works except during cold weather (i.e. winter when the windshield glass is frozen oven). Lick a finger and apply it to suction cup to make it work!

8. Hard to use the “search” feature to find addresses/POI’s.

- Since the GPS system used is from TeleAtlas, the search begins with street number first then street name then town then state. This is the EUROPEAN method as TeleAtlas is a EUROPEAN Company!

- Since the unit is sold and used in the US, the GPS software SHOULD use the AMERICAN method: ZIP code FIRST, then street number and street name! MUCH easier for North Americans!!

9. TeleAtlas EUROPREAN mapping software is used. Prefer Navteq which is an AMERICAN-based map software! Still own Garmin StreetPilot III with mapping software that’s Updated at least ANNUALLY!!

- TeleAtlas has a BAD reputation for NOT updating maps OUTSIDE of Europe (It’s a EUROPEAN company so NO incentive/desire is present)! Online info from various online forums and news sources state that EUROPEAN maps are Already Updated by TeleAtlas for 2007!! How biased is that?!

- Unfortunately for N. Americans, US based GPS companies DO use TeleAtlas maps so those GPS owners MUST WAIT for the GPS companies to get Updated map info from TeleAtlas and make it available for the GPS owners!

– TeleAtlas maps are nicely detailed BUT ONLY IF it’s UPDATED!!!

10. Time format is based on 24-hour setting only; 12-hour setting is NOT available (even though this is format used in North America)!!

After using this unit over the past few months, found MANY gaps in the map software of destinations that do NOT appear on the maps but actually DO exist! Obviously, this is due to the Outdated maps!

My first reaction when I bought the unit was “WOW!” but now …. I was probably Ripped-Off with a device that’s ALMOST useless!!

- Many streets and places have changed in the New England area especially in the Big Dig state!!

- Many shopping centers that’s been in existence for over 10 years are missing from the maps!

Next time, I’ll buy a “brand name” GPS unit from either such brands like TomTom or Garmin! At least those units UPDATE their map software, generally on an Annual basis!

For now, I’ll have to bear using this unit until the map software is released. Heck, I still use the StreetPilot III as a backup since it was last updated in the Fall, 2006 so the maps are actually more current and accurate!!

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Poor navigation causes nothing but frustration - Mitac Mio¿ DigiWalker¿ C310x Car GPS Receiver

EXCELLENT GPS!!!! - Mitac Mio¿ DigiWalker¿ C310x Car GPS Receiver

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